Hotels in Hakodate

Hakodate's peak tourist season is in July and August. Accordingly, some hotels raise their rates during this time.

A Double or a Twin? -- For the sake of convenience, the price for two people in a room is listed as a "double". Japanese hotels, however, differentiate between rooms with a double bed or two twin beds, usually with different prices. Although most hotels charge more for a twin room, sometimes the opposite is true; if you're looking for a bargain, therefore, be sure to inquire about prices for both. Note, too, that hotels usually have more twin rooms than doubles, for the simple reason that Japanese couples, used to their own futon, traditionally prefer twin beds.

Inexpensive -- In addition to the choice listed, there's a 260-room Toyoko Inn Hakodate Ekimae Asa-ichi just a couple minutes' walk from Hakodate Station at 22-7 Otemachi (tel. 0138/23-1045; www.toyoko-inn.com), and the slightly newer Toyoko Inn Hakodate Daimon (tel. 0138/24-1045) a 4-minute walk from the station, both with the usual freebies for which this chain is famous, including lobby computers with free Internet access and free in-room Internet access. Double rooms at both start at ¥7,980, including Japanese breakfast. Winter discounts (Oct-May) are available.