This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 9:30 Wakamatsu Wharf ⇒ Morning Market ⇒ (City Bus) Goryokaku Tower & Park ⇒ 12:00 Hakodate Station (Taxi) ⇒ Mount Hakodate Ropeway ⇒ Motomachi Stroll ⇒ Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses 13:30 End

What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Tour in Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The booking was made last October, and we finally met on the day of the tour. With [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), being able to communicate through a messaging app beforehand was very helpful, giving a sense of familiarity as if we already knew each other before meeting. The guests were a calm and pleasant group, one of whom had visited Japan many times for work, while the other was visiting Japan for the first time. Although it was unfortunately rainy, the weather kept it from becoming overly crowded, and the guests fully enjoyed the 1,600 cherry trees in full bloom. They seemed to find the morning market interesting as well and wanted to return in the afternoon. At the famous Hachiman-zaka slope, they had fun taking photos, including one with a jump. I was delighted when one of the guests told me they would show me around if I ever came to Europe.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1BusCity Bus from Kamiyama Street~To Hakodate Station620JPY
Total620JPY

Hello, my name is Keiko Ichinei. I was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Hakodate is located in the southernmost in Hokkaido, so compared with Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, Hakodate is not so cold or hot all through the year, very moderate climate and comfortable to live in.

Hakodate has been chosen one of the three most popular destinations for travelers in Japan, including Kyoto and Sapporo. A few years ago Hakodate was chosen number one for three years consecutively. Why don’t you come to Hakodate and find why Hakodate is so popular?
My family consists of four: husband, daughter and son. My husband is an alpine photographer and is a curator of his own photo museum. His museum is not in Hakodate but in Asahikawa city, 400 km away from Hakodate. The museum opens on May 1 and closes at the end of October, because it’s too cold there in winter time. That means we live separately for 6 months every year. We enjoy this kind of life style, because, you know, “A mouse will have to play when a cat is away !”
I have five grandchildren. My two kids and all my grandchildren are so gentle and kind and always support me, to my thanks.

I used to be an English teacher at a junior-senior high school for about 24 years while working as an interpreter and a tour guide sometimes. I love kids, flowers and dogs. However, I wanted to be a “through guide”, who accompanies the clients for a few weeks traveling all the way together with them. Consequently, I quit being a teacher in 2015 and decided to focus on guiding since then.
As an interpreter, I have experienced in a wide range of fields, including interpretation for VIPs and seminars, facility and factory tours, and medical interpretation at hospitals.

I believe that my job is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so my priority is to create as many happy memories as possible. I will do my best to make sure that you return home fully satisfied and with a smile on your face

Apr 20, 2026
Gail_H
Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great private tour of Hakodate!
We had a great tour of Hakodate…

Apr 1, 2026
Sandra_G
Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hakodate
Our guide tour in Hakodate keiko was great. Very knowledgeable of…

Oct 8, 2025
Edward_P
Great full day
Viator review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Full day of fun and cultural experiences with our…

Apr 29, 2025
monika_everywhere
Beautiful – even on a rainy day
Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour…