Hokkaido in Half a Day: Morning Market — Guide Akira
September, 2026
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.
Tour Itinerary
- 12:30 cruise terminal pick up
- 12:40 Morning Market
- 13:30 Goryokaku Tower
- 14:20 Hakodate Magistrate's Office
- 15 45 Red Brick Warehouse, Ramen Ajisai (lunch)
- 16:30 Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Hokkaido began at 12:30, when the guide met the guests at cruise terminal pick up, and finished at 16:30. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Morning Market at 12:40, Goryokaku Tower at 13:30 and Hakodate Magistrate's Office at 14:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hakodate Station Front to Goryokaku Tower Front by bus (300JPY); Goryokaku Koen-mae to Jujigai (290JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 590JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Cruise Port Day Tour in Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were arriving on a cruise ship, but since two ships were in port that day, I was unsure which one they were on. Because the docking pier differs depending on whether the ship is large or small, I sent an email to confirm the name of the ship.
The weather was not good, and when we headed toward Mount Hakodate, it became hidden by clouds, so I showed the guests the live camera footage, and they decided not to go up. They had also been saying they wanted something light to eat, so I decided to take them to Ajisai, the most famous ramen shop in Hakodate, located near the Red Brick Warehouses. They ordered the salt ramen and both enjoyed it so much that they drank up all the soup.
Click here for more details: Hakodate Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Hakodate Station Front～Goryokaku Tower Front / Hakodate Bus | 300JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Goryokaku Koen-mae～Jujigai | 290JPY |
| Total | 590JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hokkaido tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at cruise terminal pick up at 12:30, and the tour finished at at 16:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 12:30 to 16:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Morning Market, Goryokaku Tower and Hakodate Magistrate's Office.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 590JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Akira is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Hokkaido itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello, my name is Akira Matsumoto, a national government-licensed guide in Hakodate and Sapporo. I’m a retired public school science teacher and have been working as a professional tour guide for more than five years. (Before retirement, I used to work as a volunteer guide mainly in Hakodate for more than 10 years) So I know every corner of Hakodate and its history, culture, and food.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I got into the graduate school of Hokkaido University, and in Japan’s modern history.
So I am well-versed in Japanese history, Hokkaido’s local history, and the Ainu aborigine people’s culture.
I can offer you an informative and enjoyable tour with a polite and hospitable atmosphere.
I like to interact and communicate with foreign people and introduce my guests to Japan’s beautiful scenery, wonderful culture,
and best food. I assure you that I will welcome you with my best hospitality and make every effort to make your tour a good memory.
May 22, 2026
Leanne S
Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Cruise port must
Akira was our tour guide and was great.…
May 22, 2026
Leanne S
Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Cruise port must
Akira was our tour guide and was great. We went to all the stops and he was flexible with us if wanted to take a taxi or stop and eat. I would recommend this tour, especially if you are stopping at a cruise port. He had lots of knowledge and you saw a lot in a small amount of time.
May 7, 2026
Narayanan_V
Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Akira san is a wonderful…
Akira san is a wonderful guide. Very…
May 7, 2026
Narayanan_V
Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Akira san is a wonderful…
Akira san is a wonderful guide. Very informative. He accomodated our requests to see a
shinto temple, Sake factory etc. Akira san shared information about the Meiji revolution
which was interesting. Thank you Akira san
May 1, 2026
Maria R
Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best of Hakodate
Akira was a very knowledgeable guide who showed…
May 1, 2026
Maria R
Tripadvisor review: Hakodate 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Best of Hakodate
Akira was a very knowledgeable guide who showed us the best and most interesting sights
of Hakodate. We learned a lot about Hakodate and Japanese history from him.
Feb 18, 2026
Danielle_S
An insider’s tour of Otaru
Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide Akira was knowledgeable, kind, patient,…
Feb 18, 2026
Danielle_S
An insider’s tour of Otaru
Viator review: Otaru 6hr Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
My guide Akira was knowledgeable, kind, patient, and understanding. He didn’t talk too much; rather, he let me ask questions so that he only spoke on topics of interest to me. He also allowed me to set the pace, and we covered a lot of ground in six hours, from the fish market to Mt. Tengu to a coffeehouse to even the Don Quijote discount store (at my request). Being a first-time visitor to Japan and Otaru, I could have never figured out how to manage the logistics and cover so much ground so efficiently. He coordinated bus travel and translated for me at shops. He was very conversant in Enlish on a number of subjects ranging from history to movies. A memorable day with a truly expert guide!