Hokkaido Hakodate Matsumae Castle + Goryokaku Park + Kamome Island Day Tour [Hakodate Cherry Blossom Viewing, Daily Departures]

【Tachimachi Cape – A spectacular spot overlooking the Tsugaru Strait】
Located on the south side of Mount Hakodate, Tachimachi Cape, which juts into the Tsugaru Strait, was once an important lookout point for monitoring foreign ships. From this cliff, approximately 30 meters above sea level, you can not only enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful coastline of Omori Beach, but on clear days, you can even see the magnificent scenery of the Tsugaru Peninsula and Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture.
Additionally, during the summer and autumn months, the fishing lights of squid boats dot the night sea, creating a dreamlike view. Combining history, nature, and scenery, Tachimachi Cape is a must-visit spot when you are in Hakodate.

【Matsumae Castle】
Matsumae Town is located at the northernmost tip of Japan and retains a strong atmosphere of an Edo-period castle town, especially around Matsumae Castle and the Teramachi area. This is one of Japan's famous cherry blossom viewing spots, where the beauty of the blossoms and the ancient castle complement each other. Matsumae Park is planted with about 10,000 cherry trees of approximately 250 varieties, covering early, mid, and late-blooming types, allowing visitors to enjoy the blooming of various cherry blossoms over the course of a month.
As the most famous cherry blossom spot in the southernmost part of Hokkaido, Matsumae Park is home to Matsumae Castle, the residence of the Matsumae Clan during the Edo period. This castle is the only remaining ancient castle in Hokkaido. From late April to mid-May each year, Matsumae Park hosts the grand 'Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival.' At this time, the castle tower and the cherry blossoms complement each other, making it a beautiful spot that photography enthusiasts must visit. At night, the scenery of the night cherry blossoms is even more enchanting. In addition, folk events such as song shows and samurai parades are held during the festival.
【Matsumae Clan Mansion】
The Matsumae Clan Mansion is a theme park that recreates the magnificent mansion of the Matsumae Clan era. The park features 14 Japanese-style buildings, including samurai residences, shops, a port magistrate's office, inns, and seafood wholesalers, presenting a complete historical street atmosphere. Through the restoration of details such as dolls, the park allows visitors to feel as if they have traveled back to the Edo period and experience the life of that time.

【Kamome Island】
Kamome Island is a beautiful small island with a circumference of 2.6 kilometers. During the period when Esashi Town flourished due to Kitamaebune trade, it was used as a natural harbor. Viewed from the air, the shape of the island resembles a seagull spreading its wings, hence the name 'Kamome Island' (Seagull Island). A walking path has been built between the coast on the inland side and the center of the island. Visitors can take a walk to see the Bottle Rock (Bin-iwa), the sunset viewing lighthouse, and the Senjojiki, an incredible flat area formed by wave erosion that looks like it is covered with tatami mats. Here, you can see the beautiful sunset selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Sunsets.

【Goryokaku Park】
Goryokaku Park is the site where the Boshin War ended, a fierce battle between the former Shogunate forces, including Enomoto Takeaki and Hijikata Toshizo, and the new Meiji government army, and it has been designated as a National Special Historic Site. This Western-style fortress is shaped like a beautiful star with five protruding bastions, covering an area of 25.2 hectares, and has now been developed into a park.
In spring, about 1,500 cherry trees bloom, making it one of the famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido. You can take a rowboat on the moat to enjoy the cherry blossoms along the shore. At night, the park is illuminated, creating a dreamlike scene. In addition to cherry blossoms, there are azaleas, wisteria trellises, and water lilies, with autumn foliage and a silver snow-covered landscape in winter, allowing you to enjoy different natural beauty throughout the four seasons.
The Goryokaku Tower observatory next to the park offers a panoramic view of the star-shaped Goryokaku, Hakodate city, and the Tsugaru Strait. It is recommended to climb the tower first to overlook the panoramic view before starting your tour of the park and its surroundings, so you can better appreciate the charm of Goryokaku. Spend a special time in this Goryokaku Park that blends history and nature.
*This tour does not include the Goryokaku Tower admission ticket.

− Meeting Time −
Meeting Point: Main entrance of JR INN Hakodate
Meeting Time: Before 7:50
7:50 Departure from JR INN Hakodate
8:15 Tachimachi Cape (20 minutes of free time)
11:00 Matsumae Castle (70 minutes of free time) Cherry Blossom Viewing
13:20 Kamome Island (70 minutes of free time)
16:00 Goryokaku Park (70 minutes of free time) Cherry Blossom Viewing

− Return Trip −
17:30 Drop-off in front of JR INN Hakodate
17:50 Drop-off in front of Hakodateyama Ropeway entrance