Published date: July 9, 2025
Attractive Shuttle Bus and Hot Springs! A Memorable Stay at OMO Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
It’s a little-known hidden gem of a hotel. The fact that it’s not overly crowded with tourists is also appealing.
Using the exclusive guest shuttle bus saves transportation costs within the city, and the Mount Hakodate Ropeway tour, inclusive of round trip transfer and a guide, is a bargain at 1500 yen. It’s much more economical and time-saving than arranging the cable car on your own (although the stay at the mountaintop is around 30 minutes, which is a bit of a regret).
The hotel's free walking tour allows you to explore the Morning Market, enjoying the delight of tasting fresh fruits and freshly caught seafood right on the spot.
The facility itself is charming, featuring a high-design shared space on the second floor with a fireplace where you can relax. There’s also a shop from which you can purchase souvenirs and snacks, as well as cute original pajamas unique to Hoshino Resorts, adding to the joy of your stay.
The hot springs are spacious, and there’s a fantastic open-air bath. The hotel’s location is excellent for enjoying local gourmet offerings, such as in the Daimon Market, all within walking distance.
My favorite spot in this hotel is the second floor free space known as the 'Sea Lantern Lounge after ONSEN'.
• A calm adult atmosphere with warm indirect lighting and objects reminiscent of fishing fires floating on the sea.
• Stair-like seating and lounge chairs equipped with cushions provide a relaxing space to spend time talking and unwinding.
• Night events allow you to enjoy local salted seafood and craft beer after bathing, creating the perfect moments to soak in the afterglow of the hot springs.
It’s a wonderful space. I highly recommend stopping by after warming up in the hot springs! This hotel is highly recommended for both a base for sightseeing or a leisurely stay, being extremely economical and having an excellent location.
Experiences during the trip
Recommended plan during my stay at OMO Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts.
The colorful shuttle bus has a fun design that says 'Welcome to Hakodate' and serves as a free shuttle called the 'Hakodate Guruguru Bus', which conveniently travels around the city on a circular route.
Using this bus, you can smoothly move to major attractions like the Morning Market, Red Brick Warehouses, Mount Hakodate Ropeway, and Goryokaku without incurring transportation costs, making your stay even more comfortable.
During my stay at OMO Hakodate, I utilized the hotel’s shuttle bus to strategically explore the city. It was easy to get around and saved money, allowing me to fully enjoy sightseeing.
Day 1
I enjoyed shopping for souvenirs at the Red Brick Warehouse. It was a lovely experience to select typical Hakodate souvenirs while admiring the historic buildings.
Day 2
The weather was great, so I headed towards Honmachi. Climbing Yahata-zaka, I learned about Hakodate's history at the former British Consulate while savoring an authentic afternoon tea. The view from the community center was particularly beautiful, making it highly recommended for photography lovers.
Morning highlights
The hotel's free tour to the Morning Market is also fantastic. Going out first thing in the morning and choosing fresh seafood to enjoy grilled right there is an exquisite experience. You can also relish local recommendations and the lively atmosphere of the market.
Evening pleasure
I joined the Mount Hakodate night view tour departing at 19:00. With hotel pick-up and drop-off, it was easy and saved time and money while gaining insights from the guide, making it a great deal.
For dinner, I enjoyed strolling through the Daimon area near the hotel. There were delicious places open every night, including the crab specialty restaurant 'Clubhouse' and the Italian restaurant 'Piccolo', making it easy to enjoy gourmet food.
Ending the day by relaxing in the hotel’s spacious hot springs and open-air baths was refreshing. It truly heals the body tired from sightseeing.
The Goryokaku is also a recommended spot.
Climbing up the Goryokaku Tower and admiring the stellar shape from above is simply breathtaking. I felt a slight understanding of why Hijikata Toshizo chose Hakodate as his last stronghold and endeavored to build a new nation; it’s a place filled with history.