[Hakuoki: Shinkai] Hokkaido

[Hakuoki: Shinkai] Hokkaido

【Hakuōki: Shinkai】Hokkaido

“Hakuōki: Shinkai” is a popular romance adventure game themed around the Shinsengumi, and Hokkaido becomes an important setting toward the end of the story. Particularly in the Hijikata Toshizō route, the area around Hakodate and Goryokaku is depicted as the climax of the story, and many fans visit these locations as pilgrimage sites.

This article serves as a complete guide to Hokkaido pilgrimage sites for Hakuōki fans. By comparing the actual historical background with the depictions in the game, this guide explains in detail the spots to visit, how to access them, and how to enjoy the pilgrimage.

Historical Background of Hakuōki and Hokkaido

The Shinsengumi and the Hakodate War

The story of Hakuōki is based on historical facts, and the Hokkaido arc is set against the backdrop of the Hakodate War (the final phase of the Boshin War) that occurred between 1868 and 1869.

Hijikata Toshizō, vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, crossed over to Ezo (present-day Hokkaido) as part of the Bakufu forces alongside Enomoto Takeaki’s old Bakufu army, and fought the new government forces based in Hakodate. This historical fact is faithfully recreated in the game.

Depiction of Hokkaido in the Game

In “Hakuōki: Shinkai,” a route is provided where the protagonist Yukimura Chizuru travels to Hokkaido together with the Shinsengumi members. Particularly in the Hijikata Toshizō route, the streetscape of Hakodate centered on Goryokaku and battle scenes are depicted in detail, with actual geography and buildings deeply involved in the story.

Main Pilgrimage Sites in Hokkaido

Goryokaku (Hakodate City)

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★★★

Goryokaku is the most important pilgrimage site in the Hokkaido arc of Hakuōki. Known as a star-shaped Western-style fortress, it served as the base of the old Bakufu forces during the Hakodate War.

Points of Interest
  • Inside Goryokaku Park: You can experience the fortress landscape as depicted in the game. In spring, it is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, coinciding with the season when Hijikata Toshizō met his end
  • Hakodate Bugyō Office: A building restored in 2010 that captures the atmosphere of the time. The interior displays contain detailed materials about the Hakodate War
  • Monument to Hijikata Toshizō’s Final Moments: Near the park stands a memorial to the place where Hijikata Toshizō is said to have fallen in battle
Access Information
  • Address: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
  • From JR Hakodate Station: Get off at the streetcar stop “Goryokaku Kōen-mae,” approximately 15-minute walk
  • Opening Hours: April–October 5:00 AM–7:00 PM, November–March 5:00 AM–6:00 PM (free admission)
  • Hakodate Bugyō Office Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (November–March until 5:00 PM)
  • Admission Fee: ¥500 for adults, ¥250 for students

Goryokaku Tower

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★★☆

From this 107-meter-tall observation deck, you can take in the beautiful star shape of Goryokaku. This is a valuable spot where you can experience the bird’s-eye view scenes from the game.

How to Enjoy
  • Observation Deck 2: Enjoy the full panorama of Goryokaku in 360 degrees
  • Exhibition Space: There are displays related to the Hakodate War and Hijikata Toshizō, deepening your understanding of the game
  • Bronze Statue of Hijikata Toshizō: An life-size bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizō is installed within the tower and is popular as a photo spot
Access and Fees
  • Operating Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (varies by season)
  • Admission Fee: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥750 for middle and high school students, ¥500 for elementary school students
  • Official Website: Recommended to check the official website for the latest information

Mount Hakodate and Hakodate’s Cityscape

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★★☆

The night view from Mount Hakodate is counted among “the three best night views in the world” and appears as the backdrop for romantic scenes in the game. Also, Hakodate’s historic cityscape retains much of the atmosphere of that era.

Visiting Points
  • Mount Hakodate Observation Platform: The view from an elevation of 334 meters is spectacular. Early evening is recommended
  • Motomachi Area: An area lined with Meiji-era Western buildings where you can feel the culture of that time
  • Former British Consulate: A building that retains traces of the time of opening the port
Access
  • Ropeway: Approximately 3 minutes by Hakodate Mountain Ropeway (round trip ¥1,500)
  • Streetcar: Get off at “Jujigai” station, approximately 10-minute walk to the ropeway station
  • Note: During winter, ordinary vehicle traffic is prohibited for periods due to heavy snow and icing

Biekketsu Monument (碧血碑)

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★☆☆

This memorial monument was erected to honor soldiers of the old Bakufu forces who fell in the Hakodate War. It is located on the middle slope of Mount Hakodate within the grounds of Hakodate Gokoku Shrine.

Historical Significance

It was established in 1875 (Meiji 8) with Enomoto Takeaki and others at the center. “Biekketsu” (碧血) derives from a Chinese saying that “the blood of those who died for righteousness becomes jade after three years.”

Access
  • Address: 9-21 Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate (within Hakodate Gokoku Shrine)
  • Streetcar: Get off at “Aoyagi-cho” station, approximately 5-minute walk
  • Viewing: Free, accessible 24 hours (though nighttime should be approached with safety in mind)

Shōmyō-ji Temple (称名寺)

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★☆☆

This temple houses the graves of Shinsengumi members who fell in the Hakodate War. It also has a memorial monument for Hijikata Toshizō, making it an essential spot for fans.

Points of Interest
  • Graves of Shinsengumi Members: Members who fell in battle in Hakodate rest here
  • Memorial Monument for Hijikata Toshizō: Each year on his death anniversary in May, a memorial service is held
Access
  • Address: 18-14 Funamizu-cho, Hakodate
  • Streetcar: Get off at “Hakodate Dock Mae” station, approximately 10-minute walk
  • Visiting Hours: Daytime (please be respectful as it is a temple)

Jikkō-ji Temple (実行寺)

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★☆☆

This is the temple where Hijikata Toshizō’s remains are said to have been temporarily placed. Within the temple grounds stands a monument honoring Hijikata Toshizō.

Access
  • Address: 2-8-16 Hiyoshi-cho, Hakodate
  • Streetcar: Get off at “Kashiwagi-cho” station, approximately 5-minute walk

Efficient Pilgrimage Model Courses

One-Day Course (Concentrated in Hakodate City)

9:00 AM Start at Hakodate Station
↓ Move by streetcar (approximately 15 minutes)
9:30 AM Visit Goryokaku Park and Hakodate Bugyō Office (Duration: 2 hours)
↓ Walk (5 minutes)
11:30 AM Goryokaku Tower (Duration: 1 hour)
↓ Move by streetcar (including lunch)
1:30 PM Stroll through Motomachi Area (Duration: 2 hours)
↓ Walk
3:30 PM Visit Hakodate Gokoku Shrine and Biekketsu Monument (Duration: 30 minutes)
↓ Move by streetcar
4:30 PM Pay Respects at Shōmyō-ji and Jikkō-ji Temples (Duration: 1 hour)
↓ Move by ropeway
6:00 PM Enjoy Night View from Mount Hakodate (Duration: 1.5 hours)
7:30 PM Dinner near Hakodate Station

Two-Day Course (Leisurely Pilgrimage)

【Day 1】Goryokaku and Historical Exploration

  • Morning: Leisurely stroll through Goryokaku Park, take photographs
  • Afternoon: Goryokaku Tower, surrounding Hijikata Toshizō-related sites
  • Evening: Check into a hotel in Hakodate
  • Night: Mount Hakodate night view

【Day 2】Temple Tour and Cultural Facilities

  • Morning: Visit temples including Shōmyō-ji and Jikkō-ji
  • Afternoon: Hakodate Central Library (local materials room), stroll through Motomachi
  • Evening: Purchase souvenirs near Hakodate Station

Tips for Enjoying the Pilgrimage More

Preparation

Game Review
Playing through the relevant route again (especially the Hijikata Toshizō route) before the pilgrimage will amplify the emotional impact of your visit. Taking screenshots allows for fun comparisons at the actual locations.

Historical Study
Learning about the history of the Hakodate War and the Shinsengumi beforehand will deepen your understanding of the significance of each site. Reading related books and materials is recommended.

Weather Check
Hakodate is an area prone to fog. Especially if you want to enjoy the view from Mount Hakodate, check the weather forecast and choose a sunny day.

Photography Tips

Photographing Goryokaku

  • The bird’s-eye view photography from Goryokaku Tower is most beautiful in the morning light
  • The cherry blossom season (late April to early May) is particularly scenic
  • Remember to be considerate of other tourists when photographing in the park

Photographing Cityscapes

  • The Motomachi area has many slopes, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended
  • Photography at dusk brings out the atmosphere
  • A tripod is convenient for photographing Mount Hakodate’s night view (can be brought onto the ropeway)

Seasonal Enjoyment

Spring (April–May)

  • Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at Goryokaku (peak bloom is around May 11, Hijikata Toshizō’s death anniversary)
  • Hijikata Toshizō Festival is held (mid-May)
  • Temperature is approximately 10–15°C, a light coat is needed

Summer (June–August)

  • Peak tourist season
  • Mount Hakodate’s night view is most beautiful during this period
  • Temperature is approximately 20–25°C, very comfortable weather

Autumn (September–November)

  • The autumn foliage is beautiful (mid-October to early November)
  • Relatively fewer tourists, allowing for leisurely pilgrimage
  • Temperature is approximately 5–15°C, outerwear is needed

Winter (December–March)

  • Snow-covered Goryokaku is fantastical
  • Snow scenery from Mount Hakodate ropeway is also appealing
  • Temperature is approximately -5–5°C, complete winter gear is essential
  • Be careful of road ice; shoes with anti-slip soles are recommended

Accommodation and Dining Information

Near Hakodate Station

  • Convenient access
  • Wide choice from business hotels to luxury hotels
  • Close to the morning market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood

Yunokawa Hot Spring

  • Near Hakodate Airport, a hot spring town
  • You can relax and recuperate after the pilgrimage
  • Good streetcar access to the city

Motomachi and Bay Area

  • Close to tourist attractions
  • Many retro-style hotels and guesthouses
  • Can also enjoy evening strolls

Hakodate Cuisine

Hakodate specialties to enjoy during your pilgrimage:

  • Seafood Rice Bowl: Fresh squid and sea urchin at Hakodate Morning Market
  • Salt Ramen: Light Hakodate ramen is perfect between pilgrimage stops
  • Lucky Pierrot: Hakodate’s local hamburger chain
  • Hasegawa Store: A convenience store chain famous for grilled chicken bento

Detailed Traffic and Access Information

How to Get to Hakodate

Airplane

  • Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Tokyo (Haneda) to Hakodate Airport
  • Approximately 20 minutes by bus from the airport to the city center (¥410)

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

  • Approximately 4 hours from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station on the Hokkaido Shinkansen
  • Approximately 15 minutes by JR from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Hakodate Station

Ferry

  • Approximately 3 hours 40 minutes from Aomori to Hakodate on the Tsugaru Strait Ferry
  • Approximately 90 minutes from Ōma to Hakodate

Local Transportation

Streetcar (Tram)

  • A convenient transportation method connecting major tourist attractions
  • A 1-day pass (¥600) is economical
  • IC cards (Kitaca, Suica, etc.) are also accepted

Bus

  • Convenient for accessing areas not served by streetcars
  • Hakodate Bus 1-day pass (¥800) is also available

Rental Bicycles

  • Cycling pilgrimage is recommended on nice weather days
  • Electric-assist bicycles are also available for rental
  • Recommended for those with good physical fitness, as there are many slopes

Taxi

  • Sightseeing taxis are an option if you want to efficiently cover the sights
  • Approximately ¥15,000 for a 3-hour course

Hakodate Central Library

The Local Materials Room contains detailed materials related to the Hakodate War and the Shinsengumi. Recommended for fans who want to deepen their historical understanding.

  • Address: 26-1 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate
  • Hours: 9:30 AM–8:00 PM (Sunday until 5:00 PM)
  • Closed: 3rd Wednesday of each month, year-end and New Year holidays
  • Admission: Free

Hijikata Toshizō Festival
This event, held in mid-May each year, features various activities honoring Hijikata Toshizō and the Shinsengumi.

  • Contests (Hijikata Toshizō Contest)
  • Parade
  • Memorial Service
  • Lectures and Talk Shows

For fans, participating alongside the pilgrimage is a major event not to be missed.

Hakodate Goryokaku Festival

This major Hakodate event, held in mid-May, features a reenactment of the Hakodate War with the “Restoration Parade” and “Castle Opening Ceremony.”

Souvenirs and Merchandise Information

Goryokaku Tower Shop

  • Hijikata Toshizō-related goods
  • Shinsengumi goods
  • Goryokaku original products
  • Hakodate specialty cakes

Bookstores and Specialty Shops in Hakodate

History-related books and biographies of Hijikata Toshizō are abundantly available for deeper learning.

  • Goryoku no Yume: Cheesecake inspired by Goryokaku
  • Hakodate Rusk: Pastry popular locally
  • Squid Salted Intestines: Hakodate specialty seafood
  • Trappist Cookie: Confectionery made at a Hokkaido monastery

Important Notes and Manners During Pilgrimage

Etiquette at Temples and Shrines

  • Respect Visiting Manners: Shōmyō-ji and Jikkō-ji temples are active places of faith
  • Confirm Photography Permission: Photography in temple grounds is generally permitted, but interior photographs require confirmation
  • Maintain Silence: Avoid loud conversations or noisy behavior
  • Offering Donations: Make offerings with sincerity when visiting

Manners in Public Spaces

  • Consideration for Other Tourists: Be mindful that other visitors are not inadvertently included in your photographs
  • Avoid Long Occupation of Popular Spots: Share popular sites courteously
  • Take Your Trash With You: For environmental protection, always take your trash with you
  • Do Not Trespass on Private Property: Even if it is a pilgrimage site, do not enter private property

Safety Precautions

  • Winter Road Icing: Particularly careful attention is needed from December to March
  • Many Slopes: The Motomachi area and Mount Hakodate surroundings have steep slopes
  • Bear Sightings: Rare in urban areas, but follow warning signs in rural areas
  • Sea Winds: Hakodate, facing the sea, can have strong winds on certain days

Interaction with Hakuōki Fan Community

Information Sharing on SNS

The following hashtags are convenient when sharing your pilgrimage experiences on SNS:

  • #薄桜鬼聖地巡礼
  • #薄桜鬼真改
  • #函館聖地巡礼
  • #土方歳三
  • #五稜郭

Referring to other fans’ posts and sharing your experiences makes the pilgrimage more enjoyable.

Offline Meetings and Events

Gathering of fans for offline meetings are held occasionally. Check SNS and fan websites for information.

For Deeper Pilgrimage: Expanding to Surrounding Areas

Matsumae Town

Matsumae Castle is located in Matsumae Town, about 2 hours by car from Hakodate. The town is historically related as a location temporarily occupied by the old Bakufu forces during the Hakodate War.

Esashi Town

Known as the place where the warship Kaiyō was wrecked and sank, the reconstructed Kaiyō is now open as a memorial museum. You can see the warship on which Enomoto Takeaki and Hijikata Toshizō served.

  • Kaiyō Memorial Museum: 1-10 Ubagami-cho, Esashi
  • Admission Fee: ¥500 for adults
  • From Hakodate: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car

Summary: The Appeal of Hakuōki Hokkaido Pilgrimage

The Hokkaido pilgrimage for “Hakuōki: Shinkai” is a special experience where the world of the game intersects with actual history. Hakodate, centered around Goryokaku, is where Hijikata Toshizō and other Shinsengumi members fought their final battles, making it a deeply meaningful place for fans.

Through the pilgrimage, the stories depicted in the game become more deeply engraved in your heart, and your understanding of history deepens. The beautiful cityscape of Hakodate, delicious cuisine, and encounters with warm-hearted local people are also great attractions of the pilgrimage.

Prepare well in advance, respect local customs and manners, and enjoy a memorable pilgrimage. I hope this article helps guide your Hakuōki Hokkaido pilgrimage.

Visit Hakodate and trace the footsteps of Hijikata Toshizō and his companions.

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