Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
I doubt you will find any rooms in Kyoto at this late date and I don't really think it is worth it for only 1 day. Hakone is probably fine for what you want although I have no idea what the blossoming schedule there might be. It is sort of "between" Tokyo and Kyoto but is a little higher in elevation. I think the blossoms will depend on how warm it is during March. Just have to wait and see. If you were to cancel that 1 night, I'd say you'd be better off to stay in Tokyo and see the sakura there rather than go all the way to Kyoto for only 1 night. Plus, there is the expense of the shinkansen bullet train that would not be covered by any pass. For such a short visit with most spent on Hokkaido, you are better off to stay closer to Tokyo. Hakone is pretty close.
I hope you plan to see more of Hakodate than just the night view at the top of the tram and the old fortress. The waterfront is beautiful and interesting and the morning market right next door is fascinating. There are several little places at the market where you can get a fresh seafood breakfast at a very reasonable price if you get there early. I was there between 6 and 7 each morning and had cafe owners come out to tempt me to come in to their place every day. Fresh crab, roe or uni over rice with a side of miso soup and pickles may not seem like "breakfast" to many westerners but I have to admit I was in heaven.
The Hakodate JR Station is the most beautiful I have seen anywhere in Japan. Of historical and cultural interest, Hakodate has many 100+ year-old colonial buildings left that have been well maintained, including some beautiful, well preserved 19th century churches and public buildings. The Museum of the Northern Peoples has a wonderful display of Ainu artifacts and examples of their culture. Any good guidebook or wiki entry on Hakodate will give you many more things to see and do than you will have time for. The same is true of Sapporo, although it is a much larger and more modern city. There is a tram to a mountaintop there as well for nice views, a wonderful walking park/arcade and a very nice botanical garden, just to list a few.
EDIT:
Hakodate Station (late September)
Hakodate waterfront.
Hakodate harbor.
Thank you so much for your help and it's always nice to know fellow traveler who loves Japan. The last 2 pictures of hakodate waterfront and harbor are very nice, I feel it's similar to the pier in my hometown San Francisco. Not sure what to do around that area since it's similar to my hometown (SF). Probably a walk or stroll but sailing the harbor maybe will be expensive.
Can you please let me know the name of the nice botanical garden in sapporo and tram to mountaintop? I want to go there. Also the museum of Northern people.
I love seafood so will definitely check the morning market, is it different if you go there super early in the morning verse in the afternoon?
You are right, maybe will stay in Tokyo area if I can hakone trip. The great place to see Sakura blossom in Tokyo is ueno Park, isn't it? Any other great place? My hostel is around asakusa area.