bay.area

hakodate is probably the most european city in japan.

 that's particularly true when it comes to the bay area...

 starbucks coffee, okay starbucks may be a global franchise

 how about the yellow taxis?

the entire time you spent here, you couldn't help but keep comparing to the san francisco bay area... similar in some ways yet they have two distinct characters from one another.

 there's this giant warehouse now converted into shops and restaurants mostly selling souvenirs...

 the sun is about to set by the time you approach the pier, it's cold. yes, may is warm in tokyo but it's still very spring here in hakodate.

restaurant is lit up but not particular busy, perhaps it's the time of the year. may is probably still too early for the domestic tourists to start flowing in....

 the bay area took on a different atmosphere in the evening when the lights are up...

it was a good way to end your last evening here, wandering around, soaking in the european atmosphere and dining in a japanese seafood restaurant.