On Day 4, our journey leads us deep into the southernmost region of Hokkaido. While the drive from Hakodate to Matsumae Town is longer, relaxing inside a spacious private charter while watching the dramatic waves of the Tsugaru Strait transforms the ride into a highlights tour of its own.
Matsumae Castle stands as Hokkaido’s only traditional Japanese castle and is recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. In spring, more than 10,000 cherry trees featuring roughly 250 varieties bloom in succession, extending the blossom season for over a full month. In autumn, brilliant crimson leaves wrap around the castle’s stone walls, evoking a profound sense of historical grandeur.
On the return leg, we skirt the scenic coastline toward Kikonai. Make a brief stop at the Misaki Lookout or snap memorable photographs in front of the iconic seaside Torii gate at Misogi Beach (みそぎ浜).
With a private charter, your schedule remains entirely flexible: whenever breathtaking coastal views catch your eye, your driver can safely pull over for photo opportunities before comfortably chauffeuring you back to your Hakodate hotel.
Day 4 Route: Hakodate ➔ Historic Matsumae Castle ➔ Kikonai Coastal Walk
Southern Hokkaido 5-Day Tour Day 4 Itinerary
| Estimated Time | Itinerary & Attractions | Highlights & Private Charter Advantages |
| 09:00 | Hakodate Departure | Pick-up at your Hakodate hotel with luggage assistance. Drive south along the Tsugaru Strait. |
| 10:30 | Kikonai Misogi Beach & Lookout | Visit the seaside Torii gate at Misogi Beach and enjoy coastal views from Misaki Lookout. |
| 12:00 | Matsumae Town (Lunch) | Enjoy local seafood specialties such as fresh Matsumae tuna or local seafood bowls. |
| 13:30 | Matsumae Castle & Han Yashiki | Tour Hokkaido’s only Japanese castle, walk through the Edo samurai village, and view seasonal blossoms/foliage. |
| 16:30 | Tsugaru Strait Coastal Drive | Relax in your private vehicle as sunset hues illuminate the ocean coastline. |
| 18:30 | Hakodate Hotel Return | Direct drop-off back at your Hakodate hotel for a restful evening. |
Note: The schedule and driving durations above are for reference only. All itineraries are fully customizable to your preferences and subject to real-time traffic or weather conditions.
🌸 Spring Special Highlights (Late April – Early May)
- Matsumae Castle (Hokkaido’s Cherry Blossom Kingdom): Officially ranked among “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” the castle grounds feature over 10,000 cherry trees spanning early, mid, and late-blooming varieties. This succession creates a month-long blooming season where the iconic castle keep rises out of a sea of pink petals.
🍁 Autumn Special Highlights (Mid-October – Early November)
- Matsumae Han Yashiki Autumn Samurai Trail: Featuring reconstructed wooden residences and merchant shops from the Edo period, this historic village turns into a tranquil crimson paradise when framed by peak autumn foliage.
🚗 Reaching Matsumae after Rail Decommissioning: Why Licensed Charter is Essential
The railway line connecting Hakodate to Matsumae was decommissioned years ago, leaving public transit options severely restricted to sparse long-distance local buses.
By choosing Car4TourJP’s licensed green-plate private charter service, your friendly English driver handles the long-distance coastal driving safely and smoothly, turning a potentially taxing transit day into an effortless scenic road trip.
Hokkaido All-Season Clothing & Packing Guide
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey through Southern Hokkaido, review our seasonal outfit packing guide below:
| Season & Months | Average Temperature | Core Outfit Strategy | Essential Accessories & Tips |
| 🌸 Spring (Late April – Early May) | 8°C – 16°C | Layered Thermal Outfit Long-sleeve T-shirts or light sweaters paired with a windproof jacket or lightweight down coat. | Light scarf (coastal and mountain spots can get very windy with wide day-night temperature gaps). |
| 🌻 Summer (June – August) | 20°C – 27°C | Breathable & Light Attire Short-sleeve shirts, light long sleeves, or cotton dresses made of moisture-wicking fabrics. | Light cardigan or windbreaker (chilly evenings at Lake Toya and Mount Hakodate). |
| 🍁 Autumn (Mid-Oct – Early Nov) | 5°C – 14°C | Multi-layer Insulation Thermal base layers + wool sweaters topped with a windproof coat or thick down jacket. | Warm beanie, gloves, and scarf (extremely cold when viewing nighttime foliage or mountain night views). |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec – Feb) | -5°C – 2°C | Polar Extreme Cold Protection Long insulated down coat + fleece-lined waterproof pants (wear easy-to-remove layers for hot indoor heating). | Beanie, waterproof gloves, scarf, and deep-tread waterproof snow boots (avoid flat-bottomed shoes). |
✨ Exclusive Bonus for Your Private Tour:
The beauty of Hokkaido goes beyond the famous landmarks. To make your journey more heartfelt, we’ve prepared a list of “Hidden Gems” tucked away within our classic itineraries.
🔒 How to Unlock Your Secret Map?
Simply complete your booking to instantly unlock these hidden spots. We will send you a personalized custom itinerary, ensuring your Hokkaido memories are truly one-of-a-kind.