Staying

Hotel 凪灯 Hakodate Japan > Hokkaido > Hakodate Illuminating the Memory of the Port – Hotel Nagibi and the Dawn of a New Journey Hakodate, Hokkaido: In the historic Motomachi district, where cobblestone slopes and spires weave together a nostalgic cityscape, lies a quiet inn—Hotel Nagibi. As its name suggests, this peaceful retreat envelops travelers in the soft glow and calm of the sea, symbolizing the start of a journey rather than the end. The air resonates with the echoes of church bells, Western houses, and ship whistles, creating a sense that the seasons overlap gently in this town steeped in history. Housed in a century-old building, the hotel combines traditional Japanese sukiya architecture with Scandinavian tranquility, emphasizing simplicity and silence over opulence. Ten Rooms, Ten Stories Woven from Memory With just 10 uniquely appointed guest rooms, Hotel Nagibi ensures a personalized experience. The “Nazuki Suite” on the top floor spans 90㎡ and features a fireplace and panoramic views of the sea and Mount Hakodate, where fishing lights create a mesmerizing glow at night. Each piece of furniture, crafted from solid wood by local artisans in Southern Hokkaido, complements the handwoven European fabrics, while Vi-Spring mattresses from Britain provide comfort. The bedding, made from Hokkaido wool and linen, is sewn by hand in a local workshop. To further engage the senses, a personal aroma diffuser allows guests to select their preferred scent, enhancing the sensory experience. “Nagi-no-Yu”: A Rooftop Bath Where Sky Meets Water On the top floor, the panoramic bath “Nagi-no-Yu” offers mineral-rich waters sourced from Yunokawa Onsen in Hakodate. With its glass walls, the Tsugaru Strait blends effortlessly with the sky, creating a timeless atmosphere. The space is crafted from natural materials like black pine and Aomori hiba wood, while the traditional boat-hull ceiling gives the room a cozy, cabin-like feel. After bathing, guests can unwind in the “Room of Light,” where they are treated to kelp gelato made with Hakodate milk and Rishiri kombu, paired with locally sourced herbal tea. This delicate balance of sweetness and saltiness lingers, leaving a unique memory. Modern Gastronomy Rooted in the Land’s Memory At “Akari,” the hotel’s dining room, Executive Chef Yu Matsuoka brings modern gastronomy to life, telling the story of his hometown, Hakodate, through each dish. Trained in France and Scandinavia, Matsuoka infuses local flavors into his cuisine. Sample dishes from the “Wind and Light” dinner course include: Appetizer of Rishiri kombu and white sesame tofu Seared scallops with root vegetable velouté Roasted Hokkaido venison with wild grape and red wine jus Compote of kelp and pear with yuzu and white pepper accents The wine list features natural wines from Southern Hokkaido, such as Okushiri, Yoichi, and Toya, while the special “A Journey Through Portside Sake” course offers locally brewed sake. Breakfast includes a custom-made seafood box with herring, salmon, cod roe, and sea urchin, served with warm miso soup made from white miso and kombu dashi—an ideal start to a quiet morning by the sea. A Space Designed for Quiet Luxury Hotel Nagibi values the concept of “not speaking too much.” The inn remains discreet, allowing guests to reflect and unwind without distraction. This quiet luxury extends to its exclusive, reservation-only experiences, each carefully designed to leave a lasting impression: A private cruise around Hakodate Port with aperitifs onboard A nighttime cultural walk through Motomachi with an architect guide Custom aroma treatments using local Hokkaido essential oils A winter-only sunrise snowshoe tour on Mount Hakodate A Gentle Light That Accompanies Your Journey Hotel Nagibi does not boast about being “luxurious,” but every corner of the inn radiates the quiet luxury of silence. It preserves the memories of the port, embraces the passage of time, and gently loosens the knots in a traveler’s heart. Even after departure, the light of the inn lingers, quietly flickering and accompanying the journey far beyond the stay. Check out sightseeing spots around Hotel Nagibi

Gokatteya Honpo Japan > Hokkaido > Hakodate Sweet Memories Brought by the Kitamaebune 〜 The Story in Every Yokan at Gokatteya Honpo, Esashi Esashi, once known for the saying “Even Edo can’t match Esashi in May,” is a port town rich with history and sea breeze. Nestled quietly in this town is Gokatteya Honpo, a traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) maker that has stood the test of time since its founding in 1870. Their yokan—a traditional sweet bean jelly—carries with it the memory of Kitamaebune (merchant ships of the Edo era), and the quiet conviction of artisans who choose to let their work speak for itself. A Commitment to Beans Passed Down from the Edo Era The roots of Gokatteya trace back to the Edo period, when the Nanbu clan came to Esashi to harvest cypress trees. In the Gokatte district, they found success in cultivating beans. Using those beans, Gokatteya’s ancestors began making sweets—marking the first steps in the shop’s long journey. The ingredients used in those early confections, such as sugar and agar, were transported across the Sea of Japan by the Kitamaebune. That historic connection to trade and craftsmanship remains a core part of Gokatteya’s identity today. A Name That Carries the Spirit of the Land The unique name “Gokatteya” originally began as “Gokatteya” (using a different kanji). As the area changed from “Gokatte” to “Gokatte Village,” the shop’s name evolved as well. The original term “Gokatte” is said to stem from the Ainu word *kokayte*, meaning “a place where waves break and crash.” That meaning still resonates in the shop’s name today, linking it to the very landscape it grew from. The Philosophy of the Red Kidney Bean: Humble, Yet Essential One unique trait of Gokatteya’s yokan is its use of *kintoki-mame* (red kidney beans) instead of the more common azuki. These beans do not overpower, but rather bring together and balance the flavors around them. “They don’t shout for attention, but without them, it wouldn’t come together.” This behind-the-scenes role reflects Gokatteya’s own values: to be present, dependable, and quietly indispensable—just like the beans they cherish. A Tradition of Steady, Honest Work in the Heart of Esashi With fewer than 8,000 residents, Esashi is a small town in southern Hokkaido. Yet in this quiet place, Gokatteya Honpo continues its craft with unwavering dedication. From the Edo period to today, the family-run business—now in its sixth generation—has remained committed to making confections that bring comfort, not flash. Their yokan is a product not just of ingredients, but of history, philosophy, and place. Even now, as the wind from the sea sweeps through Esashi, the gentle sweetness of *kintoki-mame* simmers in the shop’s kitchen—a quiet gift from the past to the present. Check out sightseeing spots around Gokatteya Honpo

Hanabishi Hotel Japan > Hokkaido > Hakodate Over 70 Years of Warmth in Hakodate 〜 The Story of Hanabishi Hotel’s Hospitality and Hot Springs Hakodate, Hokkaido — a port town where exotic charm and traditional Japanese culture intertwine. Nestled in the historic Yunokawa Onsen area is Hanabishi Hotel, a long-standing inn that radiates warmth and deep-rooted history. Founded over 70 years ago, it is affectionately known among locals as “the old-established Hanabishi,” and continues to be cherished by the community. A One-of-a-Kind Hospitality, Grown Together with the Local Community “We were born and raised in Hakodate.”So says Mr. Sasaki, the hotel’s public relations officer. Many of the staff are also local, and the soft tones of the Southern Hokkaido dialect naturally help guests feel at ease. The unmistakable essence of Hakodate can be felt throughout the hotel — not something you can find in a travel brochure, but the true atmosphere of the town. Dishes made with local ingredients, kaiseki meals adorned with seasonal seafood, and ever-evolving traditional interiors — each element speaks to the authenticity of Hanabishi’s journey alongside the city of Hakodate. Immerse Yourself in the 350-Year Legacy of Yunokawa Onsen Yunokawa Onsen dates back to 1650. It is said that even the lord of the Matsumae Clan and the historical figure Enomoto Takeaki found healing in these waters. Hanabishi Hotel features large communal baths on both the 1st and 7th floors, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of bathing experiences within the premises. Beyond the rising steam lies the sky over Hakodate. As the warmth seeps into your core, the fatigue of travel gently melts away. In today’s world, this may well be the true essence of “therapeutic bathing.” A Taste of Hakodate — A Gourmet Paradise on Every Plate Hokkaido is often dubbed a “gourmet treasure trove,” and Hanabishi Hotel showcases this to the fullest. Rooted in traditional local cuisine, their kaiseki meals are enhanced with creative twists that make full use of seasonal, regional ingredients. Each dish feels like a conversation with the land and seasons — captivating travelers through flavor and craftsmanship. During our visit, we were served a chilled appetizer featuring fresh southern Hokkaido asparagus, a delicate small plate with sea urchin and scallops, and a refined dish highlighting Hakodate’s famous squid. Every bite reflected a meticulous attention to detail, offering flavors even seasoned food lovers would admire. A Harmonious Space of Japanese Calm and Western Comfort Another key highlight of Hanabishi Hotel is its diverse selection of guest rooms. From pure Japanese-style rooms to newly renovated *wa-modern* twin rooms (as of June 2024), which blend traditional serenity with modern functionality. The hotel also offers open-air bath suites and barrier-free rooms, ensuring comfort for all kinds of travelers. The scent of tatami mats, the soft light through shoji screens, the peaceful night — the experience goes far beyond just “a place to stay.” Time spent here becomes a memorable part of the journey itself. 〜 A Place Where the Culture and Warmth of Hakodate Live On 〜 “Helping our guests create happiness — that is our happiness at Hanabishi Hotel.”These words carry the unwavering sentiment the hotel has held since its founding. For those who wish to explore not just the tourist sites, but the everyday soul of Hakodate, Hanabishi is the perfect place to stay. A historic hot spring and heartfelt hospitality — Hanabishi Hotel truly embodies the gentle spirit of Hakodate.On your next trip, why not come and feel that warmth for yourself? Check out sightseeing spots around Hanabishi Hotel