Hakodate is a port city at Hokkaido’s southern tip, and the island’s third largest city. Locals claim it offers one of the top 3 nighttime views in the world (with Hong Kong and Naples purportedly the other two). I haven’t been around enough to comment on that claim. But, I must agree the panoramic view is certainly impressive. While not particularly high, Hakodateyama (Mt. Hakodate) sits at one end of an isthmus, surrounded by the sea on three sides. Looking down toward the city, the terrain spreads out before you in two wide arcs, continuing along the horizon in both directions until you are surrounded by the island for over 240°. Photos don’t quite do it justice.
Noboribetsu Onsen is said to be the largest hot springs resort in Hokkaido. It was here that I made a stopover off the Super Hokuto run from Sapporo to Hakodate — -actually a detour, since the town is a little over 5 km inland from the city of Noboribetsu, and not accessible by rail.
Essentially a one-street town, the many hot springs hotels and inns drive the local economy, along with a few shops and restaurants. The most well-known of these is the Dai-Ichi Takimotokan, which with its 30 large baths open 24 hours, claims to be the largest spa in Asia. [I stayed at a smaller place near the edge of town.] Other tourist attractions include a (from the pictures in the brochure, depressing) bear “farm,” and Jigokudani (which translates to “Hell Valley”).
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