HAKADOTE

Executive summary by darmansjah

HAKADOTE, the city on the southern tip of Hokkaido, is the first on the island to turn pink during spring in May. The star-shaped Fort Goryokaku is the top place for cherry blossom viewing in Hakadote. A former Edo period fort that has been converted to a public park, it has more than 1,500 cherry trees in its compound. The 107 metre tall Goryokaku Tower next to it offers a bird’s eye view of the fort.

At night, the city offers another kind of view. An aerial lift brings visitors from the Motomachi district to the top of Mount hakodate. On a clear night, the view is recognized as one of the best in the world. The city lights curve into an hourglass figure, disappearing into the horizon. Many theories rationalizing the beauty of the view exist, one of which explains how the angle that scene is viewed triggers a subconscious combination of stress and relief.

All Nippon Airways(fly-ana.com), Japan Airlines (jal.com) and Singapore Airlines(singaporeair.com) fly to Hakadote Airport from Changi Airport via either Tokyo or Osaka. From Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Japan airlines and Malaysia Airlines (malaysiaairlines.com) fly to Hakadote via Tokyo and Osaka respectively.

Loisir Hotel’s location – just opposite the Hakadote JR Station and a bus terminal – is perfect for a stay in Hakadote. The morning market is literally next door and if you get hungry after dark, plenty of night time dining options with local delicacies on the menu are a short walk away (from US$62; solarehotels.com/English/loisir).