Hakodate: when your ship stops here
A mountain over the city, a morning market of sea urchin and snow crab, and a star-shaped fort.
Facts checked Nov 6, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.
Hakodate is a port city on the island of Hokkaido in Japan, with an estimated 239,813 people in January 2024. In 1854 it became the first city in Japan whose port was opened to foreign trade. Our sources do not say how far the cruise berth is from the center, so ask on board how you will get into town.
Source: Wikipedia: Hakodate
Top 3 things to do
1. Mount Hakodate
A mountain of 334 m (1,096 feet) that overlooks the city. Wikipedia says the summit can be reached by hiking trail, cable car or car, and that the cityscape is best viewed from the top. On clear days you can see the mainland across the Tsugaru Strait.
Tip: There is a Mount Hakodate Ropeway. Our sources give no ride time or opening hours, so check them for your day.
Source: Wikipedia: Hakodate
2. The Hakodate Morning Market
Also called the Asaichi. Hundreds of fish and seafood stands and restaurants, open daily. Popular choices include sea urchin, calamari and the famous snow crab of Hokkaido.
Tip: It is about a 10 minute walk from JR Hakodate Station, not from the ship. Our sources do not say how far the station is from the berth.
Source: Wikipedia: Hakodate
3. Goryokaku
A European-style fort that rebels used as the center of their defenses in 1868 and 1869. It is now a public park, popular for cherry blossom viewing, with the tall white Goryokaku Tower, built in 2006, giving a view of the park.
Tip: Our sources give no travel time from the port, so ask on board.
Source: Wikipedia: Hakodate
What to skip
Treating the market walk as the walk from the ship
The 10 minute walk to the Morning Market is measured from the train station. On a short call, find out how far the station is from your berth before you count on the market.
Source: Wikipedia: Hakodate
Before you go ashore
You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.
Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?
Back-to-backs that stop in Hakodate
Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Hakodate, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:
- Back-to-back cruises from Seattle 2 back-to-backs with a stop in Hakodate
- Back-to-back cruises from Shanghai 2 back-to-backs with a stop in Hakodate
Sources
Find back-to-backs that stop in Hakodate
Two or more Royal Caribbean cruises in a row, with a day in Hakodate on the way.
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