[The Latest Japanese Shopping Street in 2025] Hakodate Daimon Yokocho (Hakodate City)
🏮 Hakodate Daimon Yokocho: A Foodie Paradise for the Common People in Hokkaido's Port Town
Hello everyone~ Today I'm going to take you to Hakodate Daimon Yokocho , one of the most "humane" food yokocho in Hakodate City, Hokkaido! ✨
While not as large as Sapporo's Susukino, this is the perfect place to experience Hakodate's local culture, local cuisine, and pub atmosphere. It's unassuming during the day, but at night, when the lanterns light up, the entire street comes alive, letting you completely immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere unique to southern Hokkaido. 🍶
📍 Where is Hakodate Daimon Yokocho?
- Location: Matsukaze-cho, Hakodate City, about a 5-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station , very convenient.
- Scope: Composed of dozens of small shops clustered in narrow alleys, Yokocho is small but full of surprises.
- Nearby landmarks: Near the Daimon area (around Hakodate Station), which is also one of the commercial centers of Hakodate.
When I first came here, I thought it was just an ordinary alley when I passed by it during the day. But when I visited again at night, the lanterns were lit and the noise of people was bustling. It instantly turned into a paradise for the common people with the aroma of delicious food and wine!
🏮 The birth and history of Daimon Yokocho
- 2005 : In order to revitalize the gate area in front of Hakodate Station, the city of Hakodate specially created this "Showa-style Food Yokocho".
- Inspired by post-war Japan's black market and Yokocho culture, dozens of pubs and izakayas are concentrated on one small street, creating a strong nostalgic atmosphere.
- It has now become one of Hakodate's must-visit tourist attractions at night and a gathering place for locals after get off work.
I feel that Daimon Yokocho is not just a street for eating and drinking, but a small stage where you can experience the life of the Showa era.
🌆 The unique atmosphere of Daimon Yokocho
1. Nostalgic Showa style 🏮
- The narrow alleys, red lanterns and wooden door facades give people the illusion of going back to the Showa era.
- Most of the shops have small counter seats that can accommodate up to ten people and have a warm atmosphere.
2. Locals and tourists gather together 🍻
- Local office workers come here for a drink after get off work and mingle with tourists.
- It is easy to strike up a conversation with strangers and the atmosphere is warm and friendly.
3. The taste of Hokkaido port town🦀
- In addition to the common skewers and ramen in izakayas, there are also fresh seafood dishes.
- I think this is the biggest difference between Daimon Yokocho and other city Yokochos: it has a strong port town flavor .
🍲 Must-try food in Daimon Yokocho
My favorite part of this place is the "Shop Tour," where each shop has its own unique characteristics:
1. Seafood dishes 🦐🦑🦀
- Crabs, scallops, grilled squid, and fresh fish sashimi are all specialties of southern Taiwan.
- The editor especially recommends the "Grilled Squid Dried Overnight", which is fragrant and perfect with wine.
2. Skewers and Izakaya side dishes 🍢
- Chicken skewers, pork belly skewers, and vegetable skewers are best paired with beer.
- Oden, fried foods, and fried noodles are all popular must-order dishes.
3. Ramen and local specialties 🍜
- Some small shops offer Hakodate shio ramen, and the refreshing broth is very popular.
- There are also Hokkaido-exclusive dishes, such as Genghis Khan grilled lamb.
4. Various alcoholic beverages 🍶🍺
- Local sake, Hokkaido beer, plum wine, and shochu.
- I love chatting with the boss while drinking, it feels very humane.
🎉 How to experience Daimon Yokocho
1. Wine Tour 🍶
- There are many small shops in Yokocho, so it is recommended to order only a glass of wine and a small dish in each shop before moving on to the next one.
- This way you can experience the characteristics of different stores and not miss any surprises.
2. Communicate with locals 🤝
- The shop is small and the distance to the customers next door is very close, so it is easy to chat.
- The editor once talked with local office workers about the secrets of Hakodate's food and gained a lot.
3. Take photos and check in 📸
- Yokocho has a particularly charming atmosphere at night when it is lit up with lanterns.
- But be careful: avoid disturbing guests who are dining when taking photos.
🚆 Transportation
- JR Hakodate Station : Approximately 5 minutes on foot.
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Matsukaze-cho Tram Station : Approximately a 3-minute walk.
The transportation is super convenient, and it is perfect for having a drink here in the evening after visiting the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse or Motomachi during the day.
💡 Editor's Tips
- Business hours : Most shops open after 5pm and stay open until late at night.
- It is recommended to come at night : it is almost closed during the day and the atmosphere is best at night.
- Cash is the main payment method: Most small shops do not accept credit cards, so it is recommended to bring cash.
- Crowds : Busiest on weekend nights, more relaxed on weekdays.
- Strategy for choosing a store : First observe the atmosphere at the entrance, then go in if you like it. No specific strategy is needed, and you will be pleasantly surprised by being casual.
🌌 Summary: The charm of Hakodate Daimon Yokocho
Although Hakodate Daimon Yokocho is small in scale, it condenses the common people's culture, culinary charm and human touch of Hokkaido's port town .
Here, you can eat the freshest seafood, drink the most authentic sake, chat happily with the locals, and experience the most authentic Hakodate night.
The editor thinks that the Daimon Yokocho is the kind of "small but exquisite" Yokocho.
If Sapporo's Susukino is a grand stage, then Hakodate's Daimon Yokocho is a cozy little theater. Don't miss this alleyway steeped in the charm of the Showa era when visiting Hakodate; it's guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable nighttime memories! 🍻✨
