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For almost two centuries, Japan had isolated itself from “HOKKAIDO IS NO STRANGER TO
the rest of the world. It was only in the 1850s that some of INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION. IT’S BEEN
the ports began to open for international trading. Hakodate
was one of the first ports in Japan that opened up. It’s why A CULT SKIING DESTINATION ALMOST
it’s also home to one of the first Western-style fortresses – SINCE 1972 WHEN SAPPORO HOSTED
Fort Goryokaku. THE WINTER OLYMPICS. IT WAS THE FIRST
It was the centre of power for the short-lived Republic of
Ezo that lasted just six months in 1869. This was the first TIME THESE GAMES WERE HELD OUTSIDE
time Japan experienced a democratic government based on EUROPE OR NORTH AMERICA.”
universal suffrage. It was around this time that the
country’s northernmost island came to be known as
Hokkaido (that translates to ‘Northern Sea Region’). have recently been developed into a chic shopping and
Fort Goryokaku is a star-shaped Western-style citadel dining destination. But if you have time for just one market
that eventually morphed from fort to a public park. The visit, I would recommend the Hakodate market where
107-metre tall Goryokaku Tower offers sweeping views of seafood stalls, restaurants and local produce are all in the
this fortress and of Hakodate. mix.
As I discovered, sunset is the best time to take in these The pride of Hakodate’s seafood produce is its delicious
views. It’s the same at Hokkaido’s numerous look-out points squid. You can fish for squid in a large tank at the market
that include Mount Hakodate and Mount Moiwa at and watch it quickly transform into scrumptious Sashimi
Sapporo. in front of your eyes. High quality sushi and sashimi are
Hakodate’s other popular landmark is a throwback to its almost a given across the island. But that’s not the only
maritime trading days – the Red Brick Warehouses, that reason foodies throng Hokkaido. The island’s dairy

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