"Southern Hokkaido" Hakodate by akikonomu

The first impression when you head into the harbour area of Hakodate is that it resembles some old European colonial city rather than a Japanese city. The town centre lacks tall, crowded buildings despite being the third largest city in Hokkaido.

Various churches and European style embassies dot the slopped area where you can also find old shrines, wooden houses in typical Japanese architectural styles and modern pensions. Strange hodge podge of influences...

Being a harbour city, there are plenty of seafood wholesalers and restaurants in Hakodate. Yet, in the city centre, European influenced cafes selling well crafted desserts, burgers and Western meals are aplenty. You do not need to worry about not being able to find good food here.

Apparently, Hakodate hill boasts one of the best night views in the whole of Japan. Pictures in guide books seem to corroborate with the claims. But when we were there, it was foggy and there is no night view to speak of. Guess we don't get to see the best of everything in a single trip.

• Pros:Plenty to see and experience