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Hands-on Yakisugi Experience — The Beauty of Burnt Wood
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Joined 2025
Experience Yakisugi, the traditional Japanese technique of preserving wood by fire. Using locally sourced wood (mainly Japanese larch), you’ll craft a small, lightweight card stand by burning, brushing, and oiling it.
Guided by me and a skilled carpenter, no experience is needed — all tools and protective gear, including overalls and gloves, are provided. Walking pick-up is available; streetcar fare is extra. Take home your handmade card stand, a perfect souvenir of authentic craftsmanship.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel lobby or in front of the major facility
- *Pick-up from areas other than JR Hakodate Station, Goryokaku, or Yunokawa may require an extra fee. Travel: approx. 10-15 minute walk (streetcar ride optional depending on location / ¥250-300 per person, not included)
Craft a One-of-a-Kind Yakisugi Card Stand (90 min)
Discover the beauty of Yakisugi — the traditional Japanese technique of preserving wood by fire — in this hands-on workshop held in our cozy local studio in Hakodate. Using locally sourced wood (mainly Japanese larch), you’ll create a beautiful wooden card stand by carefully burning, brushing, and oiling the surface.
This centuries-old method brings out the natural texture and warmth of the wood, turning a simple material into a refined piece of art. Guided by a Japanese-Canadian couple, you’ll not only enjoy crafting, but also learn about the cultural meaning of Yakisugi and its connection to Japanese life and design. No experience is necessary — we’ll provide all the tools, guidance, and protective gear, including work overalls and gloves (included in the tour fee). At the end, you’ll take home your own handcrafted Yakisugi card stand, a small and lightweight piece that easily fits in your luggage — a perfect handmade souvenir from Hakodate. We offer walking pick-up service within the local area. If you prefer to use the Hakodate streetcar, the fare will be at your own expense.
Relax, create, and enjoy the scent of wood and the gentle crackle of fire as you experience the charm of Japanese craftsmanship.
*Departure time: 10:15 AM
Return to the meeting point: 15-minute walk
Ending Point
at the meeting point or the location of your choice
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
All materials and tools
Protective gear (overalls and gloves)
Step-by-step instruction in English
Your handmade Yakisugi card stand to take home (compact and easy to carry)
Pick-up and drop-off for hotels in central Hakodate
Pick-up and drop-off at Wakamatsu Pier
Assistance in arranging the best pick-up option based on your ship and schedule
・Streetcar fare: JPY 300/ride
・For cruise guests arriving at Minato-cho Pier
(if the free shuttle bus is not used)
Taxi: approximately JPY 6,000 round trip
Tour Important Information
Protective overalls and gloves are provided, but please wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting a little soot on.
There is no age limit, but participants must be able to follow safety instructions regarding fire and act responsibly.
The workshop is NOT wheelchair accessible.
Hakodate has two cruise terminals: Wakamatsu Wharf and Minato-cho Wharf.
For arrivals at Minato-cho Wharf, guests may choose one of the following options:
Option 1: Taxi Pick-up at the Wharf
I will meet you directly at Minato-cho Wharf.
Taxi transportation is required and not included.
Option 2: Shuttle Bus & Meet-up
Guests may take the free shuttle bus to the central sightseeing area.
We will meet at a designated meeting point in the sightseeing area.
Important message from the supplier
I prefer at least a few days' notice to make sure everything is well prepared, but if your plans are last minute, feel free to get in touch. If I'm available, I'd be happy to accommodate you!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Bobby S.
Welcome to Hakodate!
Hello! My name is Bobby, and I am an English-speaking guide based in the beautiful city of Hakodate, Japan. Born and raised here, I have a deep love and knowledge of this historic port city.
I spent 10 years living in Canada, where I worked in cafes, restaurants, and tailor shops, gaining valuable experience in hospitality and customer service. Now, I’m excited to share the charm of Hakodate with visitors from around the world.
Whether you want to explore historical sites, discover hidden local gems, or enjoy delicious Hakodate cuisine, I can provide a personalized and memorable experience. Let’s make your trip to Hakodate unforgettable!
Feel free to contact me for more details. I look forward to guiding you!
Reviews
Susanne L.
“HAKODATE mit Yukari: super Erlebnis”
Wir hatten eine wunderschöne, unterhaltsame und super erklärte Tour mit Yukari. Sie ist lustig, sehr sympathisch und voll auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen. Jederzeit wieder.
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Bobby S.
Dear Susi, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It means a lot to me, especially when you’re busy traveling. The breakfast we had together at the Morning Market was extra delicious! And the photo we took together is a treasure to me. Thank you so much again. I hope to welcome you back to Hakodate someday! Warm wishes, Bobby
Gigi B.
“One of the best tours ever!!”
Bobby was an incredible guide. She answered all of our questions, took us to very interesting places, and has a great sense of humor. She has a great personality that makes a tour as long as ours very enjoyable. Thanks to Bobby for a GREAT DAY! If looking for a tour in Hakodate choose Bobby.
Bobby S.
Dear Gigi and everyone, Thank you for choosing me and for giving me such a wonderful day! Our full-day walking tour was quite a workout, but the time flew by so quickly with all of you! Getting to know your warm and lovely personalities made it such a special day for me, too. The gelato we shared tasted extra delicious! And hearing so many “wows” throughout the day made me genuinely happy as your guide. I hope the rest of your journey is filled with even more wonderful experiences and lots of “wows”! Your friend, Bobby
Ralph R.
“Our Favorite Guide - Bobby Gave Us an Unforgettable Day in Hakodate!”
Bobby was the best tour guide we had during our travels! From the moment we met her, she was energetic, welcoming, and incredibly hospitable. Her friendly personality made us feel instantly comfortable, and her passion for sharing her city made the entire day special. We absolutely loved our time with her and honestly didn’t want it to end! She put together a wonderful day that was perfect for our group of five. We visited Hakodate Morning Market, explored the star-shaped Goryokaku fortress, enjoyed lunch at Shunka, and took in the views from Mount Hakodate. We also explored the Motomachi historical area and the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses. The variety gave us a wonderful introduction to Hakodate, with a mix of food, history, scenery, and time to enjoy the city. Everything was taken at our own pace, which made the day feel relaxed and enjoyable. Bobby was attentive to our group, and her enthusiasm and energy brought so much fun to every stop. What truly set Bobby apart was her warmth. She made us feel like welcome friends, and it was a pleasure to experience Hakodate with someone so passionate about her hometown. We cannot recommend her highly enough! Thank you, Bobby, for a wonderful day and some of our favorite memories from our trip!
Bobby S.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a warm and thoughtful review. I’m truly flattered, and honestly, I feel like I could cry happy tears! I’m so grateful that I had the chance to learn about what you were hoping for from your trip and your food preferences before we even met. It helped me create a day that was just right for your group. Thank you for trusting me with your special day in Hakodate. But more than anything, it was your warm and cheerful personalities that made our time together so special. I truly had such a wonderful time with all of you. 8 hours sounds like a long time, but it went by unbelievably quickly because we were having so much fun! Your smiles and this beautiful review are treasures to me. And knowing that the Snow Fairy souvenir, chopsticks, cards, photos, and all the little memories from your time here may bring back thoughts of Japan and Hakodate in the future makes my heart feel so warm. I hope you’ll have the chance to visit Hakodate again someday, perhaps with a little more time to stay and explore beyond the city as well. If you ever come back, I would be absolutely delighted to show you another side of Hakodate and some deeper local experiences in the surrounding area. I truly hope you have a wonderful time for the rest of your journey. Thank you so much again for giving me such a special day and such a precious memory. With warmest wishes from Hakodate, Bobby
$38/ per group
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