How to Pronounce Hakodate

Meaning and Context

Hakodate (函館市), a historic port city on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Japan, stands as a captivating fusion of international heritage and natural splendor. As one of the first Japanese ports opened to international trade in 1859 following the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, Hakodate's cityscape is uniquely adorned with well-preserved Meiji-era Western architecture in the Motomachi district, alongside iconic Japanese landmarks. The city is globally celebrated for the panoramic night view from Mount Hakodate, consistently ranked among Japan's top three nightscapes, where the city's twinkling lights form a spectacular, jewel-like curve between the Tsugaru Strait and Hakodate Bay. Key attractions for Hokkaido tourism include the star-shaped Goryokaku Fortress, Japan's first Western-style citadel which is stunning during the cherry blossom season, and the bustling Morning Market (Asaichi), where visitors savor the region's famed fresh seafood, particularly squid and uni (sea urchin). This blend of historical significance, culinary excellence, and scenic beauty solidifies Hakodate's status as a premier destination for cultural exploration and travel in northern Japan.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct romanization is Hakodate, following the Hepburn system. A common alternative spelling is Hakodate-shi, where "-shi" is the Japanese suffix for "city," though it is often omitted in general English usage. Frequent misspellings and typos arise from phonetic misinterpretations or keyboard errors, such as "Hakodade," "Hakodatte," or "Hakodati." Another common error is the omission of the "o," resulting in "Hakdate." It is also sometimes mistakenly written as two words, "Hako Date," which is incorrect. In Japanese kanji, the city is written as 函館市, with 函館 (Hakodate) literally meaning "box mansion" or "storehouse," a reference to its historical function.

Example Sentences

No trip to Hokkaido is complete without spending a night in Hakodate to witness the breathtaking illumination of the city from the summit of Mount Hakodate.

We sampled the incredibly fresh ika (squid) at the Hakodate Morning Market, a quintessential experience for any food lover visiting Japan.

The historical significance of Hakodate is palpable when walking through the Motomachi district with its charming blend of Russian Orthodox churches and old consulate buildings.

During spring, hundreds of visitors flock to Goryokaku Park to see the star-shaped moat surrounded by a cloud of pink cherry blossoms.

The convenient access via the Shinkansen from Tokyo has made Hakodate an even more popular destination for international tourism in recent years.

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