Precious Memories: Hakodate

NCL Jewel 21-Day Transpacific Cruise Tokyo to Seattle

May 10, 2018 (Thursday) -- Hakodate, Japan

Time in port: 8:00am~6:00pm

Hakodate, a port city in the southern end of Hokkaido, is one of the first international trading ports in Japan along with Yokohama and Nagasaki. It is very noticeable that the city was influenced by western culture especially in the Motomachi area.

Hakodate is just across the Tsugaru Strait from Aomori a short distance away. Our ship actually had to sail back out to the Pacific Ocean during the night and then back into the Strait before docking in port.

Instead of docking at the Nishi Wharf like most smaller ships do, the Jewel had to dock at the Minato-cho Wharf farther away from town center. Here, the Goryukaku Tower is clearly visible as our ship sailed into port.

Safely secured.

Complimentary shuttles provided for our ride into the city. This photo was taken when we were on the bus.

Instead of making the stop next to the JR station like last time we were here, the coach dropped us off at the parking lot of a 7-11 store a few blocks away from the Morning Market instead. A little further away but still not bad. There were high school students gathered at the parking lot answering questions and taking the opportunity to practice their English.

7-11 is on the right of where the group of people are.

This is the tram station (Hakodate Eki-mae) closest to the Morning Market and JR Station.

This morning our group grew even bigger with a few others joining our adventure for the day. Just like last time, I plan on having everyone buying the one-day pass on the tram which should be sufficient for our day in Hakodate.

We would take this tram that goes to Yunokawa and get off at the Goryokaku Koen-mae stop.

Inside the tram. For those who are purchasing tram tickets on each ride, take a ticket from that red box when boarding the tram, then pay the driver on your way out. The ticket will determine how much you need to pay for the ride. As for us, we just purchased the one-day pass from the driver as we were getting off. One-day tram pass Y600 adults; Y300 kids.

Then we just walked towards the Goryokaku Park starting from the Muji Home Goods Store.

Good to see you two, again!

Arrived at the Goryokaku Tower. Tickets can be purchased here to go up to the tower but we decided to skip. There are also shops selling many different local products and even free tasting opportunities. We purchased the corn soup mix packets after trying out the delicious soup.

Quite a lot of visitors that day.

This is also one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido. Unfortunately, we were a little late, again.

In front of the Hakodate Magistrate's Office.

Imagine walking under the rows of cherry blossoms.

This star-shaped fort was the final battle ground of the Battle of Hakodate. To see the star-shape, one would need to go up to the tower for the view.

We just walked around the star-shape path and admired the beautiful surroundings.

After our visit to the park, we took the tram back to the JR Station and Morning Market area.

It's time for lunch! This is the outer market area.

Looks good!

Some of us decided to eat here.

Yep! That's what we wanted.

We had to take off our shoes and sit Indian ( or Japanese) style. Not an easy task.

Pickled veggies

Miso soup, included in the meal set.

Colorful Seafood rice

ChC had the self-pick 3-item bowl.

After the delicious lunch, we walked around the market while waiting to get back together with the whole group.

There are so many interesting seafood products for purchase.

Then we took the tram, again, to the Jujigai stop. This is where the Red Brick Warehouse, the Ropeway Station, and the Western Churches and Consulate area is.

Everyone can decide where they want to go from here.

Some of us walked up the Nijukken-Zaka Slope to the Higashi Honganji-Temple.

It's also called the Hakodate Betsuin, a nationally designated important cultural property and Japan's first reinforced concrete temple.

That's the slope.

Then we made a turn at the quiet alley and walked towards the Roman Catholic Church.

We did not go inside because it required us to take off our shoes.

The rooster on the spire is the landmark at this church.

A little bit up behind the Catholic Church is the Hakodate Orchodox Church.

Very pretty!

With a view of the harbor.

Side Entrance

A nice western building which is now a kindergarten.

Mt. Hakodate in the background.

We did not go into this St. John's Episcopal Church with a roof shaped like a cross. Just close enough to take a picture of it.

Old buildings with unique storefronts as we walked back down another slope.

Yet another church, this is a Methodist Church, I think.

We followed the slope down to the bay area where the red brick warehouse is.

There is a big market near the waterfront and we were able to purchase some famous Hokkaido dairy products there, including fresh milk, yogurt, milk cakes, and cookies. I cannot drink milk but for those who can, make sure you get a bottle of Hokkaido milk to try. I was told that they are delicious.

Then we decided to visit Lucky Pierrot, again. This western style restaurant is famous for their fried chicken burgers.

It's always busy, so there could be a wait.

Lucky Pierrot

After walking around the red brick warehouse, it was time for us to get back to the ship. A tram ride back to the JR Station, then a short walk to the parking lot of the 7-11 for a coach ride back to the ship.