Hakuoki: Shinkai Hokkaido Pilgrimage Complete Guide | Must-See Locations & Access Information for Fans
“Hakuoki: Shinkai” is a popular romantic adventure game themed around the Shinsengumi, with Hokkaido serving as an important stage in the latter part of the story. Particularly in Hijikata Toshizo’s route, the Hakodate/Goryokaku area is depicted as the location where the story reaches its climax, attracting many fans on pilgrimage.
This article provides a complete guide to Hokkaido pilgrimage for Hakuoki fans. We’ll provide detailed explanations of must-visit spots, access methods, and ways to enjoy your pilgrimage while comparing actual historical background with in-game depictions.
Historical Background of Hakuoki and Hokkaido
The Shinsengumi and the Battle of Hakodate
The story of Hakuoki is based on historical facts, with the Hokkaido arc set during the Battle of Hakodate (the final phase of the Boshin War) that occurred from 1868 to 1869.
Shinsengumi Vice-Commander Hijikata Toshizo, as part of the shogunate army, crossed to Ezo-chi (present-day Hokkaido) with the former shogunate forces led by Enomoto Takeaki, making Hakodate their base to fight against the new government forces. This historical fact is faithfully recreated in the game.
Depiction of Hokkaido in the Game
“Hakuoki: Shinkai” offers routes where protagonist Yukimura Chizuru travels to Hokkaido with the Shinsengumi members. Particularly in Hijikata Toshizo’s route, the townscape of Hakodate centered on Goryokaku and battle scenes are depicted in detail, with actual terrain and structures deeply involved in the story.
Main Pilgrimage Spots in Hokkaido
Goryokaku (Hakodate City)
Importance as a Sacred Site: ★★★★★
Goryokaku is the most important sacred site in Hakuoki’s Hokkaido arc. Known as a star-shaped Western-style fortress, it served as the headquarters of the former shogunate forces during the Battle of Hakodate.
Highlights
- Inside Goryokaku Park: You can actually experience the scenery within the fortress depicted in the game. It’s also famous as a cherry blossom spot in spring, coinciding with the season when Hijikata Toshizo met his end
- Hakodate Magistrate’s Office: A building restored in 2010 where you can feel the atmosphere of that era. Detailed materials on the Battle of Hakodate are available for viewing inside
- Monument to Hijikata Toshizo’s Final Location: Near the park stands a memorial at the place where Hijikata Toshizo is said to have died in battle
Access Information
- Address: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
- From JR Hakodate Station: Get off at streetcar “Goryokaku-koen-mae,” about 15 minutes walk
- Opening Hours: April-October 5:00-19:00, November-March 5:00-18:00 (free)
- Hakodate Magistrate’s Office Hours: 9:00-18:00 (until 17:00 November-March)
- Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen, Students 250 yen
Goryokaku Tower
Importance as a Sacred Site: ★★★★☆
From the 107-meter observation deck, you can overlook the beautiful star shape of Goryokaku. This is a valuable spot where you can actually experience the bird’s-eye view scenes from the game.
How to Enjoy
- Observation Floor 2: Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Goryokaku
- Exhibition Space: Exhibits on the Battle of Hakodate and Hijikata Toshizo deepen your understanding of the game
- Bronze Statue of Hijikata Toshizo: A life-sized bronze statue of Hijikata Toshizo is installed in the tower, popular as a photo spot
Access & Fees
- Business Hours: 9:00-18:00 (varies by season)
- Admission Fee: Adults 1,000 yen, Junior/Senior High Students 750 yen, Elementary Students 500 yen
- Official Website: Check official website for latest information
Mt. Hakodate and Hakodate Cityscape
Importance as a Sacred Site: ★★★★☆
The night view from Mt. Hakodate is considered one of the “World’s Three Great Night Views” and appears in the game as a background for romantic scenes. Additionally, Hakodate’s historic townscape retains much of the atmosphere from that era.
Visit Points
- Mt. Hakodate Observatory: The view from 334 meters above sea level is breathtaking. Sunset time is recommended
- Motomachi Area: An area lined with Western-style buildings from the Meiji era where you can feel the culture of that time
- Former British Consulate: A building that retains the appearance from the port opening period
Access
- Ropeway: About 3 minutes by Mt. Hakodate Ropeway (1,500 yen round trip)
- Streetcar: Get off at “Jujigai” station, 10 minutes walk to ropeway boarding area
- Note: During winter, general vehicle traffic may be closed due to snow and ice
Hekketsuhi (Monument)
Importance as a Sacred Site: ★★★☆☆
A memorial monument erected to mourn former shogunate army soldiers who died in the Battle of Hakodate. Located on the grounds of Hakodate Gokoku Shrine on the slope of Mt. Hakodate.
Historical Significance
Erected in 1875 (Meiji 8) primarily by Enomoto Takeaki and others. “Hekketsu” derives from a Chinese anecdote that “the blood of those who died for righteousness turns to jade after three years.”
Access
- Address: 9-21 Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate City (within Hakodate Gokoku Shrine)
- Streetcar: Get off at “Aoyagi-cho” station, about 5 minutes walk
- Viewing: Free, 24 hours (but consider safety at night)
Shomyoji Temple
Importance as a Sacred Site: ★★★☆☆
A temple with graves of Shinsengumi members who died in the Battle of Hakodate. There’s also a memorial tower for Hijikata Toshizo, making it an unmissable spot for fans.
Highlights
- Graves of Shinsengumi Members: Members who died in Hakodate rest here
- Hijikata Toshizo Memorial: Every May, memorial services are held on Hijikata Toshizo’s death anniversary
Access
- Address: 18-14 Funami-cho, Hakodate City
- Streetcar: Get off at “Hakodate Dock Mae” station, about 10 minutes walk
- Visiting Hours: Daytime (be quiet as it’s a temple)
Jikkoji Temple
Importance as a Sacred Site: ★★★☆☆
A temple where Hijikata Toshizo’s body is said to have been temporarily placed. There’s a memorial stone for Hijikata Toshizo on the grounds.
Access
- Address: 2-8-16 Hiyoshi-cho, Hakodate City
- Streetcar: Get off at “Kashiwagi-cho” station, about 5 minutes walk
Efficient Pilgrimage Model Courses
1-Day Course (Concentrated in Hakodate City)
9:00 Start at Hakodate Station
↓ Travel by streetcar (about 15 minutes)
9:30 Goryokaku Park/Hakodate Magistrate’s Office Visit (Duration: 2 hours)
↓ Walk (5 minutes)
11:30 Goryokaku Tower (Duration: 1 hour)
↓ Travel by streetcar (including lunch)
13:30 Motomachi Area Stroll (Duration: 2 hours)
↓ Walk
15:30 Hakodate Gokoku Shrine/Hekketsuhi (Duration: 30 minutes)
↓ Travel by streetcar
16:30 Visit Shomyoji/Jikkoji Temples (Duration: 1 hour)
↓ Travel by ropeway
18:00 Night View from Mt. Hakodate Observatory (Duration: 1.5 hours)
19:30 Dinner around Hakodate Station
2-Day Course (Thorough Pilgrimage)
[Day 1] Goryokaku/Historical Exploration
- Morning: Leisurely stroll through Goryokaku Park, photography
- Afternoon: Goryokaku Tower, surrounding Hijikata Toshizo-related spots
- Evening: Check in to hotel in Hakodate City
- Night: Mt. Hakodate night view
[Day 2] City Temples/Cultural Facilities
- Morning: Temple tour including Shomyoji, Jikkoji
- Afternoon: Hakodate Central Library (local history room), Motomachi stroll
- Evening: Souvenir shopping around Hakodate Station
Tips for Enjoying Your Pilgrimage More
Pre-Trip Preparation
Review the Game
Replaying the relevant route (especially Hijikata Toshizo’s route) before your pilgrimage will double the emotion when visiting. Taking screenshots allows for fun comparisons on-site.
Historical Study
Learning about the Battle of Hakodate and Shinsengumi history beforehand allows deeper understanding of each spot’s significance. Reading related books and materials is recommended.
Weather Check
Hakodate is prone to fog. Especially if you want to enjoy the view from Mt. Hakodate, check the weather forecast and choose a clear day.
Photography Tips
Photographing Goryokaku
- Overhead shots from Goryokaku Tower are beautiful in morning light
- Cherry blossom season (late April to early May) is particularly spectacular
- When photographing in the park, be considerate of other tourists
Photographing Townscapes
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended for the hilly Motomachi area
- Dusk photography produces good atmosphere
- Tripod useful for Mt. Hakodate night views (can bring on ropeway)
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring (April-May)
- Goryokaku cherry blossoms in full bloom (around Hijikata Toshizo’s death anniversary May 11)
- Hijikata Toshizo Festival held (mid-May)
- Temperature around 10-15°C, light coat needed
Summer (June-August)
- Best tourism season
- Most beautiful time for Mt. Hakodate night view
- Temperature around 20-25°C, comfortable
Autumn (September-November)
- Beautiful autumn foliage season (mid-October to early November)
- Relatively fewer tourists, leisurely pilgrimage possible
- Temperature around 5-15°C, warm clothing needed
Winter (December-March)
- Snow-covered Goryokaku is magical
- Snow scenery from Mt. Hakodate Ropeway also attractive
- Temperature around -5 to 5°C, full winter gear essential
- Beware of icy roads, shoes with anti-slip soles recommended
Accommodation & Dining Information
Recommended Accommodation Areas
Around Hakodate Station
- Convenient access
- Wide range of options from business hotels to luxury hotels
- Close to morning market, can enjoy fresh seafood
Yunokawa Onsen
- Hot spring town near Hakodate Airport
- Can heal fatigue from pilgrimage
- Good access to city center by streetcar
Motomachi/Bay Area
- Close to tourist spots
- Many retro atmosphere hotels and guesthouses
- Can enjoy evening strolls
Hakodate Gourmet
Hakodate specialties to enjoy between pilgrimages:
- Seafood Bowl: Fresh squid and sea urchin at Hakodate Morning Market
- Salt Ramen: Light Hakodate ramen perfect between pilgrimages
- Lucky Pierrot: Hakodate’s local hamburger chain
- Hasegawa Store: Convenience store famous for yakitori bento
Detailed Transportation Access
Getting to Hakodate
Airplane
- About 1 hour 20 minutes from Tokyo (Haneda) to Hakodate Airport
- About 20 minutes by bus from airport to city center (410 yen)
Shinkansen
- About 4 hours from Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station by Hokkaido Shinkansen
- About 15 minutes by JR from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Hakodate Station
Ferry
- About 3 hours 40 minutes from Aomori to Hakodate by Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry
- About 90 minutes from Oma to Hakodate
Getting Around the City
Streetcar (Tram)
- Convenient transportation connecting major tourist spots
- One-day pass (600 yen) is economical
- IC cards (Kitaca, Suica, etc.) also accepted
Bus
- Convenient for accessing areas not served by streetcar
- Hakodate Bus one-day pass (800 yen) also available
Bicycle Rental
- Cycling pilgrimage recommended if weather is good
- Electric-assist bicycle rentals also available
- For those confident in stamina due to many hills
Taxi
- Sightseeing taxis an option for efficient touring
- 3-hour course around 15,000 yen
Related Facilities & Event Information
Hakodate Central Library
The local history room allows viewing of detailed materials on the Battle of Hakodate and the Shinsengumi. Recommended for fans who want to learn more deeply about history.
- Address: 26-1 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City
- Opening Hours: 9:30-20:00 (Sundays until 17:00)
- Closed: 3rd Wednesday, year-end/New Year
- Admission: Free
Hijikata Toshizo-Related Events
Hijikata Toshizo Festival
An event held every mid-May with activities commemorating Hijikata Toshizo and the Shinsengumi.
- Contest (Hijikata Toshizo Contest)
- Parade
- Memorial Service
- Lectures and talk shows
A major event fans will want to attend alongside their pilgrimage.
Hakodate Goryokaku Festival
Hakodate’s largest event held in mid-May, featuring recreations of the Battle of Hakodate such as the “Restoration Procession” and “Castle Opening Ceremony.”
Souvenir & Goods Information
Goryokaku Tower Shop
- Hijikata Toshizo-related goods
- Shinsengumi goods
- Goryokaku original products
- Hakodate confections
Bookstores & Specialty Shops in Hakodate City
A rich selection of history-related books and Hijikata Toshizo biographies for deeper learning.
Recommended Souvenirs
- Goryosei no Yume: Cheesecake inspired by Goryokaku
- Hakodate Rusk: Popular local Western sweets
- Squid Salted Guts: Hakodate’s famous seafood
- Trappist Cookies: Confections made at Hokkaido monasteries
Precautions and Etiquette During Pilgrimage
Precautions at Temples & Shrines
- Observe Worship Etiquette: Shomyoji and Jikkoji are actually used as places of worship
- Photography Permission: Photography on grounds is possible, but confirmation needed for main hall interiors
- Be Quiet: Refrain from loud conversations or rowdy behavior
- Offerings: Make offerings with sincerity when worshipping
Public Space Etiquette
- Consideration for Other Tourists: Be careful not to include others in your photos
- Avoid Long Occupation: Have a sharing spirit at popular spots
- Take Your Trash: For environmental protection, always take trash with you
- No Trespassing on Private Property: Even if it’s a sacred site, don’t enter private property
Safety Precautions
- Winter Road Icing: Extra caution needed December-March
- Many Hills: Steep slopes in Motomachi area and around Mt. Hakodate
- Bear Appearances: Rare in urban areas but follow warning signs in suburbs
- Sea Breeze: Hakodate faces the sea, so windy days occur
Interaction with Hakuoki Fan Community
Information Sharing on SNS
When sharing your pilgrimage on SNS, these hashtags are useful:
- #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
Pilgrimage becomes more enjoyable by referencing other fans’ posts and sharing your own experiences.
Meetups & Events
Fan meetups are held irregularly. Check SNS and fan sites for information.
For Deeper Pilgrimage: Expanding to Surrounding Areas
Matsumae Town
About 2 hours by car from Hakodate, Matsumae Town has Matsumae Castle. Historically related as a place temporarily occupied by former shogunate forces during the Battle of Hakodate.
Esashi Town
Known as the place where the Kaiyomaru ran aground and sank, a restored Kaiyomaru is now open as a memorial museum. You can tour the warship on which Enomoto Takeaki and Hijikata Toshizo sailed.
- Kaiyomaru Memorial Museum: 1-10 Ubagami-cho, Esashi Town
- Admission: Adults 500 yen
- From Hakodate: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car
Summary: The Appeal of Hakuoki Hokkaido Pilgrimage
The Hokkaido pilgrimage for “Hakuoki: Shinkai” is a special experience where the game’s worldview intersects with actual history. Hakodate, centered on Goryokaku, is the place where Hijikata Toshizo and other Shinsengumi members fought their final battles, and will be a deeply moving place for fans.
Through pilgrimage, the stories depicted in the game become more deeply engraved in your heart, and your understanding of history deepens. The beautiful townscape of Hakodate, delicious gourmet food, and encounters with warm local people are also major attractions of pilgrimage.
Prepare thoroughly beforehand, observe etiquette, and enjoy a memorable pilgrimage. We hope this article assists in your Hakuoki Hokkaido pilgrimage.
Let’s embark on a journey to trace the footsteps of Hijikata Toshizo and others in Hakodate.
