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HAKODATE Travel Guide | 15 Things to do in HAKODATE in Hokkaido, Japan

Nov 12 (Samuel and Audrey) - Today, we’re exploring the port city of Hakodate in Southern Hokkaido. So if you’re planning a trip to northern Japan, stick around because in this video, we’ll be sharing the best things to do in Hakodate during your visit.

We’ll ride the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway for epic city views, walk up the steepest street in the city, ride a fishing boat simulator at the Pacific Fishery Museum, learn about the Northern Peoples who inhabited the areas from Hokkaido up to the Aleutian Islands, explore the star-shaped Fort Goryokaku, set foot aboard the railway ferry that once linked Hokkaido with the main island before the undersea tunnel was built, and so much more.

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Komeito leader Saito informed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Takaichi on October 10 that his party intends to withdraw from their coalition, bringing an end to a political partnership that has lasted 26 years, including periods when the LDP was in opposition. Leaders and secretary-generals of both parties met in the Diet at 1:45 p.m. on October 10 to discuss whether to continue the alliance, with Komeito insisting during the meeting that strengthening regulations on corporate and organizational political donations be accepted as a condition for maintaining the coalition.

Japan is bracing for unsettled weather through the upcoming three-day holiday weekend, with Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) expected to influence conditions across much of the country while a seasonal front brings widespread rain to eastern regions. Forecasters say the rain will begin expanding on October 11, with showers intensifying across eastern and northeastern Japan during the day as a stationary front approaches, while easterly winds feeding into the system are also likely to bring rain to parts of the Pacific side of western Japan.

Tokyo has confirmed its first case of a dog infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal disease transmitted by ticks. It is the first time an animal infection has been recorded in the capital.

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction.

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Japan’s annual prefectural attractiveness ranking has placed Saitama Prefecture at the bottom for the first time, surprising even local restaurant owners. Now in its 17th year, the 2025 survey once again crowned Hokkaido as the most attractive prefecture — maintaining its perfect record since the ranking’s inception.

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

In the heart of Nara Prefecture lies Imai, a town that has miraculously preserved its Edo-era landscape and traditions to this day. Established in the mid-Muromachi period as a temple-based settlement, Imai developed under the same Buddhist sect as Ishiyama Honganji.

During their visit to the Kansai region, the Japanese Emperor and Empress arrived in Kyoto aboard the “Imperial Train,” which operates on a special schedule reserved solely for the Imperial couple. During its operation, no other train is allowed to overtake or run alongside it, ensuring absolute safety and privacy.

Train services on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line remained suspended throughout the day on October 6th following a derailment the previous night, leaving commuters and students stranded and forcing many to queue for hours for replacement buses. In areas along the line, long lines formed at bus stops, and rental electric kick scooters quickly ran out as residents searched for alternative transport options.

The Resort Shirakami is a remarkable train because it’s available for those with JR Rail Passes! Just make a seat reservation. It takes you through some super scenic areas of Japan’s has a dining car and cafe, entertainment and more! (ONLY in JAPAN * GO)

A security camera installed at a home in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward captured three bears, including two cubs, walking through a forested area on October 5th, prompting police to heighten their alert.

A collision occurred on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line on the night of October 5th when a local train attempting to arrive at Kajigaya Station in Kawasaki City struck a stationary out-of-service train, causing several cars of the latter to derail. Investigators from the Japan Transport Safety Board arrived at the scene on the morning of October 6th to begin examining the cause of the accident.