It’s a 3.5hr train ride to Hakodate from Sapporo so it was unlikely I’ll get up to observation point before the cable car closes for the evening. So when I arrive I check in and go find something to eat. A bit of research had pointed me to a few places, but the top listed Japanese options seemed to be closed. I opt for the Lucky Pierrot (burger) option which turns out to flood tripadvisor mainly with comments its not the gourmet meal people were expecting. The joint is different to say the least, but was willing to give it a go despite the reviews on tripadvisor. The set up feels like a cross between a dirty fried chicken joint and a wimpy that has been decorated by gypsies. The food isn’t that bad. Its fast food and is what it is. The chicken burger is more like chunky karage that is well seasoned between a sweet toasted sesame bun with more mayo than I care for. The chips come in a mug with some kind of chill and more mayo. The drink of course is the traditional accompaniment of iced tea. I was kind of grateful for something with meat in it as the back to back mainly raw seafood is getting a bit too rich for me and need something else to balance it out.

Not sure I’ll rush back to Hakodate just for this, but it’s worth a try.

Since I had already missed the last cable car I decide to call it an early night so I can head to the fish market at 6am for breakfast the next morning. I had a prawn, scallop and crab rice bowl for lunch which was simple, but really tasty. The advice of the guy was to use soy for the prawn and scallop, but have the crab plain.

I picked up a steamed crab bun for a snack just to try. I love these filled with char siu so though would be amazing with crab. It tasted different to the sweet/salty combo I’m used to. I’ve had better steamed buns, but had to try it. Was unlikely to get it many other places outside of Japan.

I walked around the old Motomachi district which was rich in British, American and Russian ties and interesting histories of fires that burnt down the city, things being rebuilt and the cycle repeating itself.

Given the late opening time of the cable car I wasn’t going to be able see the city from above without significant risk to missing my complex schedule of trains and buses to Nyoto Onsen.