Planning a trip to Hakodate and looking for the perfect hotel? If so, La Vista Hakodate Bay has almost certainly popped up on your radar!
Famous across Japan for serving one of the best hotel breakfasts in the entire country, it’s an absolute dream stay for foodies and hot spring lovers alike. However, when you go to book, you might notice two options: the Main Building (La Vista Hakodate Bay) and the newer La Vista Hakodate Bay Annex.
As a Hakodate local, I’m here to give you the ultimate breakdown! In this review, I’ll cover everything from location and rooms to that world-famous seafood breakfast, rooftop hot springs, and how to choose between the Main building and the Annex.
Location and How to Get There from Hakodate Station
La Vista Hakodate Bay is located right in the heart of the Bay Area, sitting right across from the historic Red Brick Warehouses. It’s arguably the best location in town for sightseeing! Here are the easiest ways to get there:
- On Foot: About a 15-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station. It’s a flat, pleasant stroll if you don’t have heavy luggage.
- By Local Bus: Take the Motomachi/Bay Area Loop Bus from Hakodate Station and get off at “Meijikan-mae” (approx. 8 minutes).
- By Streetcar (Tram): Get off at “Uoiba-dori” stop and walk about 5 minutes.
- From Hakodate Airport: Take the airport shuttle bus bound for the Bay Area, which drops you off right in front of the hotel (approx. 20 minutes).
- By Car: On-site parking is available for 500 JPY per night.
Local Tip: If you’re arriving in winter or carrying big suitcases, skip the walk and grab a quick taxi or bus from Hakodate Station. Once you check in and drop your bags, almost all major downtown spots are within walking distance!
Guest Rooms & Main vs. Annex Differences
The guest rooms feature a charming retro-modern design inspired by Hakodate’s Taisho-era history, offering stunning views of either Mount Hakodate or the harbor.
Now, let’s address the big question: What’s the difference between the Main Building and the Annex?
- Main Building: Classic, cozy, and atmospheric. One signature feature is the hand-crank wooden coffee grinder provided in every room so you can brew fresh coffee while enjoying the harbor view. It’s perfect if you want to feel the vibrant energy of the Bay Area.
- Annex: Focuses on pure luxury, space, and privacy. Every room is over 40 square meters (much larger than standard Japanese hotel rooms), featuring sophisticated Japanese-modern decor. Some premium suites even come with private thermal hot spring baths!
If it’s your first time in Hakodate and you want that classic experience, go with the Main Building. If you prefer a quiet, luxurious retreat with extra space, book the Annex.
Breakfast and Dining
Let’s talk about the main event—the breakfast buffet!
Regularly ranked as one of the absolute best hotel breakfasts in Japan, the spread here is unreal. The highlight is the DIY Seafood Bowl (Katte-don) station. You can pile your bowl high with unlimited freshly caught salmon roe (ikura), tuna, squid, sweet shrimp, and seasonal fish.
It doesn’t stop at seafood, though! They also have an open charcoal grill serving smoky vegetables and seafood, freshly baked pastries, and mouthwatering local desserts.
Local Tip: Seafood in Hakodate is top-tier, but having it unlimited for breakfast is a whole different level of luxury. Go easy on dinner the night before so you can wake up hungry!
Onsen & Rooftop Hot Springs
Another standout feature is the 13th-floor rooftop natural hot spring bath, Kaikyo-no-Yu.
Soaking in the indoor bath while looking through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows offers a panoramic view of Mount Hakodate and the glowing city lights. The outdoor open-air baths (rotenburo) let you feel the fresh ocean breeze while relaxing in cypress or ceramic tubs.
Here is what travelers frequently say about their stay:
“The rooftop open-air bath overlooking Mount Hakodate at night was unforgettable. Plus, the free popsicles at the relaxation lounge after the hot spring were such a thoughtful touch!”
Trust me, soaking here at sunset or early in the morning with the harbor sunrise is an experience you’ll never forget.
Hotel Facilities and Amenities
La Vista Hakodate Bay leans into a refined, tranquil resort atmosphere, so you won’t find noisy game centers or arcades here.
Instead, you can enjoy Bar Sherry on the top floor, where you can sip craft cocktails while taking in the night view. On the first floor, there’s a lovely gift shop stocked with curated local Hakodate snacks, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
They also provide comfortable two-piece pajamas (samue) that you are free to wear anywhere inside the hotel, including the hot spring area and relaxation lounges.
Recommended Spots Around the Hotel
Thanks to its incredible location, you can easily explore these local favorites right outside your door:
- Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses (1-min walk): Great for shopping, cafes, and evening walks along the illuminated canal.
- Hasegawa Store – Bay Area Branch (2-min walk): Grab Hakodate’s iconic local comfort food, Yakitori Bento (grilled pork skewers over rice with a savory-sweet sauce).
- Lucky Pierrot – Marina Suehiro Branch (3-min walk): Hakodate’s famous local burger chain! Try their legendary Chinese Chicken Burger right by the water.
Summary
La Vista Hakodate Bay isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a highlight of the trip itself! With its world-class seafood breakfast, breathtaking rooftop onsen, and unbeatable location, it promises a memorable stay in Hokkaido.
Rooms—especially in peak seasons and during autumn/winter—fill up extremely fast because of its popularity among both Japanese and international travelers.
If you’re planning your trip to Hakodate, make sure to check room availability early so you don’t miss out!
コメント