One of the must-visit places when in Hakodate is the observatory on Mount Hakodate. The view from the mountain, which stands at 334 meters above sea level, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, especially the night view, which is famously known as the "Million-Dollar Night View." The vista is so spectacular that it has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, signifying that it is "worth a special journey."
While the night view is undoubtedly a highlight, visitors can also enjoy other stunning scenes, such as the early morning as dawn breaks, or the vast panoramic views during a clear afternoon, each offering unique and unforgettable sights.
Hakodate has been a place where people have lived since the Jomon period, thanks to its natural harbor. In the late Edo period, Hakodate's geographical advantages led to the opening of a large port, fostering its development as a key connection between the mainland and Hokkaido. This development was sparked by the arrival of Commodore Perry and his fleet of five black ships from the United States in 1854.
Today, many historic buildings that trace this rich history can still be found in the city center of Hakodate. The Red Brick Warehouses, the Old Hakodate Post Office, the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, the churches in the Motomachi area, the former consulates, and more create a cityscape full of foreign charm, as if you've stepped back in time.
A recommended course is to ride the charming tram to explore these historical sites, and then take the Mount Hakodate Ropeway to the observatory, where you can gaze upon the city you've just toured.
Goryokaku was constructed in 1864 as the new site for the Hakodate Magistrate's Office following the opening of Hakodate Port. However, just two years after its completion, the Edo Shogunate collapsed. Goryokaku was then occupied by the forces of the former Shogunate, led by Takeaki Enomoto, and became the stage for the Battle of Hakodate. This site is not only significant in the history of Hokkaido but also in Japan as a whole.
Goryokaku is Japan's first Western-style fort, designed in a star shape with five points. This design was chosen because it minimized blind spots for the defenders. Today, the unique and beautiful shape of the fort continues to captivate visitors. At the center of the star-shaped fort, a portion of the Hakodate Magistrate's Office has been restored and is open to the public. Surrounded by pine trees, the building retains the atmosphere of the Edo period and is a must-see.
After the Battle of Hakodate ended in 1869, the new government took control of Goryokaku, and it was used by the army. In 1914, Goryokaku was opened to the public as Goryokaku Park. Since its opening, cherry trees (Somei Yoshino) have been planted annually, and today, the park boasts 1,500 cherry trees that bloom beautifully in the spring. As a result, Goryokaku is recognized as one of Hokkaido's top cherry blossom viewing spots.
In 1952, Goryokaku was designated a Special Historic Site by the Japanese government. Today, it stands as one of Hokkaido's premier tourist attractions and a beloved gathering place for locals, attracting many visitors throughout the year.
The Kakinoshima Site and the Ofune Site are both archaeological sites located on the Pacific side of the southern Oshima Peninsula in Hokkaido, within the Minamikayabe area of Hakodate City. Both sites are part of the Jomon Archaeological Sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Kakinoshima Site is a Jomon period settlement located along the Kakinoshima River in Minamikayabe, on a terrace at an elevation of 32 to 50 meters. This site is believed to have been a settlement where people lived for an extended period, from around 7000 BC to approximately 6000 BC. Numerous pit dwellings, ritual sites, and burial grounds have been excavated here. Artifacts such as lacquerware, pottery, and many stone weights used for fishing nets have been uncovered from the dwelling sites, indicating that fishing was a prominent activity in the settlement.
One of the most remarkable features of the Kakinoshima Site is the large mound structure, used for rituals to give thanks for tools that were no longer in use or for animals. This structure spans 190 meters, making it one of the largest of its kind in Japan, and its shape is still visible today. Additionally, the nearby Hakodate Jomon Culture Center permanently displays the "Hollow Clay Figurine," a National Treasure from the Late Jomon period, also discovered in Minamikayabe. A visit to the center is highly recommended.
The Ofune Site, located about 5 kilometers north of the Kakinoshima Site along the Ofune River, is another Jomon period settlement dating back to around 3000 BC. This mid-Jomon period site is situated on a similar terrace and is notable for its large-scale settlement remains, including over 100 pit dwelling sites, some of which are quite large.
Artifacts uncovered at the Ofune Site include remains of salmon, cod, tuna, as well as sea urchins, oysters, seals, and whales, providing insights into the diet of the people who lived there. Evidence of chestnuts, walnuts, and grapes has also been found, indicating the rich natural resources that supported this large settlement.
The Minamikayabe area is home to around 90 other archaeological sites, making it a fascinating region to explore. Visiting these sites in conjunction with Kakinoshima and Ofune is highly recommended for those interested in Jomon culture and history.
Located on the southeastern coast of the Oshima Peninsula, Esan Prefectural Natural Park features the majestic bell-shaped Mount Esan, an active volcano, and Yokotsu-dake, the highest peak of the Kameda Peninsula. The park is also home to the scattered Onsens of Esan Onsen Village. In 1961, it was designated as a prefectural natural park.
The park offers a dynamic landscape with rich and diverse alpine plant communities, sea cliffs, and unique rock formations shaped by the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the Tsugaru Strait. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, nature walks, relaxation, camping, and marine sports, all within the park's varied terrain of volcanoes, coastlines, and valleys. Each activity hub is located near an Onsen, collectively referred to as Esan Onsen Village.
Although Mount Esan stands at just 618 meters, it is a relatively young volcano with underdeveloped soil, and its location jutting into the Pacific Ocean means it is heavily influenced by sea fog. These conditions create a habitat for a wide variety of alpine plants, making it a notable site for botanical observation.
The park also features striking columnar joints of andesite rock along the coastline, particularly visible from the foot of Hiura Cape Lighthouse, where you can gaze down at a vast expanse of these rock formations. This landscape was documented in the diary of Takushiro Matsuura, an explorer who ventured through Hokkaido at the end of the Edo period, indicating that these formations have remained unchanged since that time.
Hakodate City is located in the southeastern part of the Oshima Peninsula in southern Hokkaido, surrounded by the Tsugaru Strait, the Pacific Ocean, and Uchiura Bay. Historically, it has flourished as a natural harbor and served as a vital hub connecting Honshu and Hokkaido.
As a city of great historical and cultural significance, Hakodate played a crucial role in the development of Hokkaido. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 5 million visitors annually due to its beautiful historical sites and scenic landscapes.
Hakodate has earned the top spot in municipal attractiveness rankings six times, and the view from Mount Hakodate has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, indicating it is “worth a special journey.”
The highlights of Hakodate include what is considered Japan’s most beautiful night view, often referred to as the “million-dollar night view,” from Mount Hakodate, overlooking the city. Additionally, there are numerous important cultural properties, including Western-style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods, with the Special Historic Site of Goryokaku being the most prominent among them. Hakodate is also home to Jomon archaeological sites, preserving traces of the people who lived in this area since ancient times.
Furthermore, Hakodate offers the unique natural beauty and abundant nature that Hokkaido is known for, along with the blessings of the earth, including Hakodate’s Onsen.
The term “Hakodate Onsen” collectively refers to the Onsens at the foot of Mount Hakodate, Yunokawa Onsen near Hakodate Fishing Port, and other Onsen within the city. Yunokawa Onsen is considered one of Hokkaido’s three major Onsen.
Moreover, Hakodate’s location, surrounded by three seas, allows visitors to fully indulge in the rich bounty of the ocean. Of course, one can also enjoy the agricultural produce, dairy products, and meats nurtured by Hokkaido’s vast and fertile land.
Get to Know Hakodate onsen
Area guide
Hakodate Onsen (Hakodate City Area)
Hakodate Onsen, located at the foot of Mount Hakodate, offers a view of the “Million-Dollar Night View of Hakodate,” one of Japan's three most famous nightscapes. The five Onsen hotels in the area have large public baths on the upper floors, allowing guests to enjoy the night view while soaking, without the need to ascend Mount Hakodate.
The Onsen has a chloride spring quality and is more about enjoying the Onsen experience within a hotel setting rather than a traditional ryokan style.
The Onsen area is conveniently located near Hakodate Station and stretches along Hakodate Port within the city center. Nearby, visitors can explore popular Hakodate attractions such as the Red Brick Warehouses, the Old Hakodate Post Office, and areas where they can enjoy the nostalgic townscape.
The ropeway station for ascending Mount Hakodate is just a 15-minute walk from Hakodate Onsen, making it easy to reach on foot. Strolling through the nostalgic streets of Hakodate while heading towards Mount Hakodate is a recommended course.
Additionally, a tram operates from Hakodate Station, allowing visitors to easily access other historical sites and tourist attractions within the city.
Yunokawa Onsen
Yunokawa Onsen is a Onsen area located about 5 kilometers east of central Hakodate, in the suburbs of Hakodate City.
Along with Jozankei Onsen (in Sapporo) and Noboribetsu Onsen (in Noboribetsu City), it is considered one of Hokkaido's three major Onsen towns. With a history of around 400 years, Yunokawa Onsen has long been a bustling destination for bathers.
The Onsen boasts an impressive hot water flow of 4,861 liters per minute, an average temperature of 65 degrees Celsius, and 22 different Onsen sources.
Yunokawa Onsen is about a 15-minute drive from central Hakodate, 40 minutes by tram, and only a 10-minute drive from Hakodate Airport, making it a very accessible and popular Onsen destination.
It is also close to Hakodate Onsen, and since Yunokawa Onsen has a different water quality—bicarbonate spring—it's recommended to enjoy a tour of different Onsens in the area.
Since Yunokawa Onsen is located on the opposite side of Mount Hakodate, guests staying on the upper floors of the hotels in the Onsen town can enjoy a different perspective of Hakodate’s night view.
In front of the Onsen town stretches the Tsugaru Strait, and during the nights from summer to autumn, you can watch the fishing lights of squid boats, a specialty of Hokkaido, from the open-air baths or guest rooms.
Given its location, another attraction is the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood along with the Onsen experience.
The Onsen town is also close to Hakodate's tourist attractions and historical sites. Notably, Goryokaku, the star-shaped fort that served as the stage for the Battle of Hakodate and still retains its shape, is situated right in the middle of the tram line connecting Hakodate Station and Yunokawa Station, making it easy to visit both.
Additionally, the Onsen within the tropical botanical garden in the Yunokawa Onsen area is famous for the monkeys that bathe there from December to May. Known as the "Monkey Mountain Onsen," it has become a lesser-known but charming tourist spot.
Esan Onsen Village
Esan Onsen Village is the collective name for two Onsens—Esan Onsen and Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen—both of which were formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Esan, an active volcano located about an hour's drive east of Hakodate's city center, facing the Pacific Ocean.
Esan Onsen consists of two Onsen inns located at the foot of the eastern and western slopes of Mount Esan. Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen, on the other hand, is a rare natural open-air bath situated along the coastline at the foot of the eastern slope, one of the few of its kind in the country.
Due to their proximity to the coast, the water quality of these Onsens is chloride-sulfate, differing from the Onsens at Hakodate Onsen and Yunokawa Onsen. Both Esan Onsen and Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen are located within Esan Prefectural Natural Park, making them ideal places to enjoy not only the Onsens but also the rich natural surroundings.
Mount Esan, located within Esan Prefectural Natural Park, stands at 618 meters, making it a relatively low mountain. However, it is known for its diverse range of alpine plants, and the hiking trail to the summit is quite popular.
In addition, there are many other attractions to enjoy alongside the Onsen, such as Esan Cape Lighthouse, located at the boundary between the Pacific Ocean and the Tsugaru Strait, and Choshi Beach, a beautiful coastline that is also a hidden surfing spot. The area also features sea cliffs and unique rock formations, shaped by the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the Tsugaru Strait.
Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen, a natural open-air bath, offers a unique experience as the bathing hours change with the tides. The Onsen is submerged at high tide and accessible only during low tide, providing a truly immersive experience of the earth’s natural bounty.
Access
From Tokyo
<Shinkansen/Train> Tokyo Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (Hakodate Liner) → Hakodate Station (approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes)
From Haneda Airport
<Plane/Bus> Haneda Airport → Hakodate Airport / Hakodate Airport Bus Stop (Hakodate Teisan Bus) → Hakodate Station Bus Stop (approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes)
From Sendai
<Shinkansen/Train> Sendai Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) → Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (Hakodate Liner) → Hakodate Station (approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes)
From Itami Airport (Osaka Airport)
<Plane/Bus> Itami (Osaka Airport) → Hakodate Airport / Hakodate Airport Bus Stop (Hakodate Teisan Bus) → Hakodate Station Bus Stop (approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes)
From Aomori
<Ferry> Aomori Port (Tsugaru Strait Ferry) → Hakodate Port (approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes)
Water Quality
The water quality of the Onsens varies by area: Hakodate Onsen (Hakodate City Area) features strong saline chloride springs, Yunokawa Onsen has bicarbonate springs, and Esan Onsen Village offers chloride-sulfate springs.
All of these types of Onsens are said to have general therapeutic benefits, including treatment for skin inflammation, beautifying the skin, bronchitis, arteriosclerosis, neuralgia, lower back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, recovery from illness, fatigue recovery, health promotion, cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases, frail children, chronic gynecological disorders, high blood pressure, anemia, and rheumatism.
The characteristics and benefits of each Onsen vary depending on the water quality. The strong saline chloride springs of Hakodate Onsen (Hakodate City Area) are colorless, transparent, and have a salty taste.
The salt in the water adheres to the skin, preventing sweat from evaporating, which keeps the body warm for a longer period. This high heat retention effect makes it difficult to cool down after bathing, earning it the nickname "netsu no yu" or "hot water."
Due to its high concentration, it is said to be particularly effective for neuralgia, lower back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and cold sensitivity, with effects that may surpass those of other Onsens with similar water quality.
Yunokawa Onsen has bicarbonate springs and chloride springs.
As mentioned earlier, chloride springs have similar benefits, but bicarbonate springs are colorless and transparent. They contain baking soda, which, through an emulsification process, softens the surface of the skin, washing away fats and secretions, leaving the skin smooth and silky after bathing.
This effect is so pronounced that it feels as though the skin has been washed with soap, leading to its nickname "bijin no yu" or "beauty bath." It is also known for leaving hair shiny and smooth after simply rinsing with the Onsen water. Bicarbonate springs are also believed to be effective for treating cuts, burns, and chronic skin diseases.
In Esan Onsen Village, the water quality differs between Esan Onsen and Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen.
Esan Onsen features bicarbonate springs and acidic ferruginous springs. As previously mentioned, bicarbonate springs are known for their skin-smoothing properties. Acidic ferruginous springs, on the other hand, are colorless and transparent when they emerge but turn a distinctive reddish-brown color in the bath due to the oxidation of iron when exposed to air. Because of this, they are sometimes called "red springs." These springs are rich in iron, which can give the water a metallic taste and smell.
The springs are known for their warming effects, making them potentially beneficial for rheumatism, menopausal disorders, anemia, and chronic eczema. Additionally, the strong antibacterial properties of these springs make them suitable for treating wounds and skin inflammations. The water is also believed to help with menstrual disorders, leading to its nickname "Kodakara no Yu" or "child-giving bath."
Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen features chloride-sulfate springs. These are colorless, transparent, and odorless but have a slightly salty taste due to their high sodium content. The springs are said to have a calming effect, which can help lower blood pressure and alleviate pain. They are also thought to be effective for conditions such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and wounds. Additionally, the springs may stimulate intestinal activity, making them potentially beneficial for constipation, obesity, diabetes, and gout.
History
The history of Hakodate Onsen varies depending on the area. Hakodate Onsen, located in the city center, did not develop as a traditional Onsen town.
With the opening of Hakodate Port, the city saw an influx of different cultures, leading to the growth of commercial facilities and businesses, which in turn increased the population and brought vibrancy to the area.
Amidst this growth, a public Onsen bathing facility was opened in 1953 at Yachigashira Station on the tram line for the benefit of the local residents.
Following this, the number of bathing facilities gradually increased. As Hakodate continued to develop as a tourist destination, hotels with Onsen facilities and day-use Onsen establishments began to open, leading to the present form of Hakodate Onsen. This Onsen area naturally evolved alongside the development of the city.
Yunokawa Onsen is one of the oldest Onsens in Hakodate, boasting a long history. Its high-quality and abundant Onsens made it a popular therapeutic destination, supporting the development of the area.
Yunokawa Onsen is listed among Hokkaido’s three major Onsen towns and is often referred to as the "inner parlor of Hakodate." The opening of Yunokawa Onsen dates back to 1653, making it the oldest Onsen in Hokkaido with a rich and storied history.
The name Yunokawa is believed to originate from the Ainu words “yu” (hot water) and “petsu” (river), suggesting that the Ainu people may have also used the Onsens.
According to legend, a woodcutter discovered the spring in 1453 and healed his arm pain in the water. Later, in 1653, the fame of Yunokawa Onsen spread after it was said to have cured the illness of the ninth lord of the Matsumae domain.
This event marked the beginning of its recognition as a therapeutic Onsen. A shrine, Yukura Shrine, now stands at the site where the woodcutter made his discovery, watching over the people of the area.
During the Boshin War, which included the Battle of Hakodate centered around Goryokaku, Yunokawa Onsen served as a place of healing for the wounded. In 1886, the discovery of a new Onsen source led to the establishment of a therapeutic bathhouse, marking the beginning of the Onsen town's significant growth.
Today, as the "inner parlor" of the tourist destination Hakodate, Yunokawa Onsen thrives as a bustling Onsen town, offering visitors abundant Onsen water and high-quality water to soothe and rejuvenate.
The detailed history of both Esan Onsen and Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen, located in Esan Onsen Village, is not well documented, but both were developed into their current form around the mid-Showa period.
The volcanic activity of Mount Esan is believed to have started approximately 40,000 to 50,000 years ago, so it’s possible that the Ainu people, who lived in the area long ago, may have used these Onsens for their medicinal properties.
The name Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen appears in the diary of Takushiro Matsuura, an explorer who traveled through Hokkaido at the end of the Edo period, suggesting that by this time, the Onsen was already in use by the local people.
Attractions
Hakodate Mountain Observatory and Hakodate City Area
One of the must-visit places when in Hakodate is the observatory on Mount Hakodate. The view from the mountain, which stands at 334 meters above sea level, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, especially the night view, which is famously known as the "Million-Dollar Night View." The vista is so spectacular that it has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, signifying that it is "worth a special journey."
While the night view is undoubtedly a highlight, visitors can also enjoy other stunning scenes, such as the early morning as dawn breaks, or the vast panoramic views during a clear afternoon, each offering unique and unforgettable sights.
Hakodate has been a place where people have lived since the Jomon period, thanks to its natural harbor. In the late Edo period, Hakodate's geographical advantages led to the opening of a large port, fostering its development as a key connection between the mainland and Hokkaido. This development was sparked by the arrival of Commodore Perry and his fleet of five black ships from the United States in 1854.
Today, many historic buildings that trace this rich history can still be found in the city center of Hakodate. The Red Brick Warehouses, the Old Hakodate Post Office, the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, the churches in the Motomachi area, the former consulates, and more create a cityscape full of foreign charm, as if you've stepped back in time.
A recommended course is to ride the charming tram to explore these historical sites, and then take the Mount Hakodate Ropeway to the observatory, where you can gaze upon the city you've just toured.
Special Historic Site Goryokaku
Goryokaku was constructed in 1864 as the new site for the Hakodate Magistrate's Office following the opening of Hakodate Port. However, just two years after its completion, the Edo Shogunate collapsed. Goryokaku was then occupied by the forces of the former Shogunate, led by Takeaki Enomoto, and became the stage for the Battle of Hakodate. This site is not only significant in the history of Hokkaido but also in Japan as a whole.
Goryokaku is Japan's first Western-style fort, designed in a star shape with five points. This design was chosen because it minimized blind spots for the defenders. Today, the unique and beautiful shape of the fort continues to captivate visitors. At the center of the star-shaped fort, a portion of the Hakodate Magistrate's Office has been restored and is open to the public. Surrounded by pine trees, the building retains the atmosphere of the Edo period and is a must-see.
After the Battle of Hakodate ended in 1869, the new government took control of Goryokaku, and it was used by the army. In 1914, Goryokaku was opened to the public as Goryokaku Park. Since its opening, cherry trees (Somei Yoshino) have been planted annually, and today, the park boasts 1,500 cherry trees that bloom beautifully in the spring. As a result, Goryokaku is recognized as one of Hokkaido's top cherry blossom viewing spots.
In 1952, Goryokaku was designated a Special Historic Site by the Japanese government. Today, it stands as one of Hokkaido's premier tourist attractions and a beloved gathering place for locals, attracting many visitors throughout the year.
The Kakinoshima Site and the Ofune Site
The Kakinoshima Site and the Ofune Site are both archaeological sites located on the Pacific side of the southern Oshima Peninsula in Hokkaido, within the Minamikayabe area of Hakodate City. Both sites are part of the Jomon Archaeological Sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Kakinoshima Site is a Jomon period settlement located along the Kakinoshima River in Minamikayabe, on a terrace at an elevation of 32 to 50 meters. This site is believed to have been a settlement where people lived for an extended period, from around 7000 BC to approximately 6000 BC. Numerous pit dwellings, ritual sites, and burial grounds have been excavated here. Artifacts such as lacquerware, pottery, and many stone weights used for fishing nets have been uncovered from the dwelling sites, indicating that fishing was a prominent activity in the settlement.
One of the most remarkable features of the Kakinoshima Site is the large mound structure, used for rituals to give thanks for tools that were no longer in use or for animals. This structure spans 190 meters, making it one of the largest of its kind in Japan, and its shape is still visible today. Additionally, the nearby Hakodate Jomon Culture Center permanently displays the "Hollow Clay Figurine," a National Treasure from the Late Jomon period, also discovered in Minamikayabe. A visit to the center is highly recommended.
The Ofune Site, located about 5 kilometers north of the Kakinoshima Site along the Ofune River, is another Jomon period settlement dating back to around 3000 BC. This mid-Jomon period site is situated on a similar terrace and is notable for its large-scale settlement remains, including over 100 pit dwelling sites, some of which are quite large.
Artifacts uncovered at the Ofune Site include remains of salmon, cod, tuna, as well as sea urchins, oysters, seals, and whales, providing insights into the diet of the people who lived there. Evidence of chestnuts, walnuts, and grapes has also been found, indicating the rich natural resources that supported this large settlement.
The Minamikayabe area is home to around 90 other archaeological sites, making it a fascinating region to explore. Visiting these sites in conjunction with Kakinoshima and Ofune is highly recommended for those interested in Jomon culture and history.
Esan Prefectural Natural Park
Located on the southeastern coast of the Oshima Peninsula, Esan Prefectural Natural Park features the majestic bell-shaped Mount Esan, an active volcano, and Yokotsu-dake, the highest peak of the Kameda Peninsula. The park is also home to the scattered Onsens of Esan Onsen Village. In 1961, it was designated as a prefectural natural park.
The park offers a dynamic landscape with rich and diverse alpine plant communities, sea cliffs, and unique rock formations shaped by the waves of the Pacific Ocean and the Tsugaru Strait. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, nature walks, relaxation, camping, and marine sports, all within the park's varied terrain of volcanoes, coastlines, and valleys. Each activity hub is located near an Onsen, collectively referred to as Esan Onsen Village.
Although Mount Esan stands at just 618 meters, it is a relatively young volcano with underdeveloped soil, and its location jutting into the Pacific Ocean means it is heavily influenced by sea fog. These conditions create a habitat for a wide variety of alpine plants, making it a notable site for botanical observation.
The park also features striking columnar joints of andesite rock along the coastline, particularly visible from the foot of Hiura Cape Lighthouse, where you can gaze down at a vast expanse of these rock formations. This landscape was documented in the diary of Takushiro Matsuura, an explorer who ventured through Hokkaido at the end of the Edo period, indicating that these formations have remained unchanged since that time.
