HAKODATE

On this year's away from Tokyo trip we headed north. Japan Rail Lines offered a special fare that included Northern Honshu and the southern part of Hokkaido. So we took a train to Hakodate, a city in Southern Hokkaido. We traveled through the Seikan Tunnel, which connects Japan's main island of Honshu with Hokkaido. Half of the tunnel goes under the ocean with its deepest point 240m (790ft) under the sea bed.


Hakodate seen at night from the top of Mount Hakodate. This view is one of the most famous night views in Japan.



Another view from Mount Hakodate. The city was one of five ports open to foreign trade in 1859. Now it's famous for its annual Squid Festival with Ika Odori (Squid Dance) held in August.


Lights in the ocean seen from Mount Hakodate. No, it's not an alien invasion but lights on squid fishing boats.


Whose foot is that over the H and part of the A in Hakodate?



As we walked along the waterfront we spotted some squid fishing boats.



Look at the giant light bulbs.



Closer view.



Lots of equipment on these fishing boats.



Squid swimming in a tank at the local fish market.