Master 2 secrets: See both Hakodate sunset and the Million Dollar Night View in 30 minutes

▲ From the summit of Mount Hakodate, enjoy the transition of Hakodate’s iconic double C coastline as the sun sets into night. (Photo by reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Reported and photographed by Tsai Wen-jun / Hokkaido

Take the ropeway straight up to the top of Mount Hakodate. Step out onto the outdoor observation deck and you’ll see the double C coastline that represents Hakodate’s famous night view. The city’s light trails formed by countless lights among the steel and concrete are truly breathtaking, making it a well-deserved symbol of Japan’s million-dollar nightscapes. But simply viewing the Million Dollar Night View is just the “basic level.”Now, the most authentic way to enjoy the scenery is to wait from the sunset until nightfall. With just two insider tips, you can take in both the Hakodate sunset and the Million Dollar Night View within 30 minutes.

▲ To enjoy both the Hakodate sunset and night view, check the exact time when the night view begins. (Image / Screenshot from the Mount Hakodate Ropeway official website)

▲ Enjoying the gradually fading sunset from inside the ropeway.

Secret 1: Check in advance when the night view will begin

Locals say that when the sunset in the sky transitions from bright to soft and gradually disappears behind the mountains, it takes about 30 minutes before full darkness sets in. So within that half-hour window, you can first enjoy the sunset, and then, during the day-to-night transition, is the perfect moment to witness the night view. That’s why the Mount Hakodate Ropeway official website publishes the daily time when night falls over Hakodate. Travelers can check this online and plan their trip accordingly.

▲ The outdoor observation deck at the front of the Mount Hakodate Ropeway is now always crowded with visitors waiting to capture both the sunset and the night view.

▲ The front side of the outdoor observation deck on Mount Hakodate.

Secret 2: Arrive early and secure your spot at the summit

Watching both the Hakodate sunset and the Million Dollar Night View has become the trendiest way to enjoy the scenery. Many travelers arrive early to secure the best spots so they can snap the most stunning night views from the ideal vantage points. Moreover, with the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, travel times have been greatly reduced, making it more convenient than ever for both domestic and international tourists to visit Hakodate. It’s expected that the number of people visiting the summit of Mount Hakodate to enjoy the views will increase significantly.It is recommended that travelers queue up at least one to one and a half hours in advance to board the ropeway up the mountain. This not only allows you to leisurely explore, take photos for social media, and buy souvenirs, but also gives you a “head start” to capture the classic Million Dollar Night View of Hakodate.

▲ The Million Dollar Night View of Hakodate just after nightfall.
*As the color of the sky gradually deepens, the view transforms from a dazzling sunset to a stunning night panorama. (Photo by reporter Tsai Wen-jun)*