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Play the Ancient Japanese Game of Go in Hakodate
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Joined 2025
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!
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)
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: 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
・Go board and stones rental
・Japanese tea or coffee & one traditional Japanese sweet (wagashi).
・Printed beginner’s guide to Go (take-home)
*Streetcar fare: ¥250–300 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
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
Barbara R.
“Excellent guide in Hakodate”
Couldn’t have asked for more from our expert guide, Bobby, in Hakodate. She timed the tour and the places visited perfectly. Her English and historical knowledge were exceptional. She is a hometown girl and we couldn’t have asked for anything more.
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Bobby S.
Dear Barbara, Thank you so much for your prompt and wonderful review! Even though it was a chilly day, I truly enjoyed spending time with you both surrounded by the beautiful autumn leaves. Thank you also for your kind thoughtfulness toward my daughter. I wish I could show you her delighted face when she received your lovely surprise! It was such an honor to share your very first moments in Hokkaido together. Please do come visit again. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you! Bobby
Larry D.
“Wonderful walking tour with Bobby S with an unexpected surprise”
I can't say good things about our walking tour with Bobby S. She is such an informative and engaging tour guide. The weather in Hakodate was particularly bad the day that we were there, but Bobby was able to rearrange our day to keep us mainly indoors while the worst of the weather passed. In addition, she arranged for us to have a private demo and hands on session with her husband who is an accomplished artisan. That session was the highlight of the day for me. I highly recommend Bobby S for your travel plans in Hakodate.
Bobby S.
Larry, Thank you for such a heartwarming review! It truly means a lot to us, especially knowing that you chose to go ahead with the tour despite the not-so-great weather that day. I really wanted to make sure you both had a meaningful experience, so hearing that you enjoyed it makes us so happy! Talking with you two, who came from cities that share roots with our own story, felt so special and nostalgic to me. You are such a wonderful couple, the kind we hope to be like one day! My daughter and I enjoyed the Ice wine tea! It had such a lovely aroma, and she added just a touch of her favorite maple syrup to it. Every time you light your tea light holders or look back at the photos from that day, I hope you’ll remember our special time in Hakodate. Thank you for visiting Hakodate and for finding me. Big hugs to both of you, Bobby
Myra C.
“Amazing Experience!”
Bobby was the perfect tour guide. She’s positive and upbeat and fun to be around. She took us to learn the traditional Japanese game called Go. It was really interesting learning about this game and the strategy used behind it! We loved learning something new. The second portion of this tour was incredible. Bobby’s husband is a carpenter and taught us a really cool technique called yakisugi wicked translates to charred wood. It’s a neat traditional way to preserve wood but also adds such a unique look to the wood. Bobby’s husband was patient with us and let us gets hands on with the burning of. The wood and the scrapping of the ash. This is a highlight from our trip! So very cool seeing and experiencing something so unique. Bobby is the best tour guide!!! So great at coordinating and very hospitable! We booked another tour with her because she’s so exceptional! Can’t recommend enough!!!!
Bobby S.
Dear Myra, Thank you so very much for your amazing review. Reading it truly made me so happy! I really enjoyed spending time with you both, and I’m thrilled that we could provide experiences that left such a positive impression. The Go instructor and my husband were also very honored and delighted to hear your kind words. Both experiences are so unique, and I would be very happy if your first trip to Hokkaido brings back wonderful memories of the time you spent here. I look forward to guiding you again tomorrow and will do my very best to make it another wonderful experience. Thank you again for the highest compliment a guide could receive! Warm regards, Bobby
$59/ per group
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