Worth a stop in Hakodate (Tokyo-Sapporo)

This June we will take our fourth trip to Japan (we are a couple in our 50s), but first to Hokkaido. We are traveling with our young adult son, who has spent more time in Japan, and speaks Japanese quite well. After a week already filled in Kyoto and Tokyo, we are planning a week on Hokkaido. Our son really doesn't like to fly (except as necessary), so we will take the train from Tokyo to Sapporo. It's a pretty long train ride, so thought it might be nice to plan one break along the way. Hyperdia shows we can depart from Tokyo at 8:20 and be in Hakodate by a little after noon. We could spend one night there, then continue on to Sapporo the next morning. We'll probably then base in Sapporo and do day trips until our return (flying home from Sapporo). We enjoy cultural sites, museums and nature activities. Is it worth making that stop? Is there a better place to make that break? It will be nice to break up the long journey a bit.

I enjoyed Hakodate but it is more of a western-style city because of the Meiji era influences. The warehouses and the seafood were very nice. Breakfast at the market was very memorable and delicious (who wouldn't want ootoro, ikura and uni for breakfast?!).

If you want something more traditionally Japanese, how about northern Tohoku? I've heard Hirosaki is good but haven't been. Kakunodate and Nyuto Onsen are excellent though a little off course. As for Hokkaido, Noboribetsu is wonderful though a little further to travel. You could always have lunch and a wander at Hakodate and then continue on to Noboribetsu or Lake Toya for overnight.

We've done a lot of traditional Japanese (and will do more on this trip before our Hokkaido visit), but mainly wondering if it would be a good break. Your idea to stop there for lunch then move on to another spot for overnight is a good one. Lake Toya (or nearby) is definitely on our wish list.