Hakodate is a port city with a rich history as an open port, and where its functions as a center of maritime transport, fishing, and tourism continue to this day. In 1859, it became one of Japan's first open ports, alongside Yokohama and Nagasaki, and its rapid development as an international trading port was fueled by the arrival of foreign ships. Walking through the harbor, the vast expanse of the Tsugaru Strait and the constant flow of ships unfold before your eyes, allowing you to experience the very origins of Hakodate as an open port city.
Historically, it began as a trading base for Ezo (Hokkaido) by the Matsumae Domain during the Edo period, and in the Meiji era, it functioned as a central port for logistics supporting the development of Hokkaido. In particular, the development of the Aomori-Hakodate ferry route became a major artery connecting Honshu and Hokkaido, and from the era of ferries to the modern era, Hakodate Port has always been a vital hub for maritime transport. The Mashu Maru exhibit preserves the atmosphere of the era when ferries continuously transported people and goods.
Currently, Tsugaru Strait Ferry and Seikan Ferry operate routes to Aomori, playing a vital role as a gateway for logistics, including vehicle transport, and tourism. With numerous cargo and container ship calls, it continues to function as a hub supporting Hokkaido's maritime logistics.
In terms of marine products, Hakodate Port is an important fishing port supporting the bounty of the seas of southern Hokkaido. Squid, in particular, is a representative seafood product of Hakodate, and the fishing lights of squid fishing boats in summer are a characteristic sight of the port. Scallops are known for their sweetness, and fresh ones can be enjoyed at restaurants and markets around the port. Makonbu kelp is highly regarded nationwide, and the area around Hakodate is known as a producer of high-quality kelp. Depending on the season, cherry salmon and salmon are also landed, and walking through the port market allows you to truly appreciate the abundance of seafood from southern Hokkaido.
The surrounding environment is also excellent, with the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, the Mashu Maru ship, the Hakodate Morning Market, and the Bay Area promenade all within walking distance of the port. Because the tourist spots are lined up along the coast, it's easy to explore from the port, and you can enjoy the scenery typical of Hakodate, where the city and the sea are close together. Even on a cloudy day, the sea had a rich variety of expressions, and the peaceful atmosphere of this port town was very pleasant.
It's a port where history, shipping routes, fisheries, and tourism are all intertwined, making it a highly satisfying place to visit even if you only stop by in between sightseeing.
Hakodate's history began in 1801 (Kyowa 1) when the Edo Shogunate and Takadaya Kahei spearheaded harbor reclamation. In 1859 (Ansei 6), pressured by foreign powers such as the United States, Great Britain, and Russia to engage in trade, the Edo Shogunate opened Hakodate, along with Yokohama, Nagasaki, and Kobe, as one of Japan's first trading ports, establishing a customs house.
Since then, Hakodate has developed not only as a trading hub but also as a vital transportation link between Hokkaido and Honshu, and as a base for fishing in the northern regions.
Currently, although the Seikan Ferry service has been discontinued due to the opening of the Seikan Tunnel and domestic flights, Hakodate continues to develop as a waterfront city with a focus on fisheries, academic research, and tourism.
Hakodate Port has a dock, and if you're lucky, you might see a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force surface ship (formerly a destroyer). I was able to see the "Yubetsu (Mogami-class)," currently belonging to the Patrol and Defense Group, 5th Patrol and Defense Unit (formerly the Ominato District Force, 15th Escort Unit), which is under the jurisdiction of the Ominato District Headquarters.
It's a sister ship to a vessel that may be exported to the Australian Navy.
Access
3-minute walk from Hakodate Station on the JR Hokkaido Hakodate Main Line
From Aomori
Aomori Port - Hakodate Port, Tsugaru Strait Ferry "Blue Mermaid," "Blue Dolphin," "Blue Happiness," "Blue Luminous."
Aomori Port - Hakodate Port, Seikan Ferry "Hayabusa," "Hayabusa II," "Hayabusa III," "Asakaze 21."
Oma Port - Hakodate Port, "Daikan Maru"
Directly connected to Hakodate Port.
A port that is friendly to people ⚓️
Its opening brought in culture and economy, and its history of enriching Hokkaido is palpable.
It's on a different scale than Yokohama or Kobe, but it's still modern and stylish.
While there are advantages to its lack of development, I imagine the local government must be having a hard time with the sheer number of historical buildings that are deteriorating with age.
函館港は、北海道の南西部渡島半島の南端に位置し、太平洋と日本海を結ぶ津軽海峡に面した、天然の良港である。同港は室町時代前期頃から本州の商船が利用しており、その後、安政6年（1859年）修好条約の締結により、横浜・長崎とともに我が国最初の外国貿易港として開港して以来、海の玄関口として本州との連絡など、流通拠点として発展した港湾である。
