函館を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、函館に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 函館の基本情報
- 北海道南部に位置する港町、本州からもアクセスしやすい
- 最初に外国に開かれた港の一つで、西洋の影響を色濃く残している
- 主な観光スポット
- 函館山:夜景が「世界三大夜景」の一つとされる、ロープウェイで山頂まで行ける
- 五稜郭:星形の城郭跡で、日本の歴史的な出来事(箱館戦争)の舞台となった、春は桜の名所
- 朝市:新鮮な海産物や海鮮丼が楽しめる人気市場
- 元町・ベイエリア:西洋風の教会や赤レンガ倉庫があり、異国情緒を感じられるエリア
- 湯の川温泉:市内から近い人気の温泉地
- 函館グルメ
- 海鮮: 津軽海峡で獲れる新鮮な魚介類が豊富
- イカ: 函館の代表的な海産物、朝市で有名
- ラッキーピエロ: 函館発祥のハンバーガーチェーン、道南地域限定
- 交通・アクセス情報
- 新幹線: 北海道新幹線で新函館北斗駅まで、そこから在来線で函館駅
- 飛行機: 函館空港から市内まで約20分
2人が函館について話しています。
函館山の夜景、五稜郭の桜、朝市、赤レンガ倉庫、湯の川温泉、ご当地グルメなどを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue

You know, I’ve been reading a lot about different places in Japan, and recently I got really interested in Hakodate. Have you ever been there, Key?

Actually, yes, I went there last spring. Hakodate is a fantastic city. What made you interested in it?

I saw some photos of the night view from Mount Hakodate. It looked amazing—like something out of a movie. Is it really that special in person?

It’s honestly even better in real life. The city lights and the sea together create this incredible scene. A lot of people say it’s one of the most beautiful night views in the world.

That’s what I’ve heard! I also read that Hakodate has a lot of Western-style buildings. Why is that?

Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign trade, back in the 19th century. So, you’ll find a lot of Western influences, especially in the Motomachi area. There are old churches and even some Western-style houses.

That sounds so different from the usual Japanese city vibe. What else is unique about Hakodate?

Well, there’s Goryokaku, which is a star-shaped fort. It’s really famous for cherry blossoms in spring. There’s also the Morning Market, where you can try super fresh seafood—Hakodate is famous for squid.

I love seafood! Is it easy to get around the city as a tourist?

Definitely. The city is pretty compact, and you can use the streetcar to reach most places, like Goryokaku, the Bay Area, and even Yunokawa Onsen. Plus, the main spots in the city center are walkable.

What’s Yunokawa Onsen like? I’ve never tried a hot spring near the sea before.

Yunokawa is really convenient because it’s so close to the city. The water is great, and in winter, you can even see monkeys bathing in the hot springs at the botanical garden.

Monkeys in hot springs? That must be fun to watch. How about the Bay Area? I heard there are some old red brick warehouses there.

Yeah, the Bay Area is very atmospheric. The red brick warehouses have been turned into shops, cafes, and even museums. It’s a nice place to stroll by the sea, especially in the evening.

Sounds perfect for a relaxing walk. What was your favorite thing to do there?

I really liked just exploring the Motomachi area—there are so many interesting buildings and quiet streets. But honestly, nothing beats the night view from Mount Hakodate.

I’m definitely adding the night view to my bucket list. Is Hakodate very crowded with tourists?

It’s popular, especially during cherry blossom season and in the summer, but it’s not as crowded as places like Kyoto or Tokyo. It feels a bit more relaxed.

Do you think Hakodate is good for couples? I’m thinking about going with my girlfriend.

Absolutely! The night view is very romantic, and there are lots of cute cafes and beautiful spots for photos. It’s also nice for families and people who love history.

Is there anything special I should try or buy in Hakodate?

You should definitely try the seafood donburi at the Morning Market. Also, Lucky Pierrot is a famous local burger chain—you can’t find it anywhere else.

Interesting! What’s so special about their burgers?

They have unique burgers, like the Chinese Chicken Burger. It’s kind of a cult favorite among locals and visitors.

What about getting to Hakodate? Is it easy from Tokyo?

Yes, you can take the shinkansen, which is direct and comfortable. Or you can fly—it’s only about 1.5 hours from Haneda Airport.

Thanks, Key! This is so helpful. Now I’m even more excited to go. Maybe next spring I’ll finally see those cherry blossoms at Goryokaku.

You’ll love it, Mack. Hakodate has a bit of everything—history, nature, food, and great views. Just be sure to bring your camera!

For sure! I’ll let you know if I need more tips. Thanks again!
概要 / Overview
「函館観光」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
函館観光

Introduction to Hakodate
Hakodate is a beautiful port city in the south of Hokkaido, Japan. It is known for its wonderful views, fresh seafood, and special history. Many people visit Hakodate every year, from both Japan and other countries.
Famous Night View
One of the most famous things in Hakodate is the night view from Mount Hakodate. At night, you can see the city lights and the sea together. Many people say it is one of the most beautiful night views in the world. You can take a ropeway (cable car) to the top of the mountain easily.
Unique City with Western Style
Hakodate is different from many other Japanese cities. In the 19th century, it was one of the first Japanese ports to open to the world. Because of this, you can see many Western-style buildings, especially in the Motomachi area. There are old churches and nice streets to walk around.
Local Food and Morning Market
Hakodate is famous for fresh seafood. The morning market near Hakodate Station is a great place to try seafood dishes like squid, crab, and sea urchin. You can also try a local burger at “Lucky Pierrot,” a popular burger shop only in Hakodate.
Easy to Visit and Travel
It is easy to visit Hakodate. You can take the shinkansen (bullet train), an airplane, or a ferry from Honshu (the main island). Most sightseeing places are close together, so you can use the streetcar or walk to many spots. Hakodate is a city full of charm and is waiting for you to visit!
10の質問 / 10 questions
「函館観光」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: Where is Hakodate?
Hakodate is in the south of Hokkaido, Japan. It is a port city by the sea.
2: What is Hakodate famous for?
Hakodate is famous for its beautiful night view, fresh seafood, and Western-style buildings.
3: What can you see from Mount Hakodate?
You can see the city lights and the sea from the top of Mount Hakodate, especially at night.
4: What is Goryokaku?
Goryokaku is a star-shaped fort in Hakodate. It is also a popular place for cherry blossoms in spring.
5: What can you eat at the Hakodate Morning Market?
At the morning market, you can eat fresh seafood like squid, crab, and sea urchin.
6: Why are there Western-style buildings in Hakodate?
Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign countries. Many Western people lived there, so they built Western-style buildings.
7: How can you travel around Hakodate?
You can use the streetcar, bus, or walk. Most sightseeing spots are close to each other.
8: What is Yunokawa Onsen?
Yunokawa Onsen is a hot spring area in Hakodate. It is popular for relaxing baths.
9: What is Lucky Pierrot?
Lucky Pierrot is a famous local hamburger restaurant. You can only find it in Hakodate.
10: How can you get to Hakodate from Tokyo?
You can take the shinkansen (bullet train) or fly by airplane from Tokyo to Hakodate.

和訳付
会話 / dialogue

You know, I’ve been reading a lot about different places in Japan, and recently I got really interested in Hakodate. Have you ever been there, Key?
最近日本のいろんな場所について調べてるんだけど、函館がすごく気になり始めたんだ。キーは行ったことある?

Actually, yes, I went there last spring. Hakodate is a fantastic city. What made you interested in it?
うん、実は去年の春に行ったよ。函館って本当にいい街だよ。どうして興味持ったの?

I saw some photos of the night view from Mount Hakodate. It looked amazing—like something out of a movie. Is it really that special in person?
函館山からの夜景の写真を見たんだけど、本当に映画みたいにきれいだった。実際もあんなにすごいの?

It’s honestly even better in real life. The city lights and the sea together create this incredible scene. A lot of people say it’s one of the most beautiful night views in the world.
実際に見るともっと感動するよ。街の明かりと海が一緒になって、ほんとにすごい景色になるんだ。世界一美しい夜景のひとつってよく言われてるよ。

That’s what I’ve heard! I also read that Hakodate has a lot of Western-style buildings. Why is that?
やっぱりそうなんだ!それと、函館には西洋風の建物が多いって聞いたんだけど、どうしてなの?

Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign trade, back in the 19th century. So, you’ll find a lot of Western influences, especially in the Motomachi area. There are old churches and even some Western-style houses.
19世紀に、函館は日本で最初に外国に開かれた港のひとつだったんだ。だから特に元町エリアには西洋の文化が色濃く残ってて、古い教会や洋館がたくさんあるよ。

That sounds so different from the usual Japanese city vibe. What else is unique about Hakodate?
それって普通の日本の町と全然雰囲気が違いそうだね。他にも函館ならではの特徴ってある?

Well, there’s Goryokaku, which is a star-shaped fort. It’s really famous for cherry blossoms in spring. There’s also the Morning Market, where you can try super fresh seafood—Hakodate is famous for squid.
例えば五稜郭っていう星形の要塞があるよ。春は桜の名所として有名。あと、朝市もあって、新鮮な海産物が食べられる。特にイカは函館名物なんだ。

I love seafood! Is it easy to get around the city as a tourist?
海鮮大好き!観光で回るのって簡単なのかな?

Definitely. The city is pretty compact, and you can use the streetcar to reach most places, like Goryokaku, the Bay Area, and even Yunokawa Onsen. Plus, the main spots in the city center are walkable.
うん、移動はすごく楽だよ。街自体がコンパクトだし、五稜郭やベイエリア、湯の川温泉なんかも市電で行ける。中心部の観光地は徒歩で十分回れるよ。

What’s Yunokawa Onsen like? I’ve never tried a hot spring near the sea before.
湯の川温泉ってどんな感じ?海の近くで温泉って行ったことなくて。

Yunokawa is really convenient because it’s so close to the city. The water is great, and in winter, you can even see monkeys bathing in the hot springs at the botanical garden.
湯の川は市内からすぐだし、すごく便利だよ。お湯も気持ちいいし、冬は植物園で温泉に入るサルも見れるんだよ。

Monkeys in hot springs? That must be fun to watch. How about the Bay Area? I heard there are some old red brick warehouses there.
温泉に入るサル!? それは面白そう!ベイエリアはどう?赤レンガ倉庫があるって聞いたけど。

Yeah, the Bay Area is very atmospheric. The red brick warehouses have been turned into shops, cafes, and even museums. It’s a nice place to stroll by the sea, especially in the evening.
うん、ベイエリアは雰囲気があっていいよ。赤レンガ倉庫は今はショップやカフェ、ミュージアムになってる。夕方の海沿いの散歩にもぴったりだよ。

Sounds perfect for a relaxing walk. What was your favorite thing to do there?
リラックスしながら散歩するのに最高だね。キーが一番気に入ったのは何?

I really liked just exploring the Motomachi area—there are so many interesting buildings and quiet streets. But honestly, nothing beats the night view from Mount Hakodate.
元町をぶらぶらするのが好きだったな。面白い建物や静かな通りがいっぱいあるんだ。でも、やっぱり函館山の夜景にはかなわないよ。

I’m definitely adding the night view to my bucket list. Is Hakodate very crowded with tourists?
夜景は絶対見に行きたいな。函館って観光客で混んでる?

It’s popular, especially during cherry blossom season and in the summer, but it’s not as crowded as places like Kyoto or Tokyo. It feels a bit more relaxed.
人気はあるけど、桜の時期や夏以外は京都や東京ほど混まないよ。ちょっと落ち着いた感じがあるんだ。

Do you think Hakodate is good for couples? I’m thinking about going with my girlfriend.
カップル旅行にも向いてるかな?今度彼女と行ってみようかと思って。

Absolutely! The night view is very romantic, and there are lots of cute cafes and beautiful spots for photos. It’s also nice for families and people who love history.
もちろん!夜景はすごくロマンチックだし、かわいいカフェや写真映えするスポットも多いよ。家族連れや歴史好きにもおすすめ。

Is there anything special I should try or buy in Hakodate?函館で絶対食べた方がいいものや買うべきお土産ってある?

You should definitely try the seafood donburi at the Morning Market. Also, Lucky Pierrot is a famous local burger chain—you can’t find it anywhere else.
朝市の海鮮丼は絶対食べてほしいな。それと、ラッキーピエロっていうご当地バーガー屋さんも有名で、函館にしかないんだよ。

Interesting! What’s so special about their burgers?
面白そう!そのバーガーって何が特別なの?

They have unique burgers, like the Chinese Chicken Burger. It’s kind of a cult favorite among locals and visitors.
たとえば「チャイニーズチキンバーガー」みたいな変わり種があって、地元の人にも観光客にも人気なんだ。

What about getting to Hakodate? Is it easy from Tokyo?
函館への行き方だけど、東京から簡単に行ける?

Yes, you can take the shinkansen, which is direct and comfortable. Or you can fly—it’s only about 1.5 hours from Haneda Airport.
うん、新幹線なら乗り換えなしで行けて楽だよ。飛行機なら羽田から1時間半くらいだし、アクセスはすごくいいよ。

Thanks, Key! This is so helpful. Now I’m even more excited to go. Maybe next spring I’ll finally see those cherry blossoms at Goryokaku.
ありがとうキー!めちゃくちゃ参考になったよ。ますます行きたくなってきた。来年の春こそ五稜郭の桜見られるかな。

You’ll love it, Mack. Hakodate has a bit of everything—history, nature, food, and great views. Just be sure to bring your camera!
きっと気に入るよマック。函館は歴史も自然もグルメも景色も全部楽しめるから。カメラ忘れずにね!

For sure! I’ll let you know if I need more tips. Thanks again!
絶対持ってくよ!また何かあったら教えてね。本当にありがとう!
概要 / Overview
函館観光

Introduction to Hakodate
Hakodate is a beautiful port city in the south of Hokkaido, Japan. It is known for its wonderful views, fresh seafood, and special history. Many people visit Hakodate every year, from both Japan and other countries.
函館の紹介
函館は、北海道の南部にある美しい港町です。素晴らしい景色や新鮮な海産物、特別な歴史で知られています。毎年、日本だけでなく海外からも多くの人が函館を訪れます。
Famous Night View
One of the most famous things in Hakodate is the night view from Mount Hakodate. At night, you can see the city lights and the sea together. Many people say it is one of the most beautiful night views in the world. You can take a ropeway (cable car) to the top of the mountain easily.
有名な夜景
函館で一番有名なものの一つは、函館山から見る夜景です。夜になると、街の明かりと海が一緒に見えます。その美しさは世界でもトップクラスと言われています。ロープウェイ(ケーブルカー)で簡単に山頂まで行けます。
Unique City with Western Style
Hakodate is different from many other Japanese cities. In the 19th century, it was one of the first Japanese ports to open to the world. Because of this, you can see many Western-style buildings, especially in the Motomachi area. There are old churches and nice streets to walk around.
西洋風の街並み
函館は、他の多くの日本の都市とは違っています。19世紀に日本で最初に世界に開かれた港の一つだったため、特に元町エリアには西洋風の建物がたくさんあります。古い教会や素敵な通りを歩いて楽しむことができます。
Local Food and Morning Market
Hakodate is famous for fresh seafood. The morning market near Hakodate Station is a great place to try seafood dishes like squid, crab, and sea urchin. You can also try a local burger at “Lucky Pierrot,” a popular burger shop only in Hakodate.
地元のグルメと朝市
函館は新鮮な海産物でも有名です。函館駅の近くにある朝市では、イカやカニ、ウニなどの海鮮料理が味わえます。また、「ラッキーピエロ」という函館にしかない人気のハンバーガーショップもおすすめです。
Easy to Visit and Travel
It is easy to visit Hakodate. You can take the shinkansen (bullet train), an airplane, or a ferry from Honshu (the main island). Most sightseeing places are close together, so you can use the streetcar or walk to many spots. Hakodate is a city full of charm and is waiting for you to visit!
アクセスの良さと移動の便利さ
函館へは簡単に行くことができます。本州(日本の本島)から新幹線や飛行機、フェリーでアクセスできます。観光地の多くが近くにまとまっているので、市電や徒歩で簡単に回れます。函館は魅力いっぱいの街で、あなたを待っています!
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: Where is Hakodate?
函館はどこにありますか?
Hakodate is in the south of Hokkaido, Japan. It is a port city by the sea.
函館は日本の北海道南部にあります。海沿いの港町です。
2: What is Hakodate famous for?
函館は何で有名ですか?
Hakodate is famous for its beautiful night view, fresh seafood, and Western-style buildings.
函館は美しい夜景、新鮮な海産物、西洋風の建物で有名です。
3: What can you see from Mount Hakodate?
函館山から何が見えますか?
You can see the city lights and the sea from the top of Mount Hakodate, especially at night.
函館山の頂上からは、特に夜に街の明かりと海が見えます。
4: What is Goryokaku?
五稜郭とは何ですか?
Goryokaku is a star-shaped fort in Hakodate. It is also a popular place for cherry blossoms in spring.
五稜郭は函館にある星形の要塞です。春は桜の名所としても人気です。
5: What can you eat at the Hakodate Morning Market?
函館朝市では何が食べられますか?
At the morning market, you can eat fresh seafood like squid, crab, and sea urchin.
朝市ではイカ、カニ、ウニなど新鮮な海産物が食べられます。
6: Why are there Western-style buildings in Hakodate?
なぜ函館には西洋風の建物があるのですか?
Hakodate was one of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign countries. Many Western people lived there, so they built Western-style buildings.
函館は日本で最初に外国に開かれた港の一つでした。多くの西洋人が住んだため、西洋風の建物が建てられました。
7: How can you travel around Hakodate?
函館市内はどのように移動できますか?
You can use the streetcar, bus, or walk. Most sightseeing spots are close to each other.
市電やバス、徒歩で移動できます。観光地の多くが近くにあります。
8: What is Yunokawa Onsen?
湯の川温泉とは何ですか?
Yunokawa Onsen is a hot spring area in Hakodate. It is popular for relaxing baths.
湯の川温泉は函館にある温泉地です。リラックスできるお風呂で人気です。
9: What is Lucky Pierrot?
ラッキーピエロとは何ですか?
Lucky Pierrot is a famous local hamburger restaurant. You can only find it in Hakodate.
ラッキーピエロは有名なご当地ハンバーガー店です。函館でしか食べられません。
10: How can you get to Hakodate from Tokyo?
東京から函館へはどうやって行けますか?
You can take the shinkansen (bullet train) or fly by airplane from Tokyo to Hakodate.
東京から新幹線や飛行機で函館へ行くことができます。

words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです(例文は各3つ)。

vibe : 名詞 /vaɪb/
意味:雰囲気、感じ。A feeling or atmosphere that a place, person, or thing gives you.
(函館の元町エリアやベイエリアが独特の雰囲気を持つことを表現するために使用)
例文:
- I love the relaxing vibe of this café.
「このカフェのリラックスした雰囲気が大好きです。」 - The city has a unique vibe at night.
「その街は夜に独特の雰囲気があります。」 - This area gives off a friendly vibe.
「このエリアは親しみやすい雰囲気を醸し出しています。」
fort : 名詞 /fɔːrt/
意味:要塞、とりで。A strong building or group of buildings used for defense in war.
(五稜郭が星形の要塞であることを説明するために使用)
例文:
- The soldiers protected the fort from enemies.
「兵士たちは敵から要塞を守りました。」 - Goryokaku is a star-shaped fort in Hakodate.
「五稜郭は函館にある星形の要塞です。」 - They visited an old fort during their trip.
「彼らは旅行中に古い要塞を訪れました。」
squid : 名詞 /skwɪd/
意味:イカ。A sea animal with a long body and tentacles, often used for food.
(函館の朝市やグルメの説明で、新鮮なイカ料理が食べられることを表すために使用)
例文:
- We ate grilled squid at the market.
「私たちは市場で焼きイカを食べました。」 - Have you ever tried fried squid?
「フライドイカを食べたことがありますか?」 - Squid is very popular in Japanese cooking.
「イカは日本料理でとても人気があります。」
botanical : 形容詞 /bəˈtæn.ɪ.kəl/
意味:植物の、植物学の。Related to plants or the science of plants.
(湯の川温泉の近くにある植物園で、サルが温泉に入る様子を説明するために使用)
例文:
- She visited a botanical garden on her trip.
「彼女は旅行で植物園を訪れました。」 - The museum has a large botanical collection.
「その博物館には大きな植物標本のコレクションがあります。」 - I am interested in botanical studies.
「私は植物学の研究に興味があります。」
brick : 名詞・形容詞 /brɪk/
意味:レンガ、レンガ造りの。A small, rectangular block used for building walls; made from clay and baked until hard.
(函館のベイエリアにある「赤レンガ倉庫」で使われる)
例文:
- The house is made of bricks.
「その家はレンガでできています。」 - They visited a red brick warehouse in Hakodate.
「彼らは函館の赤レンガ倉庫を訪れました。」 - The old brick wall is very strong.
「その古いレンガの壁はとても丈夫です。」