Hakodate Overview
Hakodate is a city and port located in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is the capital city of Oshima Subprefecture. As of January 31, 2024, the city had an estimated population of 239,813 with 138,807 households, and a population density of 354 inhabitants per square kilometre (920/sq mi). The total area is 677.86 square kilometres (261.72 sq mi). The city is the third largest in Hokkaido after Sapporo and Asahikawa.
Hakodate Key Statistics
Population251891
Area678 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés122 / 17 / 30
Practical Essentials for Hakodate
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
Getting Around Hakodate
Hakodate Main Station & Rail Lines
函館 (Hakodate)
Train Travel to Hakodate
Hakodate is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Hakodate
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Hakodate
Cover Your Trip to Hakodate
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Hakodate
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Hakodate downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Hakodate.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Hakodate Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Hakodate.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Hakodate.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Hakodate
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Hakodate
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Hakodate
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Hakodate
When was Hakodate founded?
Hakodate was founded on July 23, 1879.
How old is Hakodate?
Hakodate is roughly 147 years old.
What is the population of Hakodate?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 251,891.
What is the land area of Hakodate?
Hakodate covers roughly 678 km².
What is the main railway station in Hakodate?
The primary hub is 函館 (Hakodate).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Hakodate?
The city has roughly 122 parks, 17 museums and 30 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Hakodate expensive to live?
Hakodate is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Hakodate?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Hakodate?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Hakodate has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Hakodate?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Hakodate?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Hakodate?
Hakodate hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Hakodate?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Hakodate?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Hakodate?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Hakodate?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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