Love Live! Sunshine!! Hokkaido Hakodate Pilgrimage Complete Guide: Tracing the Footsteps of Aqours
Introduction: Following the Footsteps of Aqours Members to Hakodate, a City Full of Exotic Charm
Episodes 8 “HAKODATE” and 9 “Awaken the power” of the TV anime “Love Live! Sunshine!!” Season 2, which aired at the end of 2017, left a deep impression on the hearts of many Love Live fans. These episodes, which depict Aqours members visiting Hakodate, Hokkaido and growing through interaction with rival group “Saint Snow,” are particularly important episodes in the work.
Hakodate was already known as one of Japan’s premier tourist destinations, with Goryokaku fortress with its Bakumatsu-era history, the Bay Area full of exotic charm, and Hakodate Mountain famous for its beautiful night view. However, after the anime’s broadcast, it has become a new pilgrimage site for “Love Live fans,” attracting visitors from across the country. Even several years after the broadcast, the sight of fans making pilgrimages to these holy sites remains constant.
This article provides detailed information on all the spots that appeared in the Hakodate arc of “Love Live! Sunshine!!”, including efficient pilgrimage routes, access methods, photography points, and local cuisine—everything necessary for a Hakodate holy site pilgrimage will be thoroughly explained. We have included abundant practical information so that even those visiting Hakodate for the first time can confidently enjoy their pilgrimage.
“Love Live! Sunshine!!” Work Introduction and the Charm of the Hakodate Arc
“Love Live! Sunshine!!” Work Data
“Love Live! Sunshine!!” is a multimedia project that unfolded as the second installment of Project Love Live. The story depicts nine girls forming the school idol group “Aqours” and struggling to save their school, Ura no Hoshi Girls’ Academy, which faces the crisis of closure in Uchiura, a seaside town in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Work Data
- Broadcast Period: Season 1 July-September 2016, Season 2 October-December 2017
- Production: Sunrise
- Director: Kazuo Sakai
- Series Composition: Jukki Hanada
- Character Design: Yuhei Murota
- Music Production: Lantis
The Hakodate Arc (Season 2 Episodes 8-9) Story
Episodes 8 and 9 of Season 2 are special episodes where Aqours members visit Hakodate, Hokkaido. Invited by rival group Saint Snow’s sisters Ria and Seira, the Aqours members participate in an event held in Hakodate.
The episodes depict the members deepening their interaction with Saint Snow while enjoying sightseeing around the city of Hakodate and growing through mutual stimulation. Particularly in Episode 9’s climax, “Awaken the power” is performed on “Hachiman Slope,” Hakodate’s iconic slope, moving many fans deeply.
The work features numerous real Hakodate tourist spots and gourmet restaurants, depicted very carefully as the anime’s setting. This realistic depiction is a major factor that drives fans to go on pilgrimages to these holy sites.
Access Methods to Hokkaido and Hakodate
From Tokyo to Hakodate: Using the Hokkaido Shinkansen
For those visiting Hakodate from the Tokyo area, the most convenient option is taking the Hokkaido Shinkansen. The Hokkaido Shinkansen, which opened in March 2016, connects Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in as fast as approximately 4 hours.
Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen “Hayabusa”
- Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station: approximately 4 hours
- Fare: Regular reserved seat one-way approximately 23,000 yen (normal season)
- Number of trains: approximately 10 per day
From Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Hakodate Station, the JR Hakodate Main Line “Hakodate Liner” takes approximately 15-20 minutes. The schedule is designed with smooth connections to the shinkansen in mind, making transfers convenient.
Using an Airplane
If time is a priority or you’re coming from a distant location, flying is worth considering.
Access to Hakodate Airport
- From Haneda Airport: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, 10 or more flights per day
- From Chubu Centrair Airport: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, approximately 2 flights per day
- From Kansai International Airport: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, approximately 2 flights per day
From Hakodate Airport to Hakodate Station area, the airport shuttle bus “Hakodate Teisan Bus” takes approximately 20 minutes. At 450 yen per one-way ticket, it’s extremely reasonable, and when compared with shinkansen use, offers a good balance of time and cost.
The 8th episode opens with a scene of Aqours members arriving at Hakodate Airport. The airport terminal building itself is also worth visiting as a pilgrimage site.
Transportation in the City
To tour the holy sites throughout Hakodate city, the following transportation methods are mainly available.
Streetcar (Tram)
Hakodate’s streetcars are the most convenient means of transportation for tourists. Most major tourist spots and holy sites are within walking distance of streetcar stops.
- 1-day pass: 600 yen (streetcars only), 1,000 yen (streetcars and buses combined)
- Major stops: Hakodate Station-mae, Goryokaku Park-mae, Juji-gai, Suehiro-cho, etc.
Bus
For areas not served by streetcars, use Hakodate Bus. To access Hakodate Mountain observation deck, use either the ropeway or sightseeing bus.
Rental Bicycles
On nice weather days, a holy site pilgrimage by rental bicycle is also recommended. Several rental bicycle services are available around Hakodate Station, and electric-assist bicycles are also available for rent.
Hakodate Holy Site Pilgrimage: Complete Guide to Major Spots
JR Hakodate Station and Hakodate Station Plaza
Appearance: Episode 8 opening, scene of Aqours members arriving at Hakodate Station after traveling from Hakodate Airport
Hakodate Station is an ideal starting point for holy site pilgrimage. The station building, renovated in 2003, features a distinctive glass design, and its exterior is faithfully reproduced in the anime.
Points of Interest
- Station Plaza: You can take photos from the same angle as in the anime
- Inside the station: Tourist information office where you can obtain pilgrimage maps and other information
- Station Building “Hakodate Station Mae Building”: Well-stocked souvenir shops and restaurants
The “Hakodate Station-mae” streetcar stop is located in front of Hakodate Station, making it efficient to start your pilgrimage here. Additionally, many hotels are located around the station, making it a convenient lodging base.
Hakodate Arena
Appearance: Episode 8, shown as the venue where the event Saint Snow appears in is held
Hakodate Arena is a comprehensive athletic facility in Hakodate City that opened in 2015. It can accommodate up to 5,000 people and is used for sports events and concerts.
Access
- Approximately 15 minutes by car from Hakodate Station
- By Hakodate Bus heading to “Yugawa Onsen,” get off at “Arena-mae”
The work features only the exterior, but it’s an important stage for the story with Saint Snow. Normally, only the exterior can be viewed, but when events are held, the interior may also be accessible.
Goryokaku Tower and Goryokaku Park
Appearance: Episode 8, scene of Aqours members enjoying sightseeing in Hakodate
Goryokaku Tower is one of Hakodate’s signature tourist attractions. From the observation deck at 107 meters high, you can see the star-shaped Goryokaku at a glance. The anime features an impressive scene of members looking out at the scenery from the observation deck.
Facility Information
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (until 7:00 PM from April 21 to October 20)
- Admission: Adults 1,000 yen, Middle and High School Students 750 yen, Elementary School Students 500 yen
- Access: 15-minute walk from “Goryokaku Park-mae” streetcar stop
Photography Points
- 2nd floor of observation deck: You can photograph the star-shaped Goryokaku from the same angle as the anime
- Tower exterior: The angle seen from the Goryokaku Park side is closest to the anime
- Inside Goryokaku Park: Especially beautiful during cherry blossom season (late April to early May)
Goryokaku is also a historically significant structure from the Bakumatsu period and was the site of the Boshin War. You can enjoy historical exploration along with your holy site pilgrimage.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
Appearance: Episode 8, scene of Aqours members strolling through Hakodate’s Bay Area
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a shopping and gourmet area utilizing historical structures built in the Meiji era. The retro-style warehouses are a signature tourist attraction representing Hakodate’s Bay Area.
Facility Information
- Opening Hours: Varies by store (generally 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM)
- Access: 5-minute walk from “Juji-gai” streetcar stop
- Admission: Free (shopping at each store is separate)
Points of Interest
- Red brick warehouse exterior: The illumination at dusk is beautiful
- BAY Hakodate: Well-stocked with Hokkaido specialties and souvenirs
- Kanemori Yohin-kan: A souvenir shop where you can feel Hakodate’s history
- Hakodate Beer Hall: Enjoy local beer and genghis khan (mutton barbecue)
The anime features a scene of members walking in front of the warehouse groups. The actual scenery closely matches the anime’s depiction, making it a high-satisfaction spot for holy site pilgrimage.
Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store
Appearance: Episode 8, scene of Aqours members eating Hakodate specialty
“Lucky Pierrot” is a locally-rooted hamburger chain operating exclusively in Hakodate. It has become nationally famous for its distinctive store design and voluminous burgers.
Store Information
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM (until 12:30 AM on Fri, Sat, and the day before holidays)
- Access: 3-minute walk from “Juji-gai” streetcar stop
- Closed: Open year-round
Recommended Menu Items
- Chinese Chicken Burger: Lucky Pierrot’s signature menu
- Futoccho Burger: The menu Ruby ordered in the anime
- Lucky Egg Burger: Packed with soft-boiled egg
- Lucky Curry: Popular menu with a soup curry style
The work features a scene where Ruby and Hanamaru order “Futoccho Burger.” Being able to order the same menu item and experience the work’s world is the charm of holy site pilgrimage. The store is always busy, but the Bay Area main store is relatively spacious, so wait times are shorter than other locations.
Hasegawa Store (Hasest)
Appearance: Episode 8, Hakodate specialty “yakitori bento” is featured
Hasegawa Store is a convenience store chain centered in Hakodate, and its famous “yakitori bento” is known as the soul food of Hakodate citizens. The anime features a scene of members eating yakitori bento.
Yakitori Bento Characteristics
- Despite the name “yakitori,” it’s actually grilled pork skewers
- Choose between tare (sauce) and salt varieties
- Made to order after purchase, so it’s served hot
- Price: around 600 yen
Major Stores
- Bay Area Store: 5-minute walk from “Juji-gai” streetcar stop
- Hakodate Station-mae Store: 3-minute walk from Hakodate Station
- Goryokaku Park-mae Store: 1-minute walk from “Goryokaku Park-mae” streetcar stop
Yakitori bento is Hakodate gourmet you can casually enjoy between holy site visits. It’s perfect for lunch during streetcar waits or in the park.
Nishi Hatoba
Appearance: Episode 8, scene of Aqours members strolling along Hakodate’s waterfront
Nishi Hatoba is a commercial complex located next to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. With its seaside location, it offers views overlooking Hakodate Port.
Facility Information
- Opening Hours: Varies by store (generally 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
- Access: 5-minute walk from “Juji-gai” streetcar stop
Points of Interest
- Seaside Deck: You can view Hakodate Port from the same angle as the anime
- Souvenir Shops: Hakodate specialties are abundant
- Restaurants: Enjoy seafood cuisine
The anime features a scene of members conversing on the seaside deck. On clear days, beautiful photos can be taken with Hakodate Mountain and the sea in the background.
Hachiman Slope
Appearance: Episode 9, live performance of “Awaken the power”
Hachiman Slope is the most important holy site that marks the climax of the Hakodate arc of “Love Live! Sunshine!!”. It’s a beautiful slope running straight toward Hakodate Mountain and one of Hakodate’s signature tourist attractions.
Slope Characteristics
- Full Length: approximately 270 meters
- Grade: approximately 12 degrees
- Width: approximately 20 meters
- Access: 3-minute walk from “Suehiro-cho” streetcar stop
Photography Points
- From the bottom of the slope: View looking up the slope with Hakodate Mountain in the background
- Midway up the slope: Same position as the anime’s live performance scene
- From the top of the slope: Panoramic views of Hakodate Port and cityscape
In Episode 9, Aqours and Saint Snow perform “Awaken the power” on this Hachiman Slope. The slope is especially beautiful at dusk, offering the strongest sense of the anime’s atmosphere. However, as a popular tourist spot, it gets crowded with sightseers, so consideration for those around you is necessary when taking photos.
Hakodate Mountain Observation Deck
Appearance: Episode 9, scene of viewing Hakodate’s night scenery
The night view from Hakodate Mountain observation deck is known as “1 million dollar night view” and is counted among Japan’s three greatest night views. The anime features an impressive scene of members viewing the night scenery.
Access Methods
- Hakodate Mountain Ropeway: Approximately 3 minutes from the base station a 10-minute walk from “Juji-gai” streetcar stop
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (varies seasonally)
- Fare: 1,500 yen round trip, 1,000 yen one-way
Night Scenery Viewing Tips
- Best Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour after sunset (magic hour)
- Peak Seasons: Summer (July-August), fall foliage season (October) are especially crowded
- Clothing: The mountaintop is 5-10 degrees cooler than downtown, so bring an outerwear
Both the 2nd floor indoor observation room and the rooftop outdoor observation deck offer night view enjoyment. To photograph from the same angle as the anime, the center to slightly right position on the outdoor observation deck is recommended.
Other Holy Sites
Suginami-cho Streetcar Stop
Appears in Episode 8 as a streetcar stop. A retro-feeling stop where you can sense Hakodate’s streetcar culture.
Hakodate International Hotel
Believed to be the model for the hotel where Aqours members stayed. The exterior appears in the work.
Motomachi Area
An area where Hakodate’s historic structures are concentrated. Around Hachiman Slope, there are many attractions including the Former Hakodate Ward Public Hall and Hakodate Haristos Orthodox Church.
Efficient Holy Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
One-Day Course Covering Major Holy Sites
Hakodate’s holy sites are relatively compact, so you can efficiently tour the major spots in one day.
Morning (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
- Start at JR Hakodate Station (9:00 AM)
- Move by streetcar to “Goryokaku Park-mae” (approximately 15 minutes)
- Visit Goryokaku Tower (1 hour)
- Move by streetcar to “Juji-gai” (approximately 20 minutes)
Lunch (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)
- Lunch at Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store
Afternoon (1:00 PM to 5:00 PM)
- Stroll through Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (30 minutes)
- Visit Nishi Hatoba (30 minutes)
- Walk to Hachiman Slope (10 minutes)
- Photography at Hachiman Slope (30 minutes)
- Stroll through Motomachi area (1 hour)
Evening (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
- Take Hakodate Mountain Ropeway to the summit (around 6:00 PM)
- Enjoy night scenery (1 hour)
- Have dinner near Hakodate Station after descending
Two-Day Course for Leisurely Pilgrimage
If you have time to spare, spending two days touring the holy sites leisurely while also enjoying Hakodate sightseeing is recommended.
Day 1: Focus on Bay Area and Motomachi Area
- Morning: Hakodate Station, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Nishi Hatoba
- Lunch: Lucky Pierrot or seafood cuisine
- Afternoon: Hachiman Slope, historic structure tour in Motomachi area
- Evening: View night scenery from Hakodate Mountain
Day 2: Focus on Goryokaku Area and Other Spots
- Morning: Goryokaku Tower, Goryokaku Park exploration
- Lunch: Yakitori bento from Hasegawa Store
- Afternoon: Hakodate Morning Market, Hakodate Arena (exterior)
- Evening: Souvenir shopping near Hakodate Station
Notes and Etiquette for Holy Site Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
When on a holy site pilgrimage, follow the following etiquette:
Photography in Public Places
- Be mindful not to obstruct traffic flow
- Avoid monopolizing spaces for long periods
- Use of tripods should be determined by observing surrounding circumstances
- Refrain from loud conversations or loud voices
Photography in Stores
- Always ask for permission before photographing inside stores
- Be careful not to disturb other customers
- Avoid entering stores only for photography purposes; make a purchase
Seasonal Clothing and Items
Spring (April-May)
- Temperature: 5-15 degrees Celsius
- Clothing: Lightweight down jacket, sweater
- Points of Interest: Cherry blossoms at Goryokaku (late April to early May)
Summer (June-August)
- Temperature: 15-25 degrees Celsius
- Clothing: Long-sleeve shirt, lightweight jacket (for mornings and evenings)
- Note: Not as hot as Honshu, but sun exposure is strong
Fall (September-November)
- Temperature: 5-18 degrees Celsius
- Clothing: Thick jacket, sweater
- Points of Interest: Fall foliage (mid-October to early November)
Winter (December-March)
- Temperature: -5 to 5 degrees Celsius
- Clothing: Thick coat, gloves, scarf, waterproof boots
- Note: Watch for icy roads; non-slip shoes essential
Common Items to Bring
- Smartphone/camera (recommend backup battery)
- Holy site pilgrimage map (available at tourist information centers)
- Mobile battery
- Beverages
- 1-day streetcar/bus pass
Hakodate Gourmet and Accommodation Information
Hakodate Specialties
Hakodate gourmet specialties to enjoy during your holy site pilgrimage:
Seafood Cuisine
Fresh seafood bowls and raw squid can be enjoyed at Hakodate Morning Market. “Live squid” in particular is a specialty unique to Hakodate.
Salt Ramen
Hakodate is the birthplace of salt ramen. Characterized by a light, clear soup.
- Recommended Restaurants: “Ajisai,” “Shiyoken,” “Ryuho”
Squid Noodles
Fresh squid thinly sliced as sashimi. Available at Hakodate Morning Market and seafood restaurants.
Genghis Khan
Hokkaido’s specialty mutton barbecue. Can be enjoyed at restaurants such as “Hakodate Beer Hall” in Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.
Recommended Accommodation Areas
Around Hakodate Station
- Convenient transportation, ideal as a starting point for holy site pilgrimage
- Many business hotels, reasonable price range
- Recommendations: “La Vista Hakodate Bay,” “Hotel WBF Grande Hakodate”
Bay Area
- Close to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and Nishi Hatoba
- Many hotels with nice atmosphere
- Recommendations: “Hakodate International Hotel,” “Hotel Chocola Hakodate”
Yunokawa Onsen
- Close to Hakodate Airport, hot springs available
- Approximately 30 minutes by streetcar to Bay Area
- Recommendations: “Yunokawa Prince Hotel Nagisa-tei,” “Heiseikan Kaiyoutei”
Enhancing Your Holy Site Pilgrimage Experience
Official Merchandise and Collaboration Products
Collaboration merchandise with “Love Live! Sunshine!!” may be sold in Hakodate. Limited edition goods may appear especially during commemorative events.
Main Sales Locations
- Souvenir shops in Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
- Souvenir shops inside Hakodate Station
- Animate Hakodate Store (Goryokaku area)
Information Gathering via SNS
Searching hashtags like “#LoveLiveSunshineHakodate” or “#HakodatePilgrimage” on Twitter and Instagram will reveal the latest holy site information and pilgrimage reports from other fans.
Hakodate City Tourism Information
Hakodate City Tourist Information Center
- Location: Inside JR Hakodate Station
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (April-October), 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November-March)
- Services: Tourism map distribution, accommodation information, luggage storage
Hakobura (Hakodate City Official Tourism Information Website)
The site is enriched with information on tourist attractions, events, and gourmet options in Hakodate. It’s helpful when planning your pilgrimage.
Conclusion: Special Experiences Gained from Hakodate Holy Site Pilgrimage
The Hakodate holy site pilgrimage of “Love Live! Sunshine!!” offers value beyond simply visiting an anime setting. Because the work is set in Hakodate, a beautiful tourist city, you can enjoy both holy site pilgrimage and sightseeing simultaneously—a luxurious experience.
When you climb Hachiman Slope remembering the “Awaken the power” scene from Episode 9, when you bite into a Futoccho Burger at Lucky Pierrot, when you gaze out at the 1 million dollar night view from Hakodate Mountain, surely you’ll experience the same emotion as the Aqours members.
Hakodate is a charming city with history, culture, gourmet cuisine, and natural scenery all combined. Through holy site pilgrimage, you can deepen your love for the work while also discovering the appeal of Hakodate as a city.
Please use this article as a reference to plan your own Hakodate holy site pilgrimage and embark on this special journey following the footsteps of Aqours. It will surely become an unforgettable memory.
