EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Enjoy an immersion into the history and culture of Hakodate through landmarks that reveal how the city transitioned from its 19th-century isolationist policies.

Settle in for an orientation drive around Hakodate, one of the first ports that opened to foreign trade following Japan's period of self-isolation, which ended with the Kanagawa Treaty of 1854. Hakodate has grown to become the island's third largest city, even though its land is somewhat limited by mountains and the sea.

In time, you will arrive in Motomachi, the district at the foot of the mountains where most foreigners lived after Hakodate was opened to the west. You'll enjoy approximately 1 hour of free time here, to explore on your own or do some shopping. As you stroll Motomachi's streets, you can't help but notice the distinct styles of architecture. Highlights include a Russian Orthodox church and the former British consulate.

Visit Goryokaku, an urban park dominated by a 350-foot-high observation tower. Then, a brief walk takes you to the Hakodate magistrate's office, a reproduction of the original, which was constructed using traditional methods and materials. Once the diplomatic center of the region, the office holds a collection of revealing artifacts that detail the cultural evolution of Hakodate. Remove your shoes, in keeping with Japanese custom, and step inside the building to view the historical exhibits.

Gain a greater understanding of life in Hakodate by visiting a thriving marketplace, riding the tram to the city’s highest point, and strolling through a historic neighborhood.

Travel through the picturesque streets of Hakodate, one of the first ports that opened to foreign trade following Japan’s period of self-isolation.

Stop at the Morning Market, which spans nearly four city blocks. The marketplace is a wonderful place to observe daily life, as the locals bustle among hundreds of stalls, most featuring fresh seafood. You can expect to see familiar items such as squid, salmon roe and Atka mackerel, as well as more unusual ingredients like jellyfish, fermented carp and barnacles. Locals also come here for fruit, spices and domburi rice bowls.

Board an aerial tram that will carry you nearly a half mile to the summit of forested Mount Hakodate, an extinct volcano. The views along the way and from the top of the mountain, weather permitting, will be spectacular. As you approach, be sure to notice the mountain's shape, which resembles a "cow lying down," the mountain's odd nickname.

You will also have the opportunity to stroll the streets of Motomachi, a district at the foot of the mountains where most foreigners lived after Hakodate was opened to the west in 1854. Architectural highlights include a Russian Orthodox church and the former British consulate.

Sit back and relax on this orientation tour through Hakodate that takes in the key landmarks, including Mount Hakodate, an extinct volca-no that looms over the city. Enjoy the views of Hakodate from the comfort of your motor coach. Hakodate is one of the first ports that opened to foreign trade following Japan's period of self-isolation, which ended with the Kanagawa Treaty of 1854. It has now grown to become the island's third largest city, even though its land is somewhat limited by mountains and the sea. Along the way, you might the Motomachi district, where most foreigners lived after the city was opened to the west. The Kanemori red-brick warehouses, along Hako-date's waterfront, are also worth noting. Each area offers a historical perspective of Hakodate. Still, the highlight is the panoramic drive to the top of Mount Hakodate, an extinct volcano now covered with forest. Weather permitting, the summit offers spectacular sweeping views in every direction and is the best vantage point to see the urban sprawl below. Before returning to the pier, you will also have the chance to stretch your legs while pausing for photos in the Yahata-zaka area.