The port city of Hakodate and surrounding areas in southern Hokkaido are abuzz ahead of next month's start of a shinkansen line that is expected to drastically cut transportation time and give a boost to local industries and other areas in Japan.

Although the overall mood has been upbeat for the Hokkaido Shinkansen Line — construction of which began in 2005 — concerns have surfaced over ticket prices and whether it is fast enough to be competitive.

On a drizzly weekend afternoon this month, shoppers, including many foreign tourists, strolled about the famous Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market), which sells an array of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables near JR Hakodate Station.