Hachiman Zaka

Hachimanzaka is a sloping street at the foot of Mount Hakodate and is a classic viewpoint where you can see the sea beyond the slope. It is frequently used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas. One well-known example is the Charmy Green commercial featuring an elderly couple holding hands and skipping—this is why the slope is also called "Charmy Green Slope." At the end of the slope is Hakodate Nishi High School, which is said to have been attended by Saburo Kitajima. The name Hachimanzaka comes from the fact that Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine once stood in this area; although the shrine was lost to a fire and relocated to Yachigashira, the name remained. The view straight down the slope includes the former ferry pier site and the Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Mashu-maru, which adds to its popularity. Hakodate is famous for having many slopes, and Hachimanzaka and Motomizaka are especially well known. Hachimanzaka is also on the route toward Hachimanyama, and in winter road heating is used. Access is about a 20-minute walk from Hakodate Station, or take the streetcar and get off at "Suehirocho"—it is right nearby.