Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 1692 reviews
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel sits on the waterfront in Hakodate, offering straightforward access to the city’s bay area and main sights by a short walk or tram ride. The property is arranged with distinct wings that provide city- or bay-facing rooms, and room types range from compact doubles to larger suites designed for families or longer stays. Guests can expect standard city-hotel conveniences—free Wi‑Fi, in‑room kettles and TVs, and a mix of business and leisure facilities—making it a practical base for exploring the harbor, markets and the ropeway to Mount Hakodate.
The hotel operates several on‑site dining outlets, including a teppanyaki restaurant and a sky lounge that overlooks the harbor and the nightscape, plus a buffet breakfast with regionally focused seafood options and a live-cooking area. For bathing, the property maintains natural hot-spring facilities with an indoor public bath and an outdoor bath that can be used while taking in city views; these communal onsen-style baths are presented as part of the hotel’s wellness offering rather than private in‑room amenities. Additional guest services include a spa program, bicycle rental and a small selection of retail and event spaces within the complex.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent breakfast options and quality
Many reviews praise the breakfast — described as sumptuous, superb and varied (buffet plus Japanese options such as unagi). Several guests noted fast service and high food quality.
Large, impressive onsen and spa with views
Guests highlight a huge onsen (rooftop/bay views) and pleasant spa facilities; the public bath and rooftop onsen are frequently mentioned as a major plus.
Very convenient location
Multiple reviewers appreciated the hotel’s proximity to Hakodate Station, the morning market, the Old Russian town and Mount Hakodate — easy walking access to major sights and transport.
Helpful, friendly staff and good dining service
Staff are repeatedly described as friendly and helpful; the chef and several restaurants received positive comments for service and food quality (Chinese restaurant, chef’s restaurant).
Clean, spacious facilities and pleasant common areas
Many guests liked the cleanliness, spacious rooms (especially top-floor bay-view rooms), attractive lounges/cafe, gift shop and overall hotel facilities.
Negative Reviews
Breakfast overcrowding and long waits at peak times
Although the food quality is praised, several guests reported severe crowding and disorganization during busy periods, with queues and waits of 20–40 minutes to get in and additional waiting inside.
Hotel is very large and can feel impersonal/very busy
The hotel’s size and acceptance of large tour groups leads to busy public areas, impersonal service at times and crowded check-in/breakfast periods, which some guests found off-putting.
Inconsistent room condition; some rooms small or dated
Reviews mention variability between wings: some rooms are spacious and modern, others are small, worn or have dated decor and stains; a few guests required room changes due to condition issues.
Spa/onsen cleanliness and security concerns reported by some
While many praised the onsen, a few reviewers reported cleanliness issues or felt the spa was ordinary. One guest also noted limited floor-access security (no room-card scan to access some floors) as a concern.
Pricing, parking and smoking-floor issues
Some guests felt the hotel was overpriced for the condition of certain rooms. Additional negatives mentioned: no free parking for guests and the presence of smoking floors that some would prefer removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single and double rooms to family, connecting and suite options, accommodating solo travellers up to families; some rooms include sofa beds or futons and extra beds are available on request. Add exact guest numbers when booking to confirm maximum occupancy for a specific room.
Yes — the hotel offers a natural hot spring public bath called Shiomi no Yu on the 13th floor with panoramic city/sea views and an outdoor bath in the men's area. The facility is described as a large public bathing area rather than a private bath.
The onsen is primarily a public, gender-separated bathing facility; private-reservation options are not regularly advertised so please contact the hotel directly to inquire. Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using the public bathing areas.
Yes — the airport bus stops directly in front of the hotel and the airport is about 20 minutes by car (roughly 30 minutes by bus depending on traffic).
JR Hakodate Station is about an 8-minute walk; the Shiyakushomae tram stop is roughly 300 metres away. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the Hakodate Morning Market and other central attractions.
Pets are not allowed at the property.
The hotel maintains an English-language website and front-desk staff provide assistance in English; additional multilingual support may vary, so mention any language needs in advance if possible.
There are four on-site restaurants serving a range of cuisines, including Japanese, teppanyaki and a sky lounge, and a highly rated breakfast buffet featuring local seafood and cooked-to-order items. Reservations may be recommended for dinner at speciality outlets.
Hakodate Morning Market is about 500 metres away, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses are a 10-minute walk, and the Mount Hakodate Ropeway/Motomachi area is roughly 1.5 km from the hotel; convenience stores and city shops are also within a short walk. These locations make the hotel a convenient base for sightseeing.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is until 11:00; the hotel offers luggage storage and on-site parking. For specific arrival arrangements or early/late check-in requests, contact the hotel in advance.