Around Old Hakodate Public Hall × Stays Popular For Snow-View BathsHighly rated facilities at Hotel·Ryokan

This time we stayed in a special Room with a private open-air bath. The water temperature was comfortable 24 hours a day, the tub was spacious enough for two people to relax, and the cypress wood rim added a warm touch—I think I soaked in it about ten times. We also had three bath towels each, plus a wide towel rack to hang them, which made everything stress-free. One suggestion: I used the open-air bath around 7 a.m., but the direct sunlight was very strong. It would be nice to have something like bamboo blinds to block the sun. We also used the large public bath, and as with other Kyoritsu Resort properties such as Dormy Inn, it had plenty of washing space and was easy to use. And when it comes to Kyoritsu Resort, there’s the late-night ramen service. Since this is Hakodate, they offer salt ramen in addition to soy sauce ramen. We expected breakfast—known for being popular—to involve waiting in line, but thanks to the special Room privileges they reserved our preferred seating (such as semi-private booths or window seats) at a designated time. That was great. Of course, the meal selection lived up to its reputation. All drinks in the Room were free—including whisky—and there was also a sparkling water maker. Overall it was excellent. The price is high, but given how well-equipped everything is, we felt it was worth it. We’d love to stay again if possible.

I stayed here for the first time on my return to Hakodate after a long time, choosing it for its great access and high ratings. It’s conveniently located just steps from Hakodate Station, with the morning market right in front, and I loved the Room, the view, and the bed. The Onsen open-air bath was also wonderful. If you don’t need a lavish breakfast buffet, this Hotel is a great choice. One small point: I unfortunately didn’t like the coffee from the coffee machine in the 17th-floor lounge—it tasted surprisingly strong. Have the staff tried it? The lounge atmosphere is very nice, but I couldn’t fully relax there. It might be nice to have some refreshing drinks available after bathing. Tea bags for drinking in the Room were available near the elevators, but I would have appreciated drip coffee as well.

This was my first trip to Hakodate. There is only one direct flight a day from Nagoya, and I was incredibly lucky to get a ticket. Visiting a new place for the first time is so exciting. The Room had huge floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of Mt. Hakodate. The space was generous, and the bathtub and sink were spacious as well. The lighting switches were thoughtfully placed throughout, making everything very convenient—it was almost too comfortable! Dinner at Kita Jin (booked separately) was also excellent: premium Genghis Khan in a private room, relaxed and delicious. Breakfast was around 8:00, and we were seated right away. We came without much prior knowledge and were amazed by the variety—and even more by the quality of every dish. My spouse and I travel all over the whole country, and this may have been our best breakfast ever. Personally, I loved the eel snack with tea, dim sum, sashimi, chiffon cake, and egg tarts. What stayed with us most from this trip was meeting so many wonderful people in Hakodate: The kind driver with a great smile on the airport limousine bus. At lunchtime at Lucky Pierrot near the station—busy as it was—a female staff member still let us draw an Ichiban Kuji lottery ticket and gave us a pin badge with a big smile. At NIPPONIA Hotel Hakodate Port Town on our first day—a female staff member kindly explained everything and gave us a hand-drawn illustrated map of nearby spots within walking distance. On an evening sightseeing taxi tour to see Mt. Hakodate’s night view—a female driver born in Hakodate from Donan Taxi carefully explained local history, the Western-style houses in Motomachi, and the origins of Soma-tei. The staff who made our motorboat cruise even more enjoyable under clear skies the next day. At lunch near the station at Uni Specialty Shop Yoichiya—a female employee whose attentiveness and refined service truly impressed us. And above all, at Century Marina’s front desk—the female staff member who kindly explained everything for our first stay left a wonderful impression with her polite service; of course, the male staff member at checkout was also outstanding. The quick yet courteous service at Kita Jin was excellent as well—we are truly grateful to have stayed at this Hotel. It was an intense 2-night/3-day trip to Hakodate, but seeing everyone working so hard to make their city shine really moved us—it looked genuinely inspiring. We will definitely come again. I truly fell in love with historic Hakodate from the bottom of my heart!

Above all, the location is excellent. The Red Brick Warehouses are just nearby. You can walk to the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway station, and it’s also a quick taxi ride. There is Ramen Ajisai right in front of the entrance. The bath was clean, and the hair dryers included Panasonic and Dyson. We were also able to try out different shampoo and conditioner. After the bath, there were probiotic drinks and ice pops. We enjoyed salmon roe at breakfast and were very satisfied. My husband especially enjoyed the desserts. We’d love to stay again.