Fun and Recommended Spots to Visit Near Hakodate Station Even on Rainy Days

【Last Update 2025/8】

Has your travel plans ever been disrupted by unpredictable weather? Good weather is one of the key factors when traveling, especially when you’re hoping to take beautiful photos. While summer in Hakodate can be lovely, the weather can sometimes surprise you with unexpected changes. Although we can’t control the weather, we can prepare a solid Plan B in case the weather on your travel day doesn’t turn out as expected. Let’s take a look at some great spots near Hakodate Station that can be your perfect Plan B rain or shine!

Hakoviva, home to Hakodate’s iconic shops

Located right next to Hakodate Station, “Hakoviva” means “a place that brings happiness.” This large multi-purpose commercial complex is packed with charm, featuring restaurants, a sports gym, a convenience store, souvenir shops, and more, all with excellent accessibility. It’s the perfect spot for travelers looking to enjoy a relaxing visit. Whether you’re in between transfers or just looking for a meal or some shopping near the station, Hakoviva has you covered.

Hakodate Ekimae Yokocho

“Hakodate Ekimae Yokocho,” lined with unique and character-filled shops, also features a display area that showcases the former appearance of Hakodate Station. The retro atmosphere gives you a sense of warmth and nostalgia, almost like stepping into a time machine and traveling back to the past. Toward the back of the building, you’ll also find a relaxing space where you can take a break.

• Business hours : 9:00~23:00（hours may vary by shop）
• Closed： Open Year-Round
  (Please note that business hours and regular holidays may vary by store. For details, please check the official website.)
  

• Address : 12-8 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
• Business Hours : Vary by store
• Closed : Open year-round (※Please note that hours and holidays may differ by store. For details, please check the official website.)
• Access : 1-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station
• Official Website

Kiralis ～ A Multifunctional Facility Connecting the Community and the Future

Just a short walk from JR Hakodate Station, this four-storey facility offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors of all ages. The basement and first floor are lined with restaurants and souvenir shops, creating a lively and open atmosphere. On the 3rd and 4th floors, you’ll find hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists but well-loved by locals, Hakodate Miraikan (Future Center Hakodate) and Hakodate Kids Plaza.

Step into a Futuristic World at Future Center Hakodate

This fascinating facility is filled with hands-on experiences that incorporate cutting-edge technology. With futuristic exhibits and interactive contents, it offers a space where children can learn and play freely. It’s a warm and welcoming place where the whole family can enjoy quality time together.

Contents

Media Wall

One of the most popular attractions at the Future Center Hakodate is the “Media Wall” — a massive, high-definition LED display measuring 14.5 meters wide and 2.5 meters tall. It showcases a variety of visuals, from stunning views of Hakodate to playful, full-screen squid animations, and even interactive games that respond to your movements. There’s plenty of fun for everyone to enjoy.

Digital Aquarium

Why not use your imagination to design a one-of-a-kind sea creature? At the Digital Aquarium, you can create fish in your favorite colors and shapes, and watch your unique creation swim realistically in a virtual tank. This interactive attraction blends creativity with digital technology, offering fun for both kids and adults.

Pet Robot ‘Aibo’

Robot pets? These are actually puppy-shaped robots that respond to commands just like real dogs. Don’t miss the chance to interact with these adorable robots!

360 Studio

360 Studio offers a captivating way to discover the city’s highlights from the comfort of one place, you can enjoy an immersive virtual reality experience featuring panoramic views and stunning footage captured by the latest drones and 360-degree cameras. Explore Hakodate’s popular spots (such as Mount Hakodate, Goryokaku Park, and Esan) from unique perspectives you wouldn’t normally see, allowing you to fully experience the city’s charm.

Terrace

The terrace area, where food and drinks are allowed, offers free Wi-Fi and is perfect for relaxing or getting some light work done. On weekdays, the theater area is used as a coworking space, while on weekends it transforms into an event space.

※This area will be unavailable from Friday, July 11, 2025, to Wednesday, August 27, 2025, due to preparations, hosting, and takedown of the summer special exhibition.

• Address : 3rd Floor, Kiralis Hakodate, 20-1 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate
• Access :3-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station
• Operating Hours : 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry allowed until 7:30 PM)
• Closed :
  • Second Wednesday of every month (Fourth Wednesday for January and August)
  •  New Year holidays (31st December, 1st January)
• Admission Fee :
  • Individual : ¥300
  • Preschool Children : Free of charge
  • A combined ticket for both facilities is available. Please refer the end for details.
• Affiliated Parking Available : Facility users can park for free for up to 2 hours. For details, please check the official website.
• Official Website (Japanese)

Family Fun Time at Hakodate Kids Plaza

Hakodate Kids Plaza is an all-weather indoor play area where parents and children can have fun together—perfect for families visiting Hakodate. One of the main highlights is a massive net play structure called “Cloud”, which gives kids the whimsical sensation of playing up in the clouds.
In addition to this, the facility offers a wide range of play equipment, including a climbing wall, jump zone, and air track. Children can enjoy themselves freely and safely under the watchful eyes of their guardians.

※Entry is not permitted for adults alone or children alone.
※Junior high school students and older may enter only as accompanying adults, and only when visiting with a child and guardian.

Playground area, Maru Space and Baby Park

• Address : 4th Floor, Kiralis Hakodate, 20-1 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
• Access :3-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station
• Business hour :10:00～6:00（Last entry allowed until 5:30PM）
• Closed :
  • Second Wednesday of every month (Fourth Wednesday for January and August)
  • New Year holiday (31st December, 1st January)
• Admission Fees :
  • Adults : ¥100
  • Children : ¥300
  • Infants (under 6 months) : Free (Free admission ticket required)
• A combined ticket for both facilities is available. Please refer the end for details.
• Affiliated Parking Available: Facility users can park for free for up to 2 hours. For details, please check the official website.
• Official Website (Japanese)

• Entrance Fee：
  • High school・Adults：¥300
  • Elementary school：¥500
  • Preschool Children：¥300
  • Infants（below 6 months）：Free（Free admission ticket required）

Lastly

The recommended spots introduced this time are all conveniently located near the Hakodate Station and can be enjoyed comfortably even on rainy days. Even if the weather isn’t great, it’s your precious day off so don’t let bad weather spoil your holiday mood!

Of course, you’re also more than welcome to visit on sunny days, so feel free to include these spots in your travel plans regardless of the weather. Let’s enjoy a special time in Hakodate rain or shine~