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
- 8:20 Meet with the customer
- 8:25~ 8:50 Morning market tour
- 8:55~ 9:45 Travel and a little sightseeing at Mount Hakodate and Motomachi
- 9:50~10:40 Travel
- 10:45~11:35 Onuma sightseeing and pleasure boat
- 11:40~12:30 Lunch at Onuma (soba, nabeyaki udon, ramen)
- 12:35~13:10 Travel
- 13:15~13:50 Goryokaku sightseeing, viewing the magistrate's office and cherry blossoms while strolling
- 14:10 Farewell at Minatomachi Pier

What's a Private Cruise Excursion in Hakodate Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Because the cruise ship carried over 4,000 passengers, I anticipated difficulty with the meeting, but we were able to meet successfully at a surprisingly early hour. I knew in advance that another cruise ship would arrive at a different pier (Wakamatsu Pier at 9:20) that day, and heavy congestion was expected in central Hakodate (the Morning Market, Mount Hakodate, and Goryokaku), so I planned an itinerary and timing to avoid this effectively. The guests were from Europe, calm native German speakers, and I guided them in English with communication centered on one of the guests. They were a lovely group. To beat the crowds from the other ship's passengers, I arranged the order to visit the Morning Market and Mount Hakodate first, then Onuma, which they had wished to see for some time, and finally Goryokaku to enjoy the cherry blossoms. The weather was excellent and Onuma was a spectacular sight. However, it is a difficult area to find a place for lunch, and we ended up at an older eatery. I think the soba and nabeyaki udon were good, but honestly the ramen that I also had was a miss. There were no complaints, and the soba and udon seemed to be enjoyed. At Goryokaku, we avoided the tower and enjoyed explanations about the samurai along with the cherry blossoms. We had a little time to spare, and I suggested a quick visit to see the monkeys at the tropical botanical garden, but there was not quite enough time, and it also seemed to be an inconvenience for the driver, so we returned to the ship a little early. Since the ship's departure time had changed, I would have liked the guests to enjoy a bit more, but it was difficult for the driver. Throughout, I made an effort to guide them around Hakodate using video, music, explanations of the opening of Japan, and explanations about the samurai.
Click here for more details: Hakodate Shore Excursion: Custom Car Tour, Licensed Guide
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.
Aug 2, 2025
Emily_M
Our guide, Meji, was very…
Viator review: Hakodate 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Meji, was very professional, knowledgeable,…
Aug 2, 2025
Emily_M
Our guide, Meji, was very…
Viator review: Hakodate 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide, Meji, was very professional, knowledgeable, and kind, making certain that he
tailored our tour specifically to our priorities. We had a wonderful tour with him and saw lots
of interesting sights of Hakodate that he explained clearly. We enjoyed our tour.
