[Hakuoki: Shinkai] Hokkaido

“Hakuouki Shinkai” is a popular romantic adventure game themed around the Shinsengumi, with Hokkaido becoming an important setting in the latter part of the story. Particularly in the Hijikata Toshizo route, the area around Hakodate and Goryokaku is depicted as the climactic location of the narrative, and many fans visit for pilgrimage tourism.

This article provides a complete guide to Hokkaido pilgrimage tourism for Hakuouki fans. While comparing actual historical background with in-game depictions, it explains in detail the spots to visit, access methods, and how to enjoy the pilgrimage.

Historical Background of Hakuouki and Hokkaido

The Shinsengumi and the Boshin War in Hakodate

The story of Hakuouki is based on historical facts, and the Hokkaido arc is set during the Boshin War in Hakodate (1868-1869), the final phase of the conflict. This historical fact is faithfully recreated within the game as well.

Hijikata Toshizo, vice-commander of the Shinsengumi, crossed over to Ezo (present-day Hokkaido) with the former shogunate forces led by Enomoto Takeaki and fought against the new government forces using Hakodate as their base.

Depictions of Hokkaido in the Game

In “Hakuouki Shinkai,” there is a route where the protagonist Chizuru Yukimura travels to Hokkaido alongside the Shinsengumi members. Particularly in the Hijikata Toshizo route, the streets of Hakodate centered on Goryokaku and battle scenes are depicted in detail, and actual geographical features and structures are deeply intertwined with the story.

Major Pilgrimage Spots in Hokkaido

Goryokaku (Hakodate City)

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★★★

Goryokaku is the most important pilgrimage site in the Hakuouki Hokkaido arc. Known as a star-shaped Western-style fortress, it served as the base for the former shogunate forces during the Boshin War in Hakodate.

Points of Interest

• Inside Goryokaku Park: You can experience firsthand the landscape of the fortress depicted in the game. The park is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, coinciding with the season when Hijikata Toshizo met his end
• Hakodate Magistrate’s Office: This building was restored in 2010 and allows you to feel the atmosphere of that era. The interior exhibits contain detailed materials about the Boshin War in Hakodate
• Monument to Hijikata Toshizo’s Final Moments: Near the park stands a memorial marking the place where Hijikata Toshizo is said to have died in battle

Access Information

• Address: 44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
• From JR Hakodate Station: Get off at the “Goryokaku Koen-mae” streetcar stop, approximately 15 minutes on foot
• Opening Hours: 5:00-19:00 (April-October), 5:00-18:00 (November-March) (Free admission)
• Hakodate Magistrate’s Office Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00 (9:00-17:00 from November-March)
• Admission Fee: General ¥500, Students ¥250

Goryokaku Tower

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★★☆

From this observation deck at a height of 107 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful star shape of Goryokaku. It’s a precious spot where you can experience the bird’s-eye view scenes depicted in the game.

Ways to Enjoy

• Second Floor Observation Deck: Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Goryokaku
• Exhibition Space: There are exhibits related to the Boshin War in Hakodate and Hijikata Toshizo, deepening understanding of the game
• Hijikata Toshizo Bronze Statue: An life-size bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizo is installed in the tower and is a popular photo spot

Access and Fees

• Business Hours: 9:00-18:00 (Hours vary by season)
• Admission: Adults ¥1,000, High School Students ¥750, Elementary School Students ¥500
• Official Website: Check the official site for the latest information

Hakodate Mountain and Hakodate Streetscape

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★★☆

The night view from Hakodate Mountain is considered one of the “three greatest night views in the world” and appears in the game as the backdrop for romantic scenes. The historic streetscape of Hakodate also retains much of the atmosphere from that era.

Visiting Points

• Hakodate Mountain Observation Deck: The view from 334 meters above sea level is breathtaking. Twilight hours are recommended
• Motomachi Area: This area features Meiji-era Western buildings where you can feel the culture of that time
• Former British Consulate: A building that retains traces of the open port era

Access

• Ropeway: Approximately 3 minutes via Hakodate Mountain Ropeway (¥1,500 round trip)
• Streetcar: Get off at “Juji-gai” station, approximately 10 minutes on foot to the ropeway entrance
• Note: During winter, there are periods when general vehicle traffic is prohibited due to snow and ice

Hekketsu Monument

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★☆☆

A memorial erected to commemorate former shogunate soldiers who died in the Boshin War in Hakodate. It is located on the slope of Hakodate Mountain within the Hakodate Gokoku Shrine grounds.

Historical Significance

It was established in Meiji 8 (1875) under the direction of Enomoto Takeaki and others. “Hekketsu” comes from a Chinese legend that says “the blood of those who sacrifice themselves for justice becomes jade after three years.”

Access

• Address: 9-21 Aoyagicho, Hakodate (Within Hakodate Gokoku Shrine)
• Streetcar: Get off at “Aoyagicho” station, approximately 5 minutes on foot
• Viewing: Free, available 24 hours (exercise caution at night for safety)

Shomyoji Temple

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★☆☆

A temple where graves of Shinsengumi members who died in the Boshin War in Hakodate are located. There is also a memorial tower for Hijikata Toshizo, making it an essential spot for fans.

Points of Interest

• Graves of Shinsengumi Members: The final resting place of members who fell in Hakodate
• Hijikata Toshizo Memorial Monument: A memorial service is held each year on May 11th, Hijikata Toshizo’s death anniversary

Access

• Address: 18-14 Funamachi, Hakodate
• Streetcar: Get off at “Hakodate-Dotoku-Mae” station, approximately 10 minutes on foot
• Visiting Hours: During daytime (please maintain temple etiquette)

Jikoji Temple

Importance as a pilgrimage site: ★★★☆☆

A temple where Hijikata Toshizo’s remains are said to have been temporarily placed. The temple grounds feature a monument commemorating Hijikata Toshizo.

Access

• Address: 2-8-16 Hiyoshicho, Hakodate
• Streetcar: Get off at “Kashiwagimachi” station, approximately 5 minutes on foot

Efficient Pilgrimage Model Courses

One-Day Course (Concentrated in Hakodate City)

9:00 Start at Hakodate Station
↓ Move by streetcar (approximately 15 minutes)
9:30 Goryokaku Park and Hakodate Magistrate’s Office viewing (Duration: 2 hours)
↓ 5 minutes on foot
11:30 Goryokaku Tower (Duration: 1 hour)
↓ Move by streetcar (including lunch)
13:30 Motomachi area stroll (Duration: 2 hours)
↓ On foot
15:30 Hakodate Gokoku Shrine and Hekketsu Monument (Duration: 30 minutes)
↓ Move by streetcar
16:30 Visit Shomyoji Temple and Jikoji Temple (Duration: 1 hour)
↓ Move by ropeway
18:00 Night view at Hakodate Mountain Observation Deck (Duration: 1.5 hours)
19:30 Dinner near Hakodate Station

Two-Day Course (Leisurely Pilgrimage)

[Day 1] Goryokaku and Historical Exploration

• Morning: Take a leisurely stroll through Goryokaku Park, photography
• Afternoon: Goryokaku Tower, nearby Hijikata Toshizo-related spots
• Evening: Check in at a hotel in Hakodate
• Night: Hakodate Mountain night view

[Day 2] Temple Circuit and Cultural Facilities

• Morning: Temple visits including Shomyoji and Jikoji
• Afternoon: Hakodate Central Library (Local Materials Room), Motomachi stroll
• Evening: Shop for souvenirs near Hakodate Station

Hints to Enjoy the Pilgrimage More

Pre-Visit Preparation

Game Review
Replaying the relevant route (especially the Hijikata Toshizo route) before visiting will double the emotional impact of your visit. Taking screenshots allows you to make comparisons at each location.

Historical Learning
Learning about the Boshin War in Hakodate and the Shinsengumi’s history beforehand will deepen your understanding of the significance of each spot. 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 Hakodate Mountain, check the weather forecast and choose a clear day.

Photography Tips

Goryokaku Photography

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

Streetscape Photography

• The Motomachi area has many slopes, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Photography during twilight hours captures the best atmosphere
• A tripod is convenient for photographing the Hakodate Mountain night view (can be brought onto the ropeway)

Seasonal Enjoyment

Spring (April-May)

• Full bloom of cherry blossoms at Goryokaku (peak around May 11, Hijikata Toshizo’s death anniversary)
• Hijikata Toshizo Festival is held (mid-May)
• Temperature is around 10-15°C, a light coat is needed

Summer (June-August)

• Peak tourist season
• The night view from Hakodate Mountain is most beautiful during this period
• Temperature is around 20-25°C, very comfortable

Autumn (September-November)

• Beautiful autumn foliage period (mid-October to early November)
• Relatively fewer tourists, allowing for leisurely pilgrimage
• Temperature is around 5-15°C, warm clothing is needed

Winter (December-March)

• Snow-covered Goryokaku is fantastical
• The snowy landscape from Hakodate Mountain Ropeway is also attractive
• Temperature is around -5 to 5°C, complete winter gear is essential
• Exercise caution on icy road surfaces; shoes with anti-slip soles are recommended

Accommodation and Dining Information

Recommended Accommodation Areas

Hakodate Station Area

• Convenient access
• Abundant choices from business hotels to luxury hotels
• Morning market nearby, fresh seafood available

Yunokawa Hot Spring

• Located near Hakodate Airport, a hot spring resort area
• Can soothe fatigue after the pilgrimage
• Good access to the city by streetcar

Motomachi and Bay Area

• Close to tourist attractions
• Many retro-style hotels and guesthouses
• Evening strolls are enjoyable

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 famous for yakitori bento

Detailed Transportation Access

Getting to Hakodate

Airplane

• Hakodate Airport is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes from Tokyo (Haneda)
• Bus from airport to city center takes approximately 20 minutes (¥410)

Shinkansen

• Hokkaido Shinkansen reaches Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in approximately 4 hours from Tokyo
• JR from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto to Hakodate Station takes approximately 15 minutes

Ferry

• Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry from Aomori to Hakodate takes approximately 3 hours 40 minutes
• From Oma to Hakodate takes approximately 90 minutes

City Transportation

Streetcar (Tram)

• Convenient transportation linking major tourist spots
• 1-day pass (¥600) is economical
• IC cards (Kitaca, Suica, etc.) can be used

Bus

• Convenient for areas not served by streetcar
• 1-day bus pass (¥800) also available

Rental Bicycle

• Recommended for pilgrimage by bicycle on good weather days
• Electric-assist bicycles available for rent
• Hilly terrain, suited for those with good physical fitness

Taxi

• Sightseeing taxis are an option for efficient touring
• Approximately ¥15,000 for a 3-hour course

Related Facilities and Event Information

Hakodate Central Library

The Local Materials Room allows viewing of detailed materials about the Boshin War in Hakodate and the Shinsengumi. Recommended for fans wanting to learn history more deeply.

• Address: 26-1 Goryokakucho, Hakodate
• Opening Hours: 9:30-20:00 (Sunday until 17:00)
• Closed: Third Wednesday of each month, year-end and New Year
• Admission: Free

Hijikata Toshizo-Related Events

Hijikata Toshizo Festival
Held in mid-May each year, featuring events commemorating Hijikata Toshizo and the Shinsengumi.

• Contest (Hijikata Toshizo Contest)
• Parade
• Memorial ceremony
• Lectures and talk shows

A major event fans should try to attend in conjunction with their pilgrimage.

Hakodaate Goryokaku Festival

A major Hakodate event held in mid-May featuring reenactments of the Boshin War in Hakodate including the “Ishin Parade” and “Castle Opening Ceremony.”

Souvenirs and Goods Information

Goryokaku Tower Gift Shop

• Hijikata Toshizo-related goods
• Shinsengumi goods
• Goryokaku original products
• Hakodate specialty sweets

Bookstores and Specialty Shops in Hakodate

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

Recommended Souvenirs

• Goryokaku-no-Yume: Cheesecake inspired by Goryokaku
• Hakodate Rusk: Popular local pastry
• Squid Salted Entrails: Hakodate specialty seafood
• Trappist Cookie: Sweets made at a monastery in Hokkaido

Precautions and Etiquette During Pilgrimage

Behavior at Temples and Shrines

• Respect visiting etiquette: Shomyoji and Jikoji are actual places of worship
• Photography permission: Photography in temple grounds is possible, but permission is required for the main hall interior
• Maintain quiet: Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior
• Offerings: Offer coins at the shrine with sincere reverence

Etiquette in Public Spaces

• Consideration for other tourists: When photographing, ensure other visitors are not inadvertently included
• Avoid prolonged occupancy: Share popular spots with a spirit of cooperation
• Take all trash with you: For environmental protection, always take trash with you
• Prohibition on private property: Even as pilgrimage sites, do not enter private property

Safety Precautions

• Winter road ice: Extreme caution required from December to March
• Many slopes: The Motomachi area and surroundings have steep slopes
• Bear sightings: Rare in the city, but heed warning signs in suburban areas
• Sea wind: Hakodate faces the sea, so there can be strong winds on some days

Interaction with Hakuouki Fan Community

Information Sharing on SNS

When sharing pilgrimage experiences on SNS, these hashtags are convenient:

• #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

You can learn from other fans’ posts and share your own experiences, making the pilgrimage more enjoyable.

Meetups and Events

Fan meetups are held irregularly. Check SNS and fan sites for information.

For Deeper Pilgrimage: Exploring Surrounding Areas

Matsumae Town

Approximately 2 hours by car from Hakodate, Matsumae Town features Matsumae Castle. During the Boshin War in Hakodate, it was temporarily occupied by former shogunate forces and has historical relevance.

Esashi Town

Known as the location where the Kaiyo Maru ran aground and sank, the restored Kaiyo Maru now operates as a memorial museum. You can view the warship where Enomoto Takeaki and Hijikata Toshizo boarded.

• Kaiyo Maru Memorial Museum: 1-10 Ubagamicho, Esashi
• Admission: ¥500 for adults
• From Hakodate: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car

Conclusion: The Appeal of Hakuouki Hokkaido Pilgrimage

The Hokkaido pilgrimage for “Hakuouki Shinkai” is a special experience where the game’s world and actual history intersect. Hakodate, centered on Goryokaku, is where Hijikata Toshizo and other Shinsengumi members fought their final battles, making it a deeply moving place for fans.

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

With proper preparation and respectful conduct, enjoy a memorable Hokkaido pilgrimage. I hope this article serves as a helpful guide for your Hakuouki Hokkaido pilgrimage.

Set out on a journey to trace the footsteps of Hijikata Toshizo and others in Hakodate.