Step Into Hakodate’s Beloved Nighttime Social Hub
Just a 5-minute walk from Hakodate Station, Daimon Yokocho is a yatai village tucked into narrow alleys lit by red paper lanterns. Both tourists and locals gather here night after night, making it Hakodate’s quintessential evening hangout.
Squid sashimi, Jingisukan, Hakodate ramen—chat with shop owners across the counter while bar-hopping through Hakodate’s finest flavors. Raise a glass with a local regular sitting next to you. This is the authentic Hakodate night experience.
This guide covers everything you need to know about enjoying Daimon Yokocho.
Daimon Yokocho
Daimon Yokocho is a yatai village located in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Numerous eateries line the Showa-era retro alleys, making it one of Hakodate’s most popular tourist destinations.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 7 - 5 Matsukaze - cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040 - 0035 |
| Hours | Varies by shop (most open 5:00 pm–around 12:00 pm) |
| Closed | Varies by shop |
| Access | 5 - min walk from JR Hakodate Station or Hakodate - Ekimae tram stop |
| Parking | Coin parking available nearby |
| Official Site | https://www.hakodate-yatai.com/ |
Showa-Era Charm Under Red Paper Lanterns
Daimon Yokocho packs small shops tightly into a compact space, creating a layout reminiscent of traditional nagaya townhouses and alley districts. This design lets you soak in the retro atmosphere of Japan’s Showa era (1926–1989).
At night, the glow of lanterns intensifies the nostalgic vibe, transporting you back to the 1970s.
All of Hakodate’s Best Flavors in One Place
What comes to mind when you think of Hakodate food?
The most famous is squid. Hakodate is known as the City of Squid—the translucent flesh and satisfying texture are legendary.
When visiting Hakodate, fresh squid landed at Hakodate Port is a must-try.
At Daimon Yokocho, enjoy squid sashimi, grilled squid on a hot plate, and even squid ink gyoza. Hakodate’s high squid catch ensures exceptional freshness.
Hokkaido’s seafood bounty is on full display here—scallops, sea urchin, and crab. Enjoy them as sashimi or grill them over charcoal. Spend a luxurious evening grilling seafood on a shichirin tabletop grill while sipping drinks.
Jingisukan (grilled lamb) is another Hokkaido staple. Grill lamb over charcoal and toast with beer. Some shops will show first-timers how to cook it properly.
Hakodate ramen means shio (salt-based) ramen. Daimon Yokocho has a renowned shop that uses chicken oil extracted from a whole chicken—perfect for a late-night finish.
Classic izakaya fare like croquettes and yakitori pairs perfectly with drinks. Korean and Italian options are also available for those wanting something beyond Japanese food.
This incredible variety is another reason Daimon Yokocho stands out.
Open from Evening to Late Night: A Lineup of Unique Shops
Most shops in Daimon Yokocho have just a handful of counter seats. You can watch the chef work right in front of you and discover each shop’s signature flavors.
Kotobukitei grills seafood on shichirin charcoal grills. Hakodate Horumon serves meticulously prepared salted offal. Ryuho is famous for its golden shio ramen. Hakodate Ikaya originated squid ink gyoza. Dagashi Bar 1096 offers all-you-can-eat nostalgic Japanese candy.
Most shops open around 17:00 and stay open late into the night. Ryuho and Zakotei serve lunch during the day.
| No. | Shop Name | Genre | Hours | Closed | Seats | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanamomen | Japanese / Izakaya | 5:00 pm–11:00 pm | Irregular | 10 | Home - style cooking by a female owner |
| 2 | Chases | Asian Cuisine | 5:30 pm–1:00 am | Open daily | 8 | Asian food and world beers |
| 3 | Waido no Oden | Japanese / Izakaya | 5:00 pm–12:00 pm | Irregular | 9 | Oden simmered in Hakodate ma - kombu dashi, plus creative teppanyaki |
| 4 | Seishun no Hikari | Kushikatsu | 5:30 pm–2:00 am | Irregular | 9 | |
| 5 | Hakodate Horumon | Yakiniku | 5:00 pm–12:00 pm | Tuesday | 8 | Meticulously prepared salted offal |
| 6 | Kotobukitei | Hakodate Charcoal - grilled Seafood | 6:00 pm–11:00 pm | Irregular | 8–10 | Grill seafood on shichirin. Wide selection of local sake and shochu. |
| 7 | Dagashi Bar 1096 | Bar | 6:00 pm–12:00 pm | Irregular | 9 | 550 yen cover charge includes all - you - can - eat Japanese candy. Beauty and health themed bar. |
| 8 | Ryuho | Hakodate Ramen | 10:30 am–12:30 pm | Open daily | 7 | Open during the day. Famous for golden shio ramen using chicken oil extracted from a whole chicken. |
| 9 | Kinke | Korean Cuisine | 5:00 pm–12:00 pm | Irregular | 8 | Authentic Korean home cooking by a Korean owner |
| 10 | Piccolo | Italian Yatai | 5:30 pm–1:00 am | Irregular | 9 | Rotating world wines and Hokkaido cheese |
| 11 | Daibo | Japanese / Izakaya | 5:00 pm– | New Year | 8 | Fresh seafood and homemade dried fish |
| 12 | Wabisuke | Kushiyaki | 4:30 pm–11:00 pm | Sunday | 8 | |
| 13 | Kobo | Western - style Izakaya | 5:30 pm–11:00 pm | Monday | 8 | Local ingredients, gentle on body and soul |
| 14 | Hakodate Zangi | Japanese / Izakaya | 5:00 pm–12:00 pm | Irregular | ||
| 15 | Hakodate Bar | Yakiton | 5:00 pm–11:00 pm | Tuesday | 7 | Tender and juicy yakiton using SPF pork |
| 16 | Shuka Tsubaki | Chinese Cuisine | 6:00 pm–11:30 pm | Thursday | Third location of popular Hakodate ramen shop Tsubaki. Famous for sea bream dashi white soy sauce ramen. | |
| 17 | Shuko | Japanese / Izakaya | 5:00 pm–11:00 pm | Wednesday | 7 | |
| 18 | Lamujin | Jingisukan | 6:00 pm–11:00 pm | Thursday | 8 | Menu for both beginners and lamb enthusiasts |
| 19 | Hakodate Ikaya | Chinese - style Izakaya | 5:00 pm–11:00 pm | Irregular | 18 | The original squid ink gyoza. Popular for various gyoza and squid dishes. |
| 20 | Zakotei | Sushi | 11:30 am–2:00 pm 5:00 pm–10:00 pm | Monday | 10 | Open during the day. Fresh catch at affordable prices. |
| 21 | Clubhouse | Crab / Seafood Izakaya | 5:00 pm–11:00 pm | Irregular | 15 | Affordable crab dishes |
| 22 | Yamataichi | Japanese / Izakaya | 5:00 pm–12:00 pm | Monday | 15 | Traditional yamaimo and fresh seafood. Local sake including Kokuryu and Denshu. |
| 23 | Sakura | Japanese / Izakaya | 5:00 pm–11:00 pm | Sunday | 21 | |
| 24 | Kashiwaya | Bite - size Tempura | 6:00 pm–12:00 pm | Monday | 16 | Seasonal authentic Japanese cuisine to light snacks at yatai prices. |
| 25 | Madder | Western Cuisine | 5:00 pm–12:00 pm | Wednesday | Select wines and cheese. Popular Hokkaido raclette with vegetables and frank. | |
| 26 | Hakohachi Gyoko | Japanese / Izakaya | 4:00 pm–11:00 pm | Irregular | 22 | Spacious interior. Exclusive premium mackerel sashimi. |
Bar-Hopping Is the Way to Go
The greatest pleasure of Daimon Yokocho is bar-hopping. With nearly 30 eateries packed into a compact space, moving from shop to shop is effortless.
The entire yokocho takes just 30 seconds to walk through, yet holds nearly 30 shops. Settling for just one spot would be a waste—sample a little from each as you explore.
Perfect for Solo Drinking: The True Charm of Yokocho Culture
Counter seating dominates Daimon Yokocho, making it easy to drop in alone. While visiting with family, partners, or friends is enjoyable, solo drinking is highly recommended.
The counter creates an intimate setting where conversations with shop owners offer a window into Hakodate’s local culture.
Daimon Yokocho is also a beloved gathering spot for Hakodate residents. After work, locals flock here, filling the alleys with energy.
The compact interiors naturally spark conversations between neighboring customers and with the chef. During my solo visit, I chatted with locals, fellow travelers, and shop owners—making for an unforgettable evening.
The close quarters foster communication. Connect with owners, regulars, and other tourists. Embrace the encounters that only travel can bring.
Catch It If You Can: The Popular Daimon Bar Event
Daimon Bar is a food and drink crawl event centered around Daimon Yokocho, with many nearby restaurants in the Hakodate Station area participating. Each shop offers one drink and one food item for 700 yen, making bar-hopping easy and affordable.
The event is held about three times a year at irregular intervals, typically from 17:00 to 22:00. Announcements about dates, participating shops, and menus are posted on the official website as the event approaches. Check the Daimon Bar schedule when planning your Hakodate trip.
Experience an Unforgettable Night at Daimon Yokocho
For Hakodate’s best food and drinks, Daimon Yokocho is essential. Its proximity to Hakodate Station makes it an easy stop.
In this yatai village with its unmistakable Showa-era ambiance, savor Hakodate specialties like squid sashimi and Jingisukan.
Fresh seafood, lively atmosphere, and unexpected connections—spend an unforgettable night at Daimon Yokocho.
