Hakodate, JAPAN
Airing Date: Nov 17th, 2003
Hakodate is situated 260 kilometres southwest of Sapporo, at the southern end of Japan's northern island, Hakkaido. Visit Hakodate and you'll find this city is all about the docks. It was one of the first ports in Japan to open to foreign traders, and just like Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco and Sydney's Fish Markets, Hakodate docks are just teeming with seafood culinary delights.
The morning fish markets are held on the docks between 5am and midday from Monday to Saturday. While the real action starts before 8am, you won't be disappointed with the diverse display of fresh fish after this time. Just wandering around the stalls is a great way to soak up the atmosphere.
But you can't really experience the true essence of Hakodate without tasting their local speciality - squid. This city prides itself on their love of squid, and you can get into the action with a spot of squid fishing. For $15 you can fish for your own sashimi from a water barrel, and then have it diced and served to you on a plate. Fancy being even more adventurous? Try squid with rice or even squid ink ice cream!
If you think it's all getting a bit squid crazy, there's more. The Hakodate Port Festival, held in August, features 20,000 people in kimonos and straw hats performing the squid dance - an entertaining jig where hands are flapped and clapped in time to rhythmic drumming.
Beyond the docks, Hakodate proves to be a town full of world history. Travellers can explore the Motomachi 19th century colonial quarter, where 10 countries have built their own consulates, churches, memorials and wooden houses. The most striking is the white Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1919. Inside, the carved wooden altar piece is impressive and piped Russian music adds to the atmosphere.
For panoramic views of the whole city, take a cable car up to Hakodate-yama for $13. The 334-metre high lookout is said to be one of the most impressive in the world, rivalling that of Hong Kong's Victoria Peak. From here you can watch the lively city by day and the twinkling lights of the port by night.
For some fresh air, the Onuma Quasi National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Japan, and the ideal setting for a peaceful bike ride. You can hire a bike for around $16 a day and it's worth taking a couple of days to do it.
The facts
Japan Airlines flies to Tokyo or Osaka from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane starting from $1619. From there you can connect to Hakodate for about $330.
Contact your local travel agent or Japan Airlines
Rooms at the Onuma Prince Hotel start from $245, and cabins start from around $275.
Japan National Tourism Organisation
Tel: 02 9251 3024
