Hakodate Exploration Tour with Private Guide

Hakodate , Japan

Hakodate Exploration Tour with Private Guide

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(9 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour will take you around Hakodate's main sightseeing areas by streetcar, bus and ropeway. You can walk through each area, feeling the history of Japan from the end of the Edo Shogunate, the prosperity of the Meiji Era, and the end of the war to the present.
Admission and transportation fees are included in the tour fee.
In addition, local guides will carefully guide you so that you can concentrate on exploring Hakodate!

Available options

Tropical Botanical Garden SPA

Tropical Botanical Garden<br/>Pickup included

Tropical Botanical Garden Plan

Tropical Botanical Garden Plan: To visit the Tropical Botanical Garden<br/>Pickup included

Hakodate walking tour Spanish

Pickup included

Hakodate Exploration Tour with Private Guide

Pickup included

Private Car option

Private Car : Alphard or Hiace Grand Cabin<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden Addmission Fee(If you select an option)

Mount Hakodate Ropeway Fee

National Licensed Guide

Goryokaku Tower Admission Fee

Public Transportation Fee(Tram, Bus)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The market has a long history that began in 1945, the same year that World War II ended, with the standing sale of vegetables. Today, it is a seafood market where visitors can enjoy Hakodate's famous seafood.
Be sure to try the sushi and seafood rice bowls.

Stop 2

Next, let's take a look at Goryokaku from above, from Goryokaku Tower.
You will be able to see the full extent of the Goryo star shape, which was surrounded by a water moat to prevent intrusion from the outside.

The "Magistrate's Office" was a public institution that had the roles of "police," "court," and "metropolitan government office" today, and was responsible for the security of the northern frontier and negotiations with foreign countries at the end of the Edo period. 140 years have passed since its restoration.
If you wish, you can drop in on the site by asking your guide.

This site, called Goryokaku because of its star-shaped pentagonal appearance with five ramparts called ryobo, was completed as Japan's first Western-style fortress and symbolizes the end of the Edo shogunate, which is a notable event in Japanese history.
Let's learn a page of Japanese history with your guide.

Mount Hakodate (Hakodate-yama) is a prominent mountain located in the city of Hakodate on the southern tip of Japan's Hokkaido Island. It is famous for its breathtaking panoramic views. Mount Hakodate stands at 334 meters (1,096 feet) above sea level, making it a relatively small mountain, but its location near the sea allows for expansive views of the city and surrounding areas.
A popular way to ascend the mountain, the Hakodate Ropeway takes passengers to the summit in about 3-5 minutes.

Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse is the name of a group of red brick warehouses in Hakodate, Hokkaido.
The red brick warehouses and wooden structures from that era have been preserved and are now lined with stores and restaurants.

*If you wish to visit Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, please select from the options.Due to time constraints, it is anticipated that other itineraries may have to be cut. Please let us know your preferred itinerary.

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden offers a vibrant escape into a lush, green oasis, showcasing over 3,000 tropical plants from around the world.this garden is a year-round destination where visitors can explore exotic flora, including banana trees, orchids, and bougainvillea, thriving in carefully maintained conditions. A highlight for many is the outdoor monkey park, where Japanese macaques enjoy hot spring baths during the colder months, creating a delightful and heartwarming scene. Perfect for families, nature lovers, or those seeking a unique experience, the botanical garden combines , making it a memorable stop in Hakodate.

What's not included

apx. 15-25 USD per person

Personal Expense

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.

Important notes

Please show the ticket to the guide when you meet.

About Hakodate

Hakodate is a vibrant port city in Hokkaido, renowned for its stunning panoramic views, historic sites, and delicious seafood. Its unique blend of Japanese and Western influences, combined with breathtaking natural scenery, makes it a must-visit destination in northern Japan.

Top Attractions

Mount Hakodate

A scenic mountain offering breathtaking panoramic views of Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait. Accessible by ropeway or hiking.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥900 (ropeway)

Goryokaku Fort

A star-shaped fort built in the 19th century, now a popular cherry blossom viewing spot and historical landmark.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (¥460 for museum entry)

Hakodate Morning Market

A bustling market offering fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional snacks. A must-visit for food lovers.

Cultural 1-2 hours Varies

Hakodate Old Public Hall of Welfare

A historic building showcasing the architectural style of the early 20th century. Now a museum with exhibits on Hakodate's history.

Historical 1 hour ¥500

Hakodate Central Park

A beautiful park with walking trails, gardens, and seasonal flowers. A great spot for a leisurely stroll.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaisendon

A seafood bowl with a variety of fresh seafood, including crab, squid, and scallops, served over rice.

Lunch Contains seafood

Ika no Shiokara

A traditional dish made from fermented squid guts, often served with rice or as a topping for noodles.

Snack Contains seafood

Hakodate Ramen

A local variety of ramen with a rich, miso-based broth and topped with local ingredients like butter and corn.

Dinner Contains gluten

Butadon

A rice bowl topped with grilled pork belly, a popular dish in Hokkaido.

Dinner Contains pork

Popular Activities

Skiing at Esan Ski Resort Hiking in Onuma Park Onsen (hot spring) visits Picnicking in Hakodate Central Park Exploring Goryokaku Fort Visiting the Hakodate Old Public Hall of Welfare Swimming at Kunimi Beach Boat tours in Hakodate Port

Best Time to Visit

June to August (summer), December to February (winter)

Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, while winter offers skiing and hot springs. Both seasons attract the most tourists.

20-25°C (summer), -5 to 0°C (winter) 68-77°F (summer), 23-32°F (winter)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Hakodate is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis and ensure the meter is running.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Hakodate Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Hakodate Station

By bus

Hakodate Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Hakodate. The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Motomachi Bay Area Goryokaku Daikanzaka

Day trips

Onuma Park

15 km from Hakodate • Half day to full day

A beautiful park with walking trails, gardens, and seasonal flowers. A great spot for a leisurely stroll and outdoor activities.

Kunimi Beach

20 km from Hakodate • Half day to full day

A scenic beach with clear waters and a beautiful coastline. A great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Esan Ski Resort

30 km from Hakodate • Full day

A popular ski resort offering a variety of slopes for all skill levels. A great spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Festivals

Hakodate Yukimatsuri (Snow Festival) • Early February Hakodate Port Festival • Mid-August Hakodate Cherry Blossom Festival • Late April to early May

Pro tips

Visit Mount Hakodate for the best sunset views in the city.
Try the local seafood bowls (kaisendon) at the Hakodate Morning Market.
Explore the historic streets of Motomachi and Daikanzaka for a glimpse into Hakodate's past.
Take a day trip to Onuma Park for beautiful nature and outdoor activities.
Visit during the cherry blossom season (late April to early May) for stunning views of the blossoms at Goryokaku Fort.