Hakodate

Hakodate is a bustling port city located on the southern tip of the island of Hokkaido, Japan. It's a great destination for travelers interested in exploring Japan's culture and history, with its rich mix of traditional and modern attractions. Hakodate is known for its stunning natural beauty, from its harborside views of Hakodate Bay out to the distant sea, to the sunsets over the distant mountains of its nearby national parks. The city is also dotted with vibrant markets, temples, shrines, and art museums.

For photography enthusiasts, Hakodate’s main attraction is the Mt. Hakodate Observatory. It’s situated on top of a 333-meter high mountain and you can take a ropeway up to the summit (which has convenient opening hours until 11pm). From here, you can capture beautiful views of the city illuminated by night, along with its harbor, a panorama of its nearby islands and harbor, and even the distant island of Etorofu. It is also said to be one of the three great night views of Japan.