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
- 10:00: Hotel pick up
- 10:10 Morning market
- 11:20 Goryokaku Tower
- 12:00 Goryokaku Park
- 13:15 Mount Hakodate
- 13:45 Motomachi stroll
- 14:10 Museum of Northern Peoples
- 15:00 Red Brick Warehouse
- 15:20 Disband in front of the hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Hotel pick up at 10:00, the group explored Hokkaido until the tour ended at 15:20. The day ran to 5 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Morning market at 10:10, Goryokaku Tower at 11:20, Goryokaku Park at 12:00, Mount Hakodate at 13:15, Motomachi stroll at 13:45, Museum of Northern Peoples at 14:10 and Red Brick Warehouse at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Hakodate Station to Goryokaku Koen-mae by train (600JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 600JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The forecast had predicted higher temperatures, but it was not too hot, and since no cruise ship was arriving that day, all the sightseeing spots were uncrowded and comfortable to visit. The guest was able to walk quite a lot without any trouble, which was very helpful. I encouraged the guest to stay hydrated several times along the way and asked whether they would like to take a break, but the tour continued without stopping. Since the guest did not stop for lunch either, we visited all of the popular sightseeing spots and still had time to spare. I was able to guide the guest to the Museum of Northern Peoples and the Red Brick Warehouses as well, which had not originally been planned. We managed to visit six locations in total, and since none of them were crowded and we could tour comfortably, the guest was very satisfied. Because we used the streetcar, the tram stops were somewhat far from the sightseeing spots. From Motomachi to the Red Brick Warehouses, we stopped at the Museum of Northern Peoples on the way and then continued to the Red Brick Warehouses. From there we walked back toward the area near the Hotel, so we covered quite a long distance on foot. Around 15:20, the guest said that they had seen many places and walked a lot today, and would now like to return to the Hotel to rest, so we could finish here. We said goodbye in front of the Hotel entrance. I confirmed whether that was really alright. The guest had wanted to visit the places they had once planned to see together in the past, and was very happy to be able to visit all of those places and more.
Click here for more details: Hakodate Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Hakodate Station～Goryokaku Koen-mae | 600JPY |
| Total | 600JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Hokkaido tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel pick up at 10:00, and the tour finished at front of the hotel at 15:20.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 20 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 15:20.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Morning market, Goryokaku Tower, Goryokaku Park, Mount Hakodate, Motomachi stroll, Museum of Northern Peoples and Red Brick Warehouse.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 600JPY per person across 1 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!