Hokkaido in One Day: Mount Hakodate — Guide Meji

What Is a Private Hakodate Cruise Tour Like for Cruise Ship Passengers? A Licensed Guide's Report

For this tour, the guests had requested a change to the meeting location, but the new location was a hotel near the Hakodate port area. When I inquired with the Hakodate City Port and Harbor Department about the docking location of the cruise ship Diamond Princess, it turned out that there had been no change and it would arrive at Wakamatsu Pier as originally scheduled. I suspected this was a misunderstanding on the part of the guests, so we exchanged emails and reached a mutual understanding. On the day itself, the weather in Hakodate was affected by a low-pressure system and a typhoon, bringing strong winds, with thunderstorms also feared in the afternoon. I was also concerned about the impact on the ship's docking and departure times at Hakodate Port.

I arrived early at Wakamatsu Pier, received a message from the guests, and was able to meet earlier than the scheduled 9:00. We took a light look around the morning market, and afterward, given the weather described above, there was a high probability that the Mount Hakodate Ropeway would be suspended. So after consulting with the guests, we went up by taxi, got out of the taxi at Motomachi, and began exploring on foot. We continued the itinerary and sightseeing using public transportation. The guests were in good spirits and smiling throughout. From Motomachi we had lunch at the morning market. We took a bus to Goryokaku. We returned to the ship and parted a little before 3:00. The guests were able to buy souvenirs, and I believe their satisfaction was high. It was also fortunate that they were able to return to the cruise ship before the rain.

We went up Goryokaku Tower; the guests paid for themselves, while I entered free of charge with my guide license. A notable stop on the tour was Goryokaku, a star-shaped fortress in Hakodate built in the late Edo period. Originally constructed as a defensive fortification, its distinctive five-pointed design was based on Western military architecture and is best appreciated from the observation deck of the adjacent Goryokaku Tower. Today the site is a popular park known for its cherry blossoms in spring and its historical significance in Japan's modern history.

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Tour Report by Meji

I’m certified guide speaking English and Spanish. I’m well experienced tour guide. My tour is always full of joy. I know Namahage, Onsen and alcoholic beverage verry well. I speak spanish too. I worked there for 5 years. My tour is always full of joy and smile. I was born in Hakodate, so naturally I know Hokkaido verry well including some special points too. I can tell you very special Samurai story, verry noce and local restaurants and verry typical atmosphere. I wait your kind offer. In my tour experiences, no one was unsatisfied. And if you want to ski, I’ll be happy to share a joy of winter spports.