Welcome to the Hakodate with Kids Guide, your quick resource for discovering the best things to do and hotel options in Hakodate as a family. From star-shaped forts and cable car rides to seaside markets and snowy hot springs, Hakodate attractions offer something for every age and season. Whether you’re planning your trip around the most scenic places to visit in Hakodate, looking for fun things to see with kids, or searching for family-friendly hotels, this guide brings together the city’s best adventures and cozy stays for your next unforgettable trip to Hokkaido’s southern coast.
As you plan your family trip to Hakodate, this guide is the perfect place to start. For broader inspiration, explore our Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids, featuring castles, shrines, theme parks, and cultural adventures across the country. Families exploring Hokkaido can easily combine their trip with nearby Sapporo with Kids for lively city fun or take the ferry across to Aomori with Kids for cultural discoveries and seaside charm, creating a journey that beautifully connects Hakodate’s historic streets, scenic harbors, and twinkling night views with the best of northern Japan’s family-friendly adventures.
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Best Things to Do in Hakodate with Kids
Wondering which Hakodate attractions are best for your family? Here’s a quick breakdown of our favorite family-friendly spots by age to help you plan the perfect Hokkaido adventure. From interactive science museums to peaceful temples and dazzling night views, these picks make it easy to build a balanced itinerary that everyone will enjoy.
|
Age Group |
Best Picks |
|---|---|
|
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–4) |
Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, Goryokaku Park, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse |
|
Young Kids (Ages 5–8) |
Hakodate Miraikan (Museum of the Future), Hakodate City Seikan Train Ferry Memorial Museum Mashu-maru, Goryokaku Tower, Mt. Hakodate Observatory & Ropeway |
|
Tweens & Teens (Ages 9+) |
Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples, Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine, Koryuji, Ofune Site of the Jomon Era & Hakodate Jomon Culture Center |
|
All Ages |
Goryokaku & Goryokaku Tower, Mt. Hakodate Observatory & Ropeway, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Hakodate Miraikan (Museum of the Future) |
1. Goryokaku & Goryokaku Tower
- Why It’s Awesome: Hakodate’s most iconic landmark, Goryokaku is a star-shaped fort surrounded by a tranquil moat and cherry trees that burst into bloom each spring. Families can stroll along the wide, stroller-friendly paths, explore the old magistrate’s office, or head up Goryokaku Tower for panoramic views of the unique star design below. It’s a perfect blend of nature, history, and scenic fun for all ages.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (late April–early May) for cherry blossoms or autumn for golden leaves. Visit in the morning for peaceful walks or near sunset for glowing views from the tower.
- Cost: Free (park); ¥ (tower admission)
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with wide paths, gentle slopes, and an elevator in the tower.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you spot all five points of the star fort from the tower? Bonus points if you find a boat gliding through the moat below!
2. Hakodate Miraikan (Museum of the Future)
- Why It’s Awesome: Located inside the Kiralis shopping complex, Hakodate Miraikan is an interactive digital museum where kids can experiment with motion sensors, virtual reality, and creative coding through playful exhibits. From futuristic light displays to hands-on science zones, it’s the perfect mix of learning and fun, ideal for rainy days or curious young minds who love tech and discovery. Families can also book a combo ticket with the indoor playground on the 4th floor, giving kids extra time to play, climb, and burn energy after exploring the exhibits.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 4–12
- Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds; a great rainy-day activity year-round.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with elevators, rest areas, and nearby cafés for snack breaks.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Create your own “digital creature” and see if it moves when you wave your hands, can you make it dance faster than your grown-ups?
3. Hakodate City Seikan Train Ferry Memorial Museum Mashu-maru
- Why It’s Awesome: Step aboard the retired Mashu-maru ferry, a real ship that once connected Hakodate and Aomori before the Seikan Tunnel was built. Kids can explore the bridge, signal room, and sleeping cabins while pretending to be the ship’s captain. Exhibits feature vintage train models, maritime displays, and stories from the days when ferries carried trains across the sea, making it an engaging stop for curious minds who love vehicles and adventure.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 5–10
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon; visit on clear days to enjoy harbor views from the deck.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-friendly with elevators and wide walkways, though some areas on deck have stairs.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Pretend you’re steering the ship and announce your next stop over the loudspeaker, where is the Mashu-maru sailing today?
4. Mt. Hakodate Observatory & Hakodate Ropeway
- Why It’s Awesome: One of Japan’s most stunning viewpoints, Mt. Hakodate Observatory offers sweeping views of the city and the glittering coastline below. Families can ride the Hakodate Ropeway to the summit in just a few minutes, making it both thrilling and easy for kids. At the top, a spacious observation deck, café, and souvenir shop make it a comfortable stop for families, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to sparkle.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset or early evening for the famous “million-dollar night view.” Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset for the best photo spots.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms at the summit.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Try to spot the exact shape of Hakodate’s coastline from above, does it look like a dragon, a bird, or something entirely new?
5. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden
- Why It’s Awesome: This seaside garden is famous for its troop of Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs during winter, a sight that always makes kids laugh. Families can also enjoy seasonal flower gardens, a greenhouse with tropical plants, and a fun outdoor play area. In summer, kids can cool off in the splash zone, while in winter, the hot spring–loving monkeys steal the show.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Winter (December–March) to see the monkeys in the onsen; spring and summer for outdoor play and colorful blooms.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-friendly with paved paths; some areas near the monkey enclosure are slightly uneven.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Watch the bathing monkeys and see who can spot the funniest face!
6. Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples
- Why It’s Awesome: A fascinating museum that introduces families to the cultures of Hokkaido’s Indigenous Ainu and other northern peoples of the world. Through colorful displays, traditional clothing, instruments, and hands-on exhibits, kids can learn how people lived, hunted, and thrived in snowy climates. It’s both educational and visually engaging, a quiet yet captivating stop for curious explorers.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 8+
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon; perfect as a calm, indoor stop between outdoor adventures.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly with elevators and smooth indoor paths.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Find the most unique winter outfit in the exhibit, what would your “snow survival gear” look like if you lived in the Arctic?
7. Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
- Why It’s Awesome: A beautifully restored 1910 Western-style mansion overlooking Hakodate Bay, the Old Public Hall feels like stepping into a storybook from Japan’s early modern era. Families can wander through grand halls, chandeliers, and balconies with sweeping harbor views. Older kids and parents can even dress up in vintage Meiji-era costumes for fun photos, one of the most charming cultural experiences in Hakodate.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 7+
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or early afternoon for good lighting on the balcony and shorter wait times for the costume experience.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Partially stroller-friendly; some upper areas require stairs, but main exhibition floors are accessible.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Pretend you’re hosting a fancy ball for travelers from around the world, what music would you play, and what snacks would you serve?
8. Koryuji
- Why It’s Awesome: Founded in the 1600s, Koryuji is one of Hakodate’s oldest and most atmospheric temples. Its towering gates, peaceful courtyards, and mossy stone lanterns make it a quiet break from the city’s bustle. Families can walk through the tree-lined approach, listen to the sound of temple bells, and soak up a sense of calm, a great way for kids to experience Japan’s spiritual side in a relaxed, open setting.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 8+
- Duration: 45–90 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon when the light filters softly through the trees and the temple grounds are quiet.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Partially stroller-friendly; some stone steps and gravel paths.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Step through the main gate and explore quietly inside the temple, what’s the most amazing thing you can find? A carving? A statue? Maybe something you didn’t expect at all.
9. Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine
- Why It’s Awesome: Nestled on the hillside of Yachigashira, Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine is one of the city’s most important Shinto sites, surrounded by tall cedar trees and sweeping views of the bay. Families can follow the long stone staircase to the main hall, ring the shrine bell, and make a wish together. In spring, cherry blossoms line the approach, while autumn brings golden leaves, a beautiful stop for both culture and nature.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 6+
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for a calm start to the day or late afternoon for soft light and cool shade under the trees.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Partially stroller-friendly; the main path includes stairs, but the grounds and nearby park area are accessible.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Explore the shrine grounds and peek around every corner, can you find the most amazing or unusual object hidden in plain sight?
10. Hachiman-Zaka Slope
- Why It’s Awesome: One of Hakodate’s most famous photo spots, Hachiman-Zaka Slope stretches straight toward the glittering harbor, framed by charming Western-style buildings and leafy trees. Families can stroll down the hill, take postcard-perfect photos, and stop for ice cream or snacks at the cafés nearby. It’s especially magical at sunset when the street lamps start to glow and the ocean shimmers below.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 30–60 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to sunset for the best light and views; evenings for beautiful illumination and fewer crowds.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly, though the slope is steep.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Walk all the way down to the bottom without stopping, then turn around and see how high you climbed! Can you spot the ocean sparkling at the end?
11. Ofune Site of the Jomon Era
- Why It’s Awesome: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ofune Site of the Jomon Era offers a glimpse into how Japan’s prehistoric people lived more than 4,000 years ago. Families can explore reconstructed pit dwellings, see ancient tools, and walk through the open grassy site where archeological discoveries were made. It’s peaceful, educational, and a fun outdoor stop for kids who love exploring hidden pieces of history.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 8+
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn for pleasant weather and green landscapes; mornings are ideal for photography and cooler air.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-friendly with wide open paths, though some grassy areas can be uneven.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Imagine living here thousands of years ago, what would your house look like? Draw it or describe it to your family as you explore the ancient village!
12. Hakodate Jomon Culture Center
- Why It’s Awesome: Just a short drive from the Ofune Site, the Hakodate Jomon Culture Center brings Japan’s ancient past to life with fascinating exhibits, clay figurines, and artifacts discovered in Hokkaido. The highlight is the “Hollow Clay Figurine” (Chuku Dogu), a national treasure and one of Japan’s most famous Jomon sculptures. Families can also join hands-on workshops where kids make their own miniature clay figures or pottery to take home.
- Age Recommendations: Best for ages 8+
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Late morning or early afternoon; perfect to pair with a stop at the nearby Ofune Site.
- Cost: ¥
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with wide paths, elevators, and English exhibit labels.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Go on a “treasure hunt” inside the museum, can you find the Hollow Clay Figurine, and what do you think it’s trying to say?
13. Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
- Why It’s Awesome: A symbol of Hakodate’s port heritage, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse blends history, shopping, and family fun in one waterfront location. The restored 19th-century warehouses now house boutique shops, cafés, and seasonal light displays, making it a lively stop for all ages. Families can enjoy local sweets, browse souvenirs, or simply stroll along the harbor while watching boats drift by.
- Age Recommendations: All ages
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to evening when the brick buildings are beautifully lit, especially during winter illuminations.
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with wide paths, ramps, and indoor seating areas.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Pick a family “mission”, find the funniest souvenir, the most colorful snack, or the coziest spot to watch the sunset over the harbor.
Why Hakodate is Great for Families with Kids
- Ride the Hakodate Ropeway for dazzling city lights, explore the star-shaped Goryōkaku Park, and enjoy wide open spaces perfect for family strolls and picnics.
- From tech-filled adventures at the Hakodate Miraikan to exploring real ships at the Seikan Ferry Museum Mashū-maru, kids can touch, learn, and imagine.
- Visit the elegant Old Public Hall and the fascinating Jomon Culture Center to uncover stories that make Japan’s past come alive for curious young travelers.
- Watch snow monkeys bathe at the Tropical Botanical Garden, wander the Red Brick Warehouses, and savor sweet treats as the Mt. Hakodate lights sparkle across the bay.
Parent Insight: Family travel in Hakodate is a reminder that learning and wonder often come hand in hand. Between ancient stories, seaside strolls, and glowing city lights, kids discover that history can be felt, not just read, and that beauty often shines brightest in quiet, shared moments.
How to Get to Hakodate with Kids
- By Train: Hakodate is easy to reach via the Hokkaido Shinkansen, which connects from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in about 4 hours. Families traveling from within Hokkaido can also reach Hakodate directly from Sapporo in about 3.5–4 hours on the Limited Express Hokuto line.
- By Plane: The Hakodate Airport (HKD) is only 20 minutes from central Hakodate by bus or taxi. It offers frequent domestic flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo, along with limited seasonal international routes.
- By Ferry: For families seeking a scenic route, ferries connect Aomori and Oma to Hakodate, taking around 3.5–4 hours.
- By Bus: Highway buses link Hakodate with nearby Hokkaido cities, and the trip from Sapporo to Hakodate takes about 5.5–6 hours.
Family-Friendly Hotels In & Near Hakodate
- Luxury
- La Vista Hakodate Bay – A harborfront favorite with rooftop hot springs, spacious rooms, and one of Japan’s most celebrated breakfast buffets.
- Bourou Noguchi Hakodate – A sleek modern ryokan offering private open-air baths and peaceful family suites blending comfort and tradition.
- HOTEL＆SPA CENTURY MARINA HAKODATE – Elegant and family-friendly, featuring panoramic bay views, a rooftop spa, and large rooms near Hakodate Station.
- Mid-Range
- Hakodate Danshaku Club Hotel & Resorts – Apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, ideal for longer family stays just steps from the Morning Market.
- Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisatei – A seaside onsen hotel with ocean-view rooms and sunset-facing baths perfect for relaxing evenings.
- La’gent Stay Hakodate Ekimae – Modern and comfortable with family rooms, public baths, and a prime location beside Hakodate Station.
- Budget
- Premier Hotel – CABIN PRESIDENT – Hakodate – Affordable and stylish, offering harbor views and easy access to the Morning Market and station.
- JR Inn Hakodate – Compact, clean, and conveniently located next to Hakodate Station with on-site public baths.
- Tokyu Stay Hakodate Asaichi Akarinoyu – Family-friendly rooms with kitchenettes, in-room washers, and a relaxing public bath near the Morning Market.
For a full overview of family-friendly hotels across Japan, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan. As you finalize your trip, take a look at our JR Rail Pass for Families Guide to see if a rail pass or regional option makes the most sense for your itinerary.
FAQs About Visiting Hakodate with Kids
Planning a family trip to Hakodate? Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask when exploring Hakodate with kids, covering top attractions, stroller access, family transportation, and seasonal highlights across this scenic port city.
A: Families visiting Hakodate with kids will find a mix of fun and cultural attractions. Explore the star-shaped Goryōkaku Park, ride the Hakodate Ropeway for sparkling night views, and visit the Hakodate Miraikan (Museum of the Future) for hands-on science play. Don’t miss the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden to see snow monkeys soaking in hot springs, or stroll the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses for snacks, souvenirs, and harbor views.
A: Yes, Hakodate is generally stroller-friendly, especially around major attractions like Goryōkaku Park, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, and Mt. Hakodate Ropeway stations. Most sidewalks and tourist sites have smooth, wide paths, though older temples such as Kōryūji and shrines like Hakodate Hachimangu include steps or gravel paths where a lightweight stroller or carrier is easier.
A: The best time to visit Hakodate with kids is during spring (April–May) for cherry blossoms in Goryōkaku Park, or autumn (October–November) for mild weather and golden foliage. Summer offers fun outdoor events and ropeway rides with late sunsets, while winter brings snow play, illuminations, and hot springs. Families who prefer smaller crowds will enjoy weekdays in spring or fall the most.
A: There are plenty of indoor activities in Hakodate for kids. Visit the Hakodate Miraikan (Museum of the Future) for hands-on digital exhibits, explore ancient artifacts at the Jomon Culture Center, or enjoy sea views and local sweets inside the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Little ones will also love the indoor playground at Kiralis, which can be bundled with a Miraikan combo ticket.
A: Families visiting Hakodate with kids have great hotel options across every budget. Stay near Hakodate Station for easy access to trams and the Morning Market, with favorites like La Vista Hakodate Bay and La’gent Stay Hakodate Ekimae offering comfort and convenience. For scenic relaxation, choose Yunokawa Onsen resorts such as Nagisatei or Bourou Noguchi, where families can enjoy ocean views and soothing hot spring baths together.
A: Yes, Hakodate is very safe for families, with friendly locals, clean public areas, and reliable public transportation. The city’s relaxed pace and compact layout make it easy to explore with children, whether walking around Motomachi, visiting Goryōkaku Park, or enjoying the Morning Market. Like anywhere in Japan, it’s smart to keep an eye on little ones near busy tram stops or waterfront areas.
A: Absolutely, Hakodate with a baby or toddler is both manageable and enjoyable. Attractions like Goryōkaku Park, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, and Mt. Hakodate Ropeway are stroller-friendly, and family restrooms with changing tables are easy to find in major spots. For breaks, the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden and seaside cafés offer relaxing spaces to rest or feed little ones.
A: Yes, Hakodate is worth visiting for families, especially for those who enjoy history, harbor scenery, and quieter sightseeing. While Sapporo offers big-city attractions and theme parks, Hakodate’s ropeway rides, star fort, and historic architecture create a more laid-back, storybook-style experience. Many families include both cities in their Hokkaido trip for the perfect mix of urban excitement and coastal charm.
A: Traveling to Hakodate with kids is easy from both Sapporo and Tokyo. By train, it takes about 3.5–4 hours from Sapporo on the Limited Express Hokuto, or roughly 4 hours from Tokyo via the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, then a short 20-minute local transfer. Families can also fly from Tokyo to Hakodate Airport in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a smooth and scenic addition to any Hokkaido itinerary.
A: Families visiting Hakodate with kids can enjoy a mix of delicious and kid-approved local flavors. Try the city’s famous seafood donburi at the Hakodate Morning Market, indulge in soft serve made from Hokkaido milk, or stop by Lucky Pierrot for its quirky burgers and fun themed décor. For dessert, the LeTAO cakes and local sweets shops near Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse are always a hit with little travelers.
A: Plan to spend 2–3 days in Hakodate with kids, enough time to explore Goryōkaku Park, Mt. Hakodate, and the Red Brick Warehouses at a relaxed pace. One full day covers the city’s highlights, while an extra day allows time for the Jomon sites, Tropical Botanical Garden, or a ferry adventure across the bay. Families connecting from Sapporo or Aomori often add an overnight stay to enjoy the night view without rushing.
A: Hakodate is famous for its star-shaped Goryōkaku Fort, its glittering Mt. Hakodate night view, and its charming red-brick waterfront lined with cafés and shops. The city also stands out for its fresh seafood, historic architecture, and early role as Japan’s international port, offering families a blend of history, beauty, and fun in one easy-to-explore destination.
Until Next Time…
Hakodate with kids is where history, imagination, and adventure all meet by the sea. From star forts and sparkling night views to ancient stories and snow-loving monkeys, every moment offers something to discover together. Whether your family is gliding up Mt. Hakodate on the ropeway, exploring digital worlds at the Miraikan, or strolling the glowing Red Brick Warehouses, this coastal city invites both play and reflection in equal measure. For families who love blending learning with fun, Hakodate is more than just a stop, it’s a memory that glows long after sunset.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
