A Winter Getaway to Soak in Hot Springs and Enjoy the Snow—Discover the Delights of Hakodate

There’s nothing more delightful than heading to Japan at the end of the year to admire the winter snow, soak in famous hot springs, and savor delicious food. The Yunokawa area in Hokkaido, near Hakodate, is a renowned hot spring town with a history of nearly 350 years, making it the oldest hot spring destination in the region. Along the Matsukura River, which flows into the Tsugaru Strait, Japanese and Western-style hot spring resorts stand side by side, making it one of the most popular hot spring towns in both southern and northern Hokkaido. After warming up your body, enjoy a bowl of hearty northern cuisine and savor the fresh flavors of fish, crabs, and other seafood. As the new year begins, immerse yourself completely in the ultimate sensory feast that the northern region has to offer.

Hakodate, known for its million-dollar night view, was once an international trading port and remains the most exotic city in Hokkaido. When Japan ended its period of national seclusion, foreign consulates from various countries flocked here, bringing with them a wave of foreign culture. Today, those former consulates have been converted into memorial halls, and churches have become picturesque backdrops for postcards, but from its architecture to its cuisine, Hakodate still exudes a unique blend of Japanese and Western styles. Hakodate has nearly ten sloped streets similar to “slopes” or “hills,” among which the most famous is Yachigashira Slope, which offers a panoramic view of the harbor. The Western-style buildings nestled among the slopes have been designated as cultural heritage sites, particularly the Motomachi Church complex located between Yachigashira Slope and Otemachi Slope.

In Hakodate’s Yunokawa hot spring district, many ryokan (traditional inns) feature both outdoor and indoor hot spring baths. The long-established Yunokawa Tourist Hotel is one such place, offering not only large public baths but also beauty baths infused with medicinal properties, said to be highly effective for neuralgia and improving blood circulation. In addition to traditional baths, there are also fragrant lavender spice baths available. A single hot spring soak not only warms your hands and feet and relaxes your entire body but also leaves you feeling like a “hot spring beauty” from the inside out.

As a port city, Hakodate is also famous for its fresh seafood. Stroll through Hakodate Morning Market, and you’ll find a wide array of fresh catches and processed seafood, including squid, scallops, and king crabs—all winter delicacies. The market’s eateries are great spots to enjoy authentic local flavors, and among them, “Dōnan Shokudō” (Southern Hokkaido Restaurant) is particularly well-known. The restaurant is adorned with photos of the owner alongside celebrities, and its counter, stacked with home-style dishes, is often bustling with customers. Order a bowl of salmon roe rice, pair it with an all-you-can-eat selection of pickles from the counter, and wash it down with a steaming bowl of miso soup. Your stomach will be full, and your body warmed—no matter how cold it is outside.

Read more: Kagoshima Sand Bath Hot Spring (Provided by Tripass Attractions)