Expert-Recommended: 9 Hakodate Hotels Serving Up the Best Breakfasts in Town

Things to Know Before Choosing a Hotel in Hakodate

Before we share our list of the best hotels for breakfast in Hakodate, here are some key points to keep in mind when choosing a hotel in the area.

Buffet-Style Breakfasts Are a Top Recommendation

Hakodate is Hokkaido’s third-largest city after Sapporo and Asahikawa and a popular international tourist destination, meaning there’s no shortage of accommodation options. From luxury and high-end hotels to mid-range, budget, and economy stays, as well as traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) and guesthouses, there’s something for every kind of traveler.

Hakodate hotels offer an impressive selection of high-quality seafood. (Pictured: La Vista Hakodate Bay, Kyoritsu Resort)

Many hotels and accommodations in Hakodate offer breakfast, but the ones that truly stand out — often making headlines for their variety, quality, and involvement in the so-called ‘Hakodate Breakfast Wars’ — are mostly luxury, high-end, and mid-range hotels. Most of these serve their breakfast in a buffet style, allowing guests to enjoy a wide selection of delicious dishes.

Many hotels in Hakodate offer lavish seafood options, including all-you-can-eat ikura. (Pictured: La Vista Hakodate Bay ANNEX, Kyoritsu Resort)

Hakodate is home to many restaurants, such as those at the ‘Hakodate Morning Market,’ where you can enjoy fresh seafood bowls and other ocean delights from early in the morning. As a result, many visitors make hotel bookings without breakfast included and instead head to places like the morning market to enjoy a local meal.

While that’s certainly an enjoyable way to experience Hakodate, there are several hotels in the city that also offer amazing breakfasts. We recommend enjoying a luxurious breakfast at your hotel and then heading to places like the Hakodate Morning Market for lunch. But be careful — since the breakfast buffets are full of delicious dishes, you might end up eating so much that you won’t need lunch at all!

Hakodate’s Accommodation is Spread Across Four Main Areas

Yachiman-zaka in the Motomachi district

Many of Hakodate’s accommodations are conveniently located in the city center, making it easy to explore popular tourist attractions. These hotels are spread across four main areas: the Bay Area, near iconic spots like the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses and Yachiman-zaka; the Hakodate Station area, which offers excellent transportation access; the Goryokaku area, a bustling district popular with locals; and the Yunokawa Onsen area, Hakodate’s top hot spring destination. While there are also accommodations in the outskirts of Hakodate, like in the E-san (Mount E) area, this article will focus on the four main city center areas.

One of Hakodate’s famous landmarks, Goryokaku Park, is located in the Goryokaku area.

The Bay Area and Hakodate Station area are adjacent to each other, so there’s not much travel involved in getting from one to the other. The Goryokaku and Yunokawa Onsen areas are a bit farther from Hakodate Station, but they’re not extremely distant. It takes about 10 minutes by car or 17 minutes by Hakodate City Tram to get from Hakodate Station to the Goryokaku area, and about 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by tram to reach the Yunokawa Onsen area.

Hakodate has several hot spring hotels, including in the Yunokawa Onsen area. (Pictured: Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Hotel Banso)

If you want to explore classic Hakodate attractions like the Motomachi district on foot, the Bay Area is the best choice. For those who prioritize easy access to transportation, the Hakodate Station area is ideal. If you prefer to be close to the local entertainment districts and landmarks like Goryokaku Park and Goryokaku Tower, then the Goryokaku area is perfect. And for those looking to enjoy relaxing hot springs, the Yunokawa Onsen area offers the best options.

4 Recommended Hotels for Breakfast in the Hakodate Bay Area

We’ll cover 9 hotels in Hakodate that offer great breakfasts. First, let’s take a look at 4 recommended hotels located in the Bay Area, which is home to many of Hakodate’s must-see attractions.

1. The Originator of the ‘Hakodate Breakfast Wars’ – La Vista Hakodate Bay (Kyoritsu Resort)

La Vista Hakodate Bay (Kyoritsu Resort)

La Vista Hakodate Bay (Kyoritsu Resort) is a retro-modern resort hotel located in the heart of the city’s historic red brick warehouse district. Surrounded by popular attractions, it also offers an onsen (hot spring) with views of the sea and Mount Hakodate, making it a favorite among visitors.

From the hotel’s top-floor onsen, guests can enjoy stunning views of the Bay Area while relaxing in the bath.

The breakfast at La Vista Hakodate Bay is the one that sparked the famous ‘Hakodate Breakfast Wars.’ When the hotel opened in 2008, it introduced an all-you-can-eat ikura (salmon roe) option at its breakfast buffet, which was quite rare at the time and left a strong impression on the public. This helped the hotel gain nationwide fame for its delicious breakfast. Since then, neighboring hotels have also stepped up their breakfast offerings, eager to compete.

All-you-can-eat ikura and unlimited servings of other seafood as well!

Create your own seafood bowl with various types of sashimi.

The breakfast buffet offers both Japanese and Western dishes. In addition to all-you-can-eat ikura, there’s a wide selection of fresh seafood, including sweet shrimp, tuna, and squid. You can top your rice with as much of your favorite ingredients as you like to create your own personalized seafood bowl.

Sample breakfast

Along with the all-you-can-eat seafood, the grilled items are a must-try! Enjoy freshly grilled seafood like squid and salmon, as well as seasonal vegetables such as corn, asparagus, and potatoes.

Grilled seafood and vegetables

A recommended dish is the freshly grilled potato served with butter and ‘ika no shiokara’ (a traditional Japanese fermented food made by adding salt to squid and allowing it to mature). The soft, fluffy texture of the potato, combined with the firmness of the grilled squid, creates a delightful contrast, while the rich butter and savory saltiness of the shiokara balance perfectly.

Sample breakfast

Another must-try is ‘sanpei-jiru,’ a traditional Hokkaido dish made by simmering salted fish with root vegetables. In addition to Japanese dishes, there are also Western options including freshly baked bread, egg dishes, salads, and rich, homemade desserts like custard pudding. As a hotel known nationwide for its delicious breakfast, you can enjoy a highly satisfying meal that lives up to its reputation.

Enjoy breakfast in a spacious restaurant with a traditional Japanese ambiance.

(Photos courtesy of La Vista Hakodate Bay)

2. Enjoy a Higher-Level Stay at La Vista Hakodate Bay ANNEX (Kyoritsu Resort)

La Vista Hakodate Bay ANNEX (Kyoritsu Resort)

La Vista Hakodate Bay ANNEX (Kyoritsu Resort) is a premium annex that opened in 2023, offering a higher-level stay. This high-end facility is designed for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

Some rooms include private onsens, allowing guests to enjoy the ultimate stay.

In addition to the outdoor bath in the large public bathhouse, there are also private baths available for reservation.

Breakfast is served buffet-style, offering both Japanese and Western options. Just like at La Vista Hakodate Bay (Kyoritsu Resort), you can enjoy all-you-can-eat ikura, along with other fresh seafood like bluefin tuna. Create your own personalized seafood bowl by adding as much as you like, and savor grilled seafood and vegetables, including scallops and potatoes.

Sample breakfast

Grilled seafood and vegetables.

In addition, there are many Hokkaido regional dishes, like ‘jingisukan’ (grilled mutton), ‘ikameshi’ (squid stuffed with sticky rice and steamed), ‘imomochi’ (pan-fried potato-based dumplings), ‘teppou-jiru’ (a miso-based crab soup), and ‘ishikari-nabe’ (a miso soup with salmon and root vegetables). There are also numerous small side dishes served in individual portions, allowing guests to easily sample a variety of dishes without needing to use tongs or take from large platters.

Ikameshi (front) and grilled seafood and salmon.

Imomochi (potato dumplings)

The Western options are also plentiful, including freshly baked croissants and thick-cut bacon. Don’t miss out on the rich custard pudding and other delicious desserts. There’s also sparkling wine and local sake available, to enjoy a truly luxurious breakfast.

The dining area includes counter seating and semi-private rooms for 6 to 8 people. Dinner is also served here.

(Photos courtesy of La Vista Hakodate Bay Annex)

3. For Seafood Parfaits and Beef Shabu-Yaki, Visit the Hakodate Kokusai Hotel

Hakodate Kokusai Hotel

The Hakodate Kokusai Hotel is a city hotel with three restaurants, two lounges, and banquet halls that can accommodate events such as wedding parties. For breakfast, guests can choose between a Japanese, Western, and Chinese buffet or a traditional breakfast set.

The buffet offers a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes.

The buffet restaurant, ‘Azalea.’

The international buffet features about 90 dishes made with a wide variety of Hokkaido ingredients, allowing guests to enjoy as much as they like. While all the dishes are exceptional, the must-try recommendations are the ‘seafood parfait’ and ‘beef shabu-yaki’.

The seafood parfait is a photo-worthy dish!

The seafood parfait is an original dish made with fresh seafood, including ikura. Not only is it delicious, but its beautiful presentation makes it a must-try. Create your own one-of-a-kind seafood parfait!

Beef shabu-yaki

The chef grills it right in front of you!

The beef shabu-yaki is grilled by the chef right in front of you at the restaurant’s live kitchen. The accompanying grated ponzu and Hokkaido-grown wasabi offer a refreshing flavor that enhances the deliciousness of the freshly grilled meat.

As the hotel has a bakery, there is a wide variety of breads available.

There are also various healthy dishes, seafood-based curries, and a variety of breads baked fresh at the hotel’s bakery. The spicy Sichuan-style mapo tofu is particularly outstanding, with some people visit specifically for this dish. It’s not only packed with the spice and heat of Sichuan peppercorns , but also has a deep umami and rich aroma. Additionally, both red and white wines are available with unlimited refills in the morning. Why not pair some wine with your meat or sashimi?

There is a wide variety of desserts made with locally sourced milk.

The breakfast set meal offers a ‘hitsumabushi’ option. Typically, hitsumabushi consists of grilled eel served over rice, but at Hakodate Kokusai Hotel, you can choose from three different varieties. There’s the traditional ‘Unagi Hitsumabushi,’ the ‘Seafood Hitsumabushi’ which is topped with a generous amount of fresh seafood, and the ‘Dosan Beef Hitsumabushi’ featuring tender local beef. For those who prefer a more relaxed breakfast experience without having to go to a buffet, this is a great choice. Additionally, locally produced sake is available with unlimited refills.

(Photos courtesy of Hakodate Kokusai Hotel)

4. A Market-like Breakfast with 150 Dishes! – Century Marina Hakodate

Century Marina Hakodate

Century Marina Hakodate is a resort hotel where you can feel like you’re on a private cruise, enjoying the ambiance of a relaxing boat trip. It’s conveniently located close to the Hakodate Morning Market and Hakodate Station.

The outdoor bath at the large public bath has an open and airy atmosphere, making you feel like you’re watching the sea from the deck of a ship.

Breakfast is served in a restaurant inspired by the markets of port towns around the world that cruise ships visit. Here, you can enjoy a variety of dishes using local Hokkaido ingredients, along with seasonal international dishes. There are an impressive 150 items to choose from!

Sample breakfast

A salad bar with a variety of fresh vegetables, changing daily, just like a market.

You can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including an original seafood bowl with sashimi like ikura and tuna, grilled rice balls, as well as Western dishes like meat and egg dishes. There are also Chinese options like noodles and dim sum, along with several healthy choices made with ingredients like brown rice and vegetables.

Grilled rice balls flavored with a savory broth made from katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) and Rishiri kombu (kelp).

Enjoy freshly made omelets and pancakes at the live cooking station.

In addition to enjoying fresh seafood unique to Hakodate, be sure to indulge in the fulfilling selection of Western dishes and sweets, including freshly baked bread, made-to-order omelets from the open kitchen, and more. Sparkling wine is also available, to add to the lively morning market vibe while you snack on prosciutto, cheese, and nuts.

Honey harvested from local beehives is perfect for pairing with pancakes or blue cheese.

There are also sweets made with fruits and vegetables.

(Photos courtesy of Century Marina Hakodate)

2 Recommended Hotels for Breakfast in the Hakodate Station Area

Here are two hotels in the Hakodate Station area that are great for breakfast. The station area offers excellent access, with many restaurants like those in Daimon Yokocho where you can enjoy dinner, making it a convenient spot for both dining and transportation.

5. Sushi for Breakfast! – JR Inn Hakodate

JR Inn Hakodate

JR Inn Hakodate is located right next to JR Hakodate Station, making it one of the most convenient accommodations for travelers using the JR line in Hakodate. From the hotel’s public bath and some of the guest rooms, you can enjoy a view of the trains entering Hakodate Station below.

Sample breakfast

The breakfast at JR Inn Hakodate features an all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. The breakfast is provided by Hakodate Marukatsu Suisan, a long-established fresh fish shop in Hakodate.

Conveyor belt sushi

JR Inn Hakodate’s breakfast menu features around 13 types of sushi, made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, including Hakodate’s own squid (availability may vary). Sushi chefs prepare the sushi right in front of you, and the plates move along the conveyor belt, allowing you to pick and enjoy as much sushi as you’d like.

Grilled fish and shellfish are also available.

The breakfast at JR Inn Hakodate isn’t just about conveyor belt sushi. There’s also a DIY seafood bowl where you can top a bowl of rice with your favorite sashimi. You can enjoy local specialties like Hakodate’s salt ramen and ika-meshi (stuffed squid), along with a variety of Western options such as salads, bread, scrambled eggs, and salmon marinated in herbs.

A wide variety of dishes.

All of these dishes are available in an all-you-can-eat buffet style. With a variety of dishes made from Hokkaido’s seasonal seafood, meat, and vegetables, you can enjoy local specialties, with sushi at the heart of the buffet.

(Photos courtesy of JR Inn Hakodate)

6. Delicious Seafood Dishes at OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts

OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts offers a free shuttle bus service for guests.

OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts is designed to offer a unique and immersive experience for guests exploring Hakodate. It features a free shuttle bus that takes visitors to various tourist spots around the city, as well as guided tours led by the hotel’s staff, known as ‘OMO Rangers,’ who show guests the local sights. The hotel also boasts a large onsen bath and a public lounge area called OMO Café & Bar.

The breakfast venue, ‘OMO Dining,’ features a bright, lively atmosphere inspired by a market.

The space is decorated with lighting covered in fishing nets and artwork dyed with squid ink.

For breakfast, a variety of dishes showcasing the seafood and food culture of Hakodate and the southern Hokkaido region are beautifully laid out. The highlight is the ‘Seafood Five Stars,’ featuring five seafood dishes prepared and served right in front of you.

‘Seafood Five Stars’

You can customize your own seafood bowl with your preferred toppings, enjoy two types of sushi, one with kombu-marinated cod and the other with crab, try shio ramen, ikameshi (stuffed squid), and aburi-yaki (grilled squid legs and potatoes). Each dish is served in small portions, so it’s easy to try all five!

Pile on as many of your favorite ingredients like salmon, shrimp, and scallops tp make your own seafood bowl.

Steaming hot and freshly made ikameshi (stuffed squid).

All of the dishes in the ‘Seafood Five Stars’ are delicious, but the standout star of the show is the shio ramen. This luxurious seafood ramen is made with a rich broth combining kombu (seaweed), crab, scallop, and chicken stock. The umami of the seafood is perfectly concentrated in the soup, making it irresistibly delicious. You’ll definitely want to go for a second helping!

Shio ramen topped with squid, scallops, and other seafood.

In addition to the ‘Seafood Five Stars,’ there are also various Japanese dishes like squid dishes, as well as a variety of breads, egg dishes, meat dishes, and fruit. You can recharge while enjoying a meal that reflects the city’s vibrant, port-town atmosphere.

Sample breakfast

(Photos courtesy of OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts)

1 Recommended Hotel for Breakfast in the Goryokaku Area

The Goryokaku area, close to Goryokaku Tower and Goryokaku Park, is a bustling district filled with department stores, restaurants, and bars, where many locals gather. While there are several hotels in the area, we’ve picked one that offers an excellent breakfast experience.

7. A Balanced Blend of Japanese, Western, and Chinese Cuisine at Hotel MyStays Hakodate Goryokaku

Hotel Mystays Hakodate Goryokaku

Hotel MyStays Hakodate Goryokaku is located in the heart of the Goryokaku district, a bustling area with many shops, restaurants, and bars. It is conveniently situated right next to the Goryokaku Park Mae tram stop, making it ideal hotel for both sightseeing at Goryokaku Park and enjoying the local nightlife.

The squid sashimi (center) is served in small portions on individual plates, making it easy to take.

The breakfast at Hotel MyStays Hakodate Goryokaku is supervised by the head chef of the well-known Hakodate Kokusai Hotel, which is famous for its delicious breakfast offerings. Guests can enjoy a buffet with approximately 45 dishes, including local specialties like squid sashimi, Matsumae-zuke (a fermented dish made with squid, kombu, and fish roe), Hokkaido cod roe, Hakodate-style salt ramen, and yogurt made with Hakodate milk. The buffet offers a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, all made with local ingredients.

Pickles and other traditional Japanese dishes.

One of the highlights of the breakfast at Hotel MyStays Hakodate Goryokaku is the popular ‘Sichuan-style spicy mapo tofu’ from Hakodate Kokusai Hotel. In addition to classic dishes like squid sashimi and Sichuan-style mapo tofu, there are several rotating menu items that change daily, ensuring you can enjoy a fresh experience even if you’re staying multiple nights.

Sichuan-style spicy mapo tofu (front) and other dishes.

There is also a great selection of desserts, including fruit and ice cream. You can enjoy ice cream and yogurt made with fresh local ‘Hakodate Milk,’ which has a rich yet refreshing natural flavor. Several other desserts are available as well. Coffee is available for takeout, so you can relax in your room with a cup after breakfast.

The dessert selection includes ice cream and traditional Japanese sweets like dango (front).

(Photos courtesy of Hotel MyStays Hakodate Goryokaku)

2 Recommended Hotels for Breakfast in the Yunokawa Onsen Area

Yunokawa Onsen is one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring areas, home to numerous hot spring hotels and inns. The hot springs are rich in salt, providing high warming and moisturizing effects, leaving you with a warm, cozy feeling and soft skin. Here, we’ll introduce you to two of the many hot spring accommodations in the area.

8. A Delicious Variety of Bread and Ramen – Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Hotel Banso

Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Hotel Banso

Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Hotel Banso is a high-quality hot spring hotel that was completely renovated in 2016, blending retro charm with modern touches. The large bathhouse, designed with the concept of a ‘hot spring living room,’ offers a variety of bathing options including indoor and outdoor baths, as well as unique choices like reclining baths. There are also dry saunas and aroma mist saunas, allowing guests to fully enjoy the hot springs and saunas.

The outdoor bath has walls and a roof, allowing guests to enjoy the hot springs comfortably even on rainy or snowy days while still experiencing the fresh air.

The onsen’s breakfast buffet serves a variety of Japanese and Western dishes made with local ingredients from Hakodate and the surrounding areas. Popular items include the seafood rice bowl, which you can top with a variety of ingredients like ikura (salmon roe) and scallops, as well as grilled dishes such as squid, salmon, and potatoes.

Sample breakfast

In the Western-style section, a variety of colorful salads made with fresh vegetables sourced from nearby farms and a wide selection of breads, including Danish pastries, are popular. It’s also recommended to enjoy the bread by making sandwiches with your choice of sides.

A variety of breads

Their salt ramen is also exceptional, with a clean, yet rich flavor. Whether you go for the seafood bowl or the bread, be sure to save room for ramen!

The salt ramen comes with toppings like corn and seaweed for extra flavor.

(Photos courtesy of Hakodate Hotel Banso)

9. A Feast of Seafood Bowls, Desserts, and More! – Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari / Hewitt Resort

Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari / Hewitt Resort

Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Umi to Akari / Hewitt Resort is a high-class resort hotel where you can fully enjoy delicious meals and relaxing hot springs. It boasts an excellent location with a great view of the Tsugaru Strait. The hotel is near the popular Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, where you can see Japanese macaques soaking in the hot springs, and some of the ocean-side rooms offer a distant view of the garden.

Enjoy the hot springs at the ‘Infinity Open-Air Bath,’ where it feels like the ocean blends seamlessly with the horizon.

The hotel’s breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of both Japanese and Western dishes for an excellent all-you-can-eat experience. Sparkling wine, red wine, and white wine are available, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious start to your day.

A wide variety of ikura, sashimi, and more.

Enjoy unlimited servings of ikura and more!

A must-try seafood experience in Hakodate includes not only ikura (salmon roe) but also a variety of fresh sashimi, such as salmon, tuna, and scallops. You can enjoy them as sashimi or create your own seafood donburi by adding them to rice. There are also multiple regional Hokkaido dishes, allowing you to savor a wide range of local flavors.

*Please note that the types of seafood available may change depending on the season and supply.

Enjoy a variety of smoothies, soft serve, and desserts.

(Photos courtesy of Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen Hewitt Resort)

Hotels in Hakodate are known for having breakfast buffets that are of a higher quality and quantity compared to other regions in Japan. Many of them offer an abundance of seafood, including unlimited servings of ikura (salmon roe), allowing you to enjoy dishes made with local Hokkaido ingredients as well as regional specialties. The variety and flavor of the dishes are so impressive that you might find yourself so full after breakfast that you won’t even need lunch! Be sure to consider your stomach and schedule, and make sure to savor a hearty breakfast while you’re in Hakodate!

*The information in this article is accurate as of January 2025. Please check hotel websites for the most up-to-date details.