| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 20:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | https://joyful-ak.com/ |
| Notes | Home improvement store, interior & exterior, pet store, supermarket, truck rental, large parking space, wheelchair access, gardening store, wheelchair access, credit card accepted |
| Location / Getting There | There are 9 Joyful AK stores in the Hokkaido area (though 2 of these are pet stores only). 5 of these are in Sapporo, with 1 being in the city of Obihiro, Ebetsu, Kitahiroshima, and Otofuke. Please see maps below and at the end of the article for access. |
For carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters, interior decorators, gardeners and all round handymen and the DIY enthusiasts, Joyful AK is a builders paradise. This is THE store to find pretty much anything you need. The other stores that are popular is the Homac chain, but these stores (although more numerous) are on a much smaller scale. The Joyful AK stores are gigantic, and if you can’t find what you need at Homac, Joyful AK will have it. Many of the stores have a separate building specializing in outdoor goods, plus a pet store, and a restaurant or eatery. Joyful AK also have a supermarket area and shopping area.
There is ample parking at the Joyful stores with special parking for larger vehicles that can back up to the wood section. One of the pluses here too, is that you can hire a small truck for those with some serious bulk to buy and move. Not only can you find ample amounts of wood in any size, steel goods, piping, a huge selection of paints and stains, they also have every tool and machine you need for renovating and doing the odd jobs around the home. On the second floor they also have an ample furniture and interior section. When paying for your goods, they accept credit cards and why not take advantage of the special points card you can get at all Joyful AK stores. Joyful AK is second to none when it comes to home improvement!
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥500 - ¥1000 |
| Opening Hours | *10:30 - 22:00 Store hours may vary depending on store |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | https://www.ohsho.co.jp/ |
| Notes | Chinese restaurant, electronic payment, take out available |
| Location / Getting There | 20 locations throughout Hokkaido. Can be found in every major city. Check map for locations. |
Gyoza no Ohsho is a huge chain of Chinese restaurants throughout Japan. They boast having over 700 stores throughout the country. In Hokkaido there are 20 Gyoza no Ohsho stores with 11 of these being in the city of Sapporo. This chain has been running for an impressive past fifty years! Gyoza (also known as Jiaozi in China) is a Chinese dumpling which is a popular dish in Japan as well as Southeast Asia. Gyoza no Ohsho uses Japanese ingredients and take pride in their pursuit of freshness and quality. The dumplings are handmade by the chefs at each of their restaurants.
So, what makes these restaurants so popular? There are so many of these restaurants around that they are easy to find. In Hokkaido you can find a Gyoza No Ohsho in every major city (please see map below for further locations around Hokkaido). The prices here are really affordable and you get a lot for your buck. The gyoza here is good and you can get a large set meal from your pick of all your favorite Chinese dishes in Japan. They have fried rice, noodles and spicy soups just to name a few. For a cheap and easy Chinese lunch or meal, Gyoza No Ohsha is a good place to check out. The stores are noticeable for their large red signs out front.
| Cost per night | ¥3,500 - ¥8,000 |
| Check-in | 15:00 |
| Check-out | 11:00 |
| Contact | http://www.apahotel.com |
| Restaurant | Yes |
| Wi-fi | Yes |
| Parking | Yes |
| Notes | Amenities in room, coin laundry, vending machines (soft drinks and alcohol), AED, smoking and non smoking rooms, dryer free, PC rental available, full air-conditioning, wheelchair access |
| Locations | 9 locations in Sapporo 2 locations in Asahikawa, Hakodate & Kushiro 1 location in Obihiro, Shiretoko, Kitami, Furano & Muroran |
APA is a huge chain of hotels throughout Japan. They have hotels in over 400 locations, and in 47 regions of Japan. In Hokkaido, you can find an APA hotel in every major city. There are 20 hotels in Hokkaido. What makes the APA hotel so popular is its affordability. These hotels are 3 star budget hotels but are clean and convenient. Most of the hotels are near the main stations or near points of interest. They have restaurants on the premises, and all the amenities you need. If you are traveling on a budget, then these are great hotels to stay at. Some of the hotels have onsens (hot springs), for the weary traveller. For all locations throughout Hokkaido, please see the map at the bottom of the article.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 - ¥2000 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 - 19:00 |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Contact | 011-3884-6210 https://www.cafe-gram.com |
| Notes | Cafe & restaurant, parking for 8, no smoking |
| Location / Getting There | The cafe is located in central Hakodate near the harbor. The cafe is just a two minute walk from Jujigai subway station (4 stops from Hakodate station). For those with a car, there is a small parking spot out the front. 12-3 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053 |
This restaurant is famous for its pancakes in the city of Hakodate. These fluffy three tiered pancakes are served throughout the day and a stacked to a considerable height on your plate! Due to the popularity of these pancakes tickets are usually needed to order. The premium pancakes are only for certain times during the day, and it can take a while for your order to come so be prepared. Once they do arrive, these are really good! There is also a large pancake cushion for a photo opportunity to remember your visit.
Besides the premium pancakes, they have some good lunches to enjoy. A bit of sweet and savory to go with your coffee. The lunches here include small pancakes served with thick bacon, avocado, eggs and a hamburger patty. The perfect brunch! There is also toast and cream. Side dishes include a healthier salad or soup. While in Hakodate, this is not a bad place to drop into. There is plenty of seating, so its a good for groups, and there is enough parking around the store. Interestingly, they have other stores in America.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Contact | 011-3822-6756 |
| Notes | Buddhist temple |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the southern part of Hakodate city near the base of Mt. Hakodate. For public transport, it is a 12 minute walk uphill from Yachigashira tram station (seven stops from Hakodate tram station). If driving there is a small parking spot. 〒040-0046 Hokkaido, Hakodate, Yachigashiracho, 1-2 Myoshinji |
Gagyusanmyoshin Temple is a Buddhist temple tucked up in the hills of Mt. Hakodate. It is a large temple and being up on the slopes of Mt. Hakodate, has views overlooking the residential area of Hakodate. It is also on the way to the Hekketsu-hi Monument, which is a short walk away. The temple was founded by Wakamatsu Niizumi, who was born in 1915. As a child he had difficulty with his eyesight and his mother often prayed that he would be able to see. At the age of seven, he could finally open his eyes. From this experience, he devoted his life to the Buddhist faith.
He was a priest in Hakodate City, and in the spring of 1946, the temple was founded. For those practicing the Buddhist faith, there is a special red stamp that can be received on arrival. Throughout the temple and on the grounds, there are various statues and memorials. Each has their own special significance. There is a bell tower, with the large bell being rung at 6:30 and at 18:00 everyday. Throughout the year there are various events held. The most interesting being the ‘Yuan Dynasty Visit’ which is the New Year’s first prayer meeting. This festival sees brave souls pouring water over themselves in the cold winter weather. For other festivals, read below.
| January | Yuan Dynasty Visit New Year's first prayer meeting |
| February | Cold training Star Festival Setsubun Religious Party |
| March | Higankai |
| April | Spring festival |
| July | Ranbonkai Summer Vacation training dojo Mizuko Kyokai |
| September | Higankai |
| October | Autumn festival |
| November | Daikokutenjin festival |
| December | Boil up, Joya no Kane |
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Historical site, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the southern part of Hakodate city near the base of Mt. Hakodate. There is no parking here so it's a little tricky but you can find some parking around the shrines nearby and take the path up to the site. For public transport, it is a 15 minute walk uphill from Yachigashira tram station (seven stops from Hakodate tram station). 5-14 Yachigashiracho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0046 |
The Hekketsu Monument is the centre piece for the burial and tribute for the 800 samurai and their leaders who died fighting against government forces in the Boshin War. This war included, specifically, the Battle of Hakodate. This battle in 1869 was the samurai’s last stand. The government forces were intent on restoring the emperor to the throne and overthrowing the military rule of the Shogunate and the samurai. The monument here is made from stone brought up from Tokyo. The word ‘Hekketsu’ is derived from an old Chinese saying, “the blood of warriors who die for their lord turns blue after three years.”
Toshizo Hijikata who led the samurai in the final Battle of Hakodate was killed during this fight. This monument is also erected in his memory. His death poem reads “though my body may decay on the island of Ezo, my spirit guards my lord in the East.” In the aftermath of the battle, the bodies of the Shogunate forces were originally left on the streets and any burial or religious service was prohibited. The bodies were eventually moved to this current site. The government forces dead were buried at Hakodate Gokoku Shrine, which is not a far walk from here. This grassland in the forest is a peaceful and relaxing spot with a quiet stillness and is worth a visit. This site is not far from the shrines lower down on the hill and is better accessed from Gagyusan Myoshin Temple or the shrine of Hachiman-gu.
