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Play the Ancient Japanese Game of Go in Hakodate

Play the Ancient Japanese Game of Go in Hakodate

Unique Experience

Joined 2025

Bobby S.

5.00 / 5

(7 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Hakodate

English, Japanese (Native)

2 hours

Private tour (only you and Bobby S.)

Up to 15 people

Discover the ancient game in Hakodate! Guided by a certified 6-dan instructor—one of Japan’s highest amateur ranks—with decades of experience, this hands-on session teaches the basics of Japan’s legendary board game—easy to learn, yet profound in strategy. Enjoy a friendly match, explore Japanese culture through mindfulness, and savor seasonal wagashi with tea. Great for beginners, families, and curious minds. Whether new or familiar with Go, this unique experience offers more than memories.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

01:00 PM

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 / ¥210–250 per person, not included)

01:20 PM

90 Minutes to Master the Basics

Learn the essentials of Go, Japan’s legendary strategy game, in this immersive 90-minute session led by a certified 6-dan instructor—one of the highest amateur ranks in Japan. You'll begin with a hands-on introduction to the rules and key strategies, followed by guided play using real boards and stones. As your skills grow, enjoy a friendly match with the instructor or fellow participants. The session also includes a brief cultural talk on Go’s history and its role in Japanese society. Served with seasonal wagashi (traditional sweets) and tea, this experience blends play, culture, and hospitality—perfect for beginners and curious travelers alike.

*Departure time: 2:45 PM

Return to the meeting point: 10-15 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

What‘s included

・Go board and stones rental

・Japanese tea or coffee & one traditional Japanese sweet (wagashi).

・Printed beginner’s guide to Go (take-home)

What‘s not included

*Streetcar fare: ¥210–250 per person (optional)

Tour Important Information

Sessions are generally available in the afternoon from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM due to regular classes. Morning sessions may be available on weekends. Please note that bookings may not be possible on certain days depending on the instructor’s schedule. We appreciate your understanding.

Important message from the supplier

I usually prefer at least seven days’ notice, but I may be able to accommodate shorter notice as well — so feel free to get in touch!

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

Bobby S.

5.00 / 5

(7 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

Nancy C.

5 / 5

Oct 13, 2025

Hakodate Classic Charm Tour – 8 Hours of Beauty　*Walking tour

Oct 13, 2025

Hakodate

4 hours

“She’s a wonderful tour guide!”

Thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour with Bobby. As a local she has deep understanding of the area we took in and is quite adapt with English having lived a decade in Canada. She also was personable and went out of her way to accommodate our requests such as arranging a last minute request for dining. The restaurant was set to close soon but she made arrangements, had us seated and helped with our ordering before she left us. The food was the best I had in Japan. She has a warm and bubbly personality and was by far the best private tour guide we’ve ever had experienced. She not only tailored our excursion specific to all the varying requirements of our diverse group of 6 but also was able to make adjustments to our itinerary as we progressed through our entire excursion

Bobby S.

Dear Nancy & Family, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! They truly mean more than I deserve. I had such a wonderful time with all of you, and I’m deeply grateful for your warmth and thoughtfulness throughout the day. Your family was so cheerful and kind. Your mom especially left a lasting impression on me. Her positive energy and gentle words gave me such encouragement. It was also very touching to see how beautifully everyone supported her in such a natural way. Please give her and everyone my warmest regards. I’m also very happy to hear that you enjoyed the meal! I was hoping it would be a pleasant and relaxed experience for you all with no rush. Your comment is truly the highest compliment for Hakodate! Thank you again for taking the time to write such a lovely review. You truly made my day. If you ever come back to Japan, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to see you all again! Warmest regards, Bobby

Arnold K.

5 / 5

Oct 7, 2025

Hakodate Express: The Ultimate Half-Day Sightseeing Tour　*Walking Tour

Oct 7, 2025

Hakodate

4 hours 30 mins

“Knowledgeable, well spoken and accommodating.”

Bobby S. Expertly guided us through Hakodate and led us at a comfortable pace to see what she planned and what we asked for. We also shared an excellent lunch at a typical Japanese restaurant.

Bobby S.

It was such an honor to have spent the day with you! I truly had a wonderful time as well. Thank you so much. I really appreciate that you were open to trying something that might have felt unfamiliar. I hope the rest of your stay in Japan will be filled with wonderful experiences that make you want to come back again someday. Warm regards, Bobby

Debbie N.

5 / 5

Sep 19, 2025

Enjoy Local Flavors at Hakodate Morning Market

Sep 19, 2025

Hakodate

1 hour

Customized

“Awesome one hour tour of Hakodate Morning Market!”

Had a great time touring, learning and eating at the Hakodate Morning Market with Bobby. Couldn’t have done it without her! Bobby was knowledgeable, friendly and outgoing and made the time with her very pleasant. I would highly recommend her to friends and if we should ever come back, request her again. Thank you Bobby!

Bobby S.

Dear Debbie, Thank you so much for your warm review. I was really happy that you made the trip all the way to Hakodate despite your busy schedule! I truly appreciate being able to share some of your precious time here together. Your kindness and thoughtfulness meant so much to me. Spending that lovely lunch together was such a special treat for me as well. Next time, I hope you can come with a bit more time to relax. I’ll be looking forward to it! Wishing you many wonderful moments during the rest of your time in Japan. Bobby