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
- Hakodate ART, CULTURE, & HISTORICAL Tour
- Hakodate city is a gateway to Hokkaido.
- You can enjoy sight-seeing through the city with public transportations or taxi.
- 1.Hakodate morning market
- 2.Kanamori redbrick warehouse
- 3.Mt.Hakodate ropeway
- 4.Goryokaku fort
- Meeting Point
- 11:00 Hakodate cruise terminal
- Hakodate morning market
- Stroll around Hakodate morning market with guide.
- You can find Freshly caught sea food such as squid, snow crab, hairy crab salmon, tuna, scallop etc.
- Also fresh fruits, dried sea food, sushi bar, squid catching.
- 12:20
- Kanamori redbrick warehouse
- In this red brick warehouses, you can enjoy shopping, eating locally populars.
- Around this spot, we have some coffee shops such as Starbucks coffee, Komeda coffee and local famous Lucky Pierrot.
- 13:20
- Mt.Hakodate
- Magnificent view from the top of the mountain.
- You can see even Honshu island beyond the Tsugaru strait which is the international strait.
- In the summit building, there are a souvenir shop, a snack stand, a restaurant and a cafe-bar.
- 14:40
- Goryokaku fort
- From a 90 meter high tower, you can witness the whole view of the Goryokaku fortress where the last civil war was fought between shogunate force and new government force.
- Lunch can be enjoyed near or in the Goryokaku facility.
- There are fancy Japanese food restaurant, curry restaurant in the tower building.
- Nereby, there are Soba and tempra restaurant, local famous ramen restaurant, Sushi restaurant and very popular humberger shop named Lucky Pierrot.
- 17:00
- Ending Point
- Hakodate cruise terminal
【What's a Private Hakodate Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report】
It was, unfortunately, a rainy day in Hakodate. During the tour, one of the guests was intently focused on their smartphone and did not seem to be listening to my guiding. It turned out they were concentrating on the World Series, "Dodgers vs. Blue Jays." The moment the local team's victory was decided, there was a shout of joy and a big smile. The taxi was filled with delight. "Tomorrow you'll be sightseeing in Aomori! I'm from Aomori. Shohei Ohtani is from Oshu City in Iwate Prefecture, which is located just south of Aomori." "Really? I'd love to go there!"
For lunch, since the guests loved ramen, we enjoyed the local specialty at the restaurant known as the birthplace of Hakodate shio (salt) ramen. It was truly delicious!!
"The origins of Hakodate's salt ramen begin with a clear bowl that arrived in this port town. In Hakodate, where the opening of the port brought people and cultures together, Chinese cooks introduced a clear 'chintan' broth noodle soup. Its light, clean salty flavor eventually took root as the ordinary ramen of Hakodate."
Click here for more details: Hakodate Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
My name is Tomohiko Kudo.
I live in Aomori city.
I already visited more than 30 nations so far.
After official retirement from the public officer, I could have the Japanese Government Licensed Guide Certificate and am nowadays very pleased to guide overseas tourists all over the world.
Did you know that the Fuji apple is not from Mt.Fuji…but is actually from Aomori Prefecture’ Fujisaki town. Aomori is proud of the biggest apple product in
Japan. We provide 40 apple-pie restaurants to guests.
Let’s enjoy real Japanese culture and history with me. I would enjoy with you real Samuri history, Kimono culture, local traditional festivals, castle,
Japanese garden, temple, shrine, Japanese tea ceremony, food and Sake.
I often go to the local sea food and vegetable markets and eat fresh foods and would love to show you some secret, hidden restaurants that only Aomori locals know about – let’s go on an adventure together.
If you like sushi and fresh seafood, let me introduce to Nokkedon ?
What is it? Come to Aomori and find out! I am waiting for you.
Jun 2, 2025
413maryannb
Tomohiko organized our day beautifully! The car was immaculate, the driver skilled. We thoroughly enjoyed our day!
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day…
Jun 2, 2025
413maryannb
Tomohiko organized our day beautifully! The car was immaculate, the driver skilled. We thoroughly enjoyed our day!
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Thank you for a great day in Aomori it was our last stop and most memorable! The Cherry
blossoms were beautiful! The Apple tarts divine.
Apr 30, 2025
Jacqueline_F
Great Guide, great tour
Viator review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
We experienced the wonderful sites of Aomori which…
Apr 30, 2025
Jacqueline_F
Great Guide, great tour
Viator review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
We experienced the wonderful sites of Aomori which was a surprise in many ways. Despite
the rainy day we were enchanted by the cherry blossoms in full bloom by the old castle.
Once area was prettier than another. The floats and their history were amazing.
Dec 30, 2024
Scenic33296385055
Warm and professional guide
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr. Kudo-san is very professional, meticulate and kind…
Dec 30, 2024
Scenic33296385055
Warm and professional guide
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr. Kudo-san is very professional, meticulate and kind hearted guide. The whole tour I felt like I was travelling with a fried. Me made me comfortable instantly. Very knowledgeable and patient in explaining stuff to me. I am vegetarian and he made sure my needs were met. He went above and beyond. There was a record snowfall in Aomori, taxi’s and buses were busy , we walked all the way and saw everything. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting an expert and warm guide for Aomori. I whish him all the best.
Aug 3, 2024
Monika R
Fun and informative tour – great tour guide!
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
We were 3…
Aug 3, 2024
Monika R
Fun and informative tour – great tour guide!
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
We were 3 generations and all had so much fun with our tour guide Tomohiko. He was very informative and picked interesting places for us to visit including some shrines & museums. He took us to sample some of Aomori’s delicious apples and we had a wonderful lunch in a quint family restaurant. We met some lovely people. It was a fabulous experience we will not forget. Thank you!!