Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
19/08/2025
Guohua Song, Pexels
Hakodate's drinking scene offers a blend of authentic local izakayas, a bustling food stall village, and intimate bars, providing opportunities to connect with the city's culture and enjoy local fare.
Entertainment and Music:
Hakodate's entertainment scene is characterized by seasonal cultural festivals and a few intimate venues, offering a blend of local flair and live performances.
For live music, one might find a quiet atmosphere at places like Slow Boat Jazz Music House, or experience the late-night energy at The Sanctuary Hakodate. Additionally, major annual events such as the World Music and Dance Festival and the Hakodate Port Festival regularly feature diverse live music and performances throughout the city.
1. Daimon Yokocho
Type: Food Stall Village / Izakaya Alley
Daimon Yokocho presents a lively and nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of the Showa era, where numerous small eateries and bars are clustered. It is a bustling spot popular with both locals and visitors, offering a wide array of local Hakodate cuisine, from fresh seafood to ramen and yakitori, making it ideal for bar hopping and experiencing an authentic local evening.
Getting There: Located approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station. It is also accessible by tram, a 5-minute walk from Hakodate Station tram stop.
2. Bar Suginoko (Neptune Bar)
Type: Cocktail Bar
This cozy cocktail bar, also known as Neptune Bar, is renowned for its friendly owner and staff, providing a welcoming environment where visitors often encounter Hakodate locals. It maintains an original counter from its past as a cabaret club in 1958 and offers a good selection of whiskeys alongside unique house creations like their rum highball. English is spoken, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Getting There: Situated near Daimon Yokocho and adjacent to a ramen establishment, it is easily identifiable by a purple-pink sign. The bar is within walking distance of the main Hakodate Station area.
3. Bar Twilight
Type: Hotel Bar / Cocktail Bar
Perched on the 10th floor of Hotel Resol Hakodate, Bar Twilight offers a cozy and intimate setting with a limited number of counter seats and tables. It provides stunning night views of Hakodate Port, creating a memorable backdrop for enjoying affordable cocktails, including their signature 'Hakodate Blue.' Complimentary snacks are provided with the table charge, and the bar welcomes both hotel guests and locals.
Getting There: Located within Hotel Resol Hakodate, which is in close proximity to Hakodate Station. It is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the Hakodate Station and Daimon Yokocho areas.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
