Hakodateyama Guest House - Hostel

I stopped here on a cycling trip not long after it reopened following a three-year closure. There’s a steep climb up to the house, but I thought it was well worth it. The owner and staff work hard and are still making improvements. I even got to spend one evening with them. I love the retro electronics and record players, and it’s a lovely place just to sit and look out the window. Hakodate Park is nearby, and there’s a Lawson close by. I think the nearest market is 2 km away, a pleasant walk, or you can take the tram from in front of the Lawson. If I return to Hakodate, I’ll stay here again.

The owner, who also has a vintage Ferrari, will gladly drive you to and from the JR station, which helps with the inconvenient location. From the guesthouse you can look out over the city, and the view is beautiful. The house was clean and cozy, decorated with vintage objects and traditional Japanese style. There’s a kitchen with vinyl records and a player, and all the other amenities you need. It was an absolute treat to stay here. Hakodate is one of my favorite places in Japan, and this is one of the best guest houses I’ve stayed in. Next time, I’d spend a week relaxing here and enjoying the city.

A cool, comfortable house with lovely views of the mountain and sea. It’s quiet and tucked away from the city, but still not too far away.

The house has a shared kitchen that’s really practical, with a nice system where guests label their things using a sticker with their name and checkout date. It’s also full of antiques, including typewriters, a gramophone, working TVs, and record players. The owner made the place feel welcoming and encouraged guests to talk with one another, which added something special compared with a hotel. She explained a lot about town and suggested places to eat and visit. Since it was raining and we had children with us, she even drove us to the tram stop. We had a lovely stay.