Scenic Walks in Hakodate, Hokkaido: Daisanzaka, Hachimanzaka, and Motomachi Photo Spots

A 5-Minute Walk from the Red Brick Warehouse to Daisan-zaka

Just a five-minute walk from the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse brings you to Daisan-zaka (大三坂) — one of Hakodate’s most picturesque stone-paved slopes. Lined with mint-green, yellow, and pink Western-style houses, it exudes a nostalgic charm that reflects Hakodate’s early ties with the West.

A “Religious Harmony Street” in Hakodate

As you climb up Daisan-zaka, you’ll notice something fascinating — this area feels like a religious melting pot. Within just a few blocks, you can find a Buddhist temple, a Russian Orthodox Church, a Catholic Church, and an Anglican Church.

This rare mix exists because Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open to the West in 1859.
Western settlers, diplomats, and missionaries established their presence here, and different faiths naturally took root.
Even the stone pavement and the architectural style reflect a strong Western influence — more reminiscent of a small European town than a typical Japanese neighbourhood.

The beginning of the Daisanzaka slope.

The middle of Daisanzaka slope — quiet and empty, just the way I like it.

The Orthodox Church built by the Russian Consulate in 1859 — the Hakodate Hachiristos Orthodox Church. The red gate caught my eye, so I took a photo.

This pink kindergarten building, originally built in 1895 and rebuilt in 1913, blends beautifully with the pink flowers in front. The children in uniform were playing outside.

This photo was taken on the way from Daisanzaka to Hachimanzaka.

This one was taken by my husband back then. 

The pink flowers match perfectly with the orange roof of the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall.

From Daisan-zaka to Hachiman-zaka — The Iconic Sea View

Continue walking uphill and turn right, and soon you’ll arrive at Hachiman-zaka (八幡坂) — the most famous among Hakodate’s 19 historical slopes.

Unlike the others, Hachiman-zaka offers a completely unobstructed view of Hakodate Bay, making it one of the city’s top photo spots.
It’s often featured in Japanese dramas, films, and commercials, and it’s almost always filled with visitors taking photos with the scenic sea view in the background.

The most popular slope in Hakodate — Hachimanzaka. A must-visit photo spot with an unobstructed view of Hakodate Bay stretching straight ahead.

The end of Hachimanzaka — just as I was about to take a photo, a tram passed by.

Motomachi’s Historical Landmarks

From Hachiman-zaka, if you keep walking to the right, you’ll come across several beautifully colored Western-style buildings:

• Yellow & Blue Building (Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward) – once the symbol of the Motomachi area, now used as a concert hall.

• Mint Building (Motomachi Information Centre) – the first floor serves as a tourist information centre, and the second floor houses a small photo history museum.

• Motomachi Park (元町公園) – a peaceful park that connects many key attractions, including the Old Hokkaido Government Hall and other must-see travel spots.

Most of Hakodate’s major sightseeing spots are within walking distance around Motomachi Park, so visiting this area covers almost everything you need to see.

The view from Motomachi Park — on the left stands the mint-green Former Hokkaido Government Hakodate Office, now used as a tourist information center.

A statue located inside Motomachi Park.

The stairs leading down from Motomachi Park to the Motoizaka slope

View of Motoizaka slope from the Motomachi Park stairs — behind it, you can see the refreshing blue of Hakodate Bay.

From Motomachi Park to Midori-no-Shima — A Quiet Escape

After exploring Motomachi Park, we walked down Motoizaka (基坂) and headed toward Midori-no-Shima (緑の島) — an artificial island just across the bay, which is about a 10-minute walk. 

This grassy, open island is perfect for anyone who enjoys a peaceful stroll away from the crowds.
Locals often come here for fishing, picnics, or light sports, and the entire area is neatly maintained.
While the nearby bay area is lively and full of tourists, Midori-no-Shima offers a quiet, spacious retreat with a great view of the bay — the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Parking is easy here; the parking lot is large, so it’s convenient for those coming by car.

A view of the blue Hakodate Bay from Midorino-shima Island — you can see the red brick warehouses across the water.

While walking and taking photos around Midorino-shima, I only came across two or three people — it was calm and peaceful.

Another angle of the same scene — there were quite a few boats anchored on the right side, including the ones in the photo.

A jetty-like path extending toward the water.

A well-maintained walking deck, perfect for a quiet stroll.

Additional Information

Getting There — By Tram

If you plan to visit Daisan-zaka or Hachiman-zaka by public transport,
The closest tram stop is Suehirocho Station (末広町).
From there, it’s just a short walk to both slopes and the Motomachi area.

Hidden Gem Coffee Spot in Hakodate :

If you’re looking for a cozy local cafe with that warm Japanese aesthetic,
check out this hidden gem coffee shop in Hakodate — the perfect spot to rest after walking the slopes.
👉 Click [Here] to read more about this local cafe.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.