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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

(3 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

(3 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

Elisa H.

5 / 5

Aug 13, 2025

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

Aug 13, 2025

Hakodate

4 hours 30 mins

“Fun Walking Tour of Hakodate with a Local!”

Bobby and I had a fantastic day around Hakodate. It was my first time in the area and Bobby is a local, so she was able to recommend plenty of delicious things to try as well as fantastic spots to visit in Hakodate! The walking tour was fantastic and I had a great time, we were able to visit Mt Hakodate, Goryokaku, the morning market and more sightseeing spots! If anyone is coming to Hakodate and wants to learn more about the area, Bobby is knowledgeable about Hakodates history and about the best spots to visit!

Bobby S.

Hi Elisa! Thank you so much for your review! You are such a warm person with a wonderful smile, and I truly enjoyed spending time with you. Hearing you say that you met so many kind and welcoming Japanese people during your solo trip made me feel proud and happy. Thank you for sharing that with me. Meeting you in person made me feel that your character and warmth truly brought smiles to everyone you met during your journey. Our lunch was amazing too wasn’t it? I hope you’ll visit again someday, next time maybe with someone special. I’m so grateful for this encounter, and as a friend in Japan, I sincerely wish you happiness in everything ahead. Thank you for choosing Hakodate and for choosing this tour! Big hugs, Bobby

Karen A.

5 / 5

Jun 28, 2025

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

Jun 28, 2025

Hakodate

4 hours 30 mins

“Magical Hakodate”

One of my family's most memorable times spent in Japan has been in Hakodate with our informative and vibrant guide, Bobby. Her love of her city shone through with every site we visited. She was very attuned to things we'd enjoy experiencing-from my 14 year old grandson trying various market delights, sharing family stories with my daughter and showing us a quiet off the beaten path shrine, to the wonderful views on Mt.Hakodate, it was a truly magical day in Hakodate with Bobby.

Bobby S.

Dear Karen, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It truly warmed my heart to read your kind words! Spending the day with your beautiful family in Hakodate was such a joy for me as well. This time, we explored some of Hakodate’s must-see, iconic spots, but there are still so many other wonderful places I’d love to show you. I hope next time you’ll have a bit more time to enjoy Hakodate at a more relaxed pace and see even more of what makes this city so special. Your curiosity, warmth, and appreciation for local culture made the day feel extra special. I feel honored to have been a part of that experience. Wishing you all many more joyful adventures together. Please do visit again someday! Warmest regards, Bobby

Heide K.

5 / 5

Jun 13, 2025

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

Jun 13, 2025

Hakodate

6 hours

“Bobby is Exceptionally Amazing”

Bobby was very responsive with contact prior to our tour and meet us at the cruise port promptly as promised. She took us on an incredible walking tour, showing us some of the best highlights. She was very flexible in planning our day to match our interests. Bobby even purchased tickets for the places we visited prior to our arrival so we could avoid long lines and waiting, making every moment of our time together pleasant. Her English is very clear and easy to understand. She has so much knowledge about Hakodate that she easily answered all of questions. We had 5 ports during our 10 day cruise and we ranked this tour #1. If you are visiting Hakodate and Bobby is available you should consider yourself Lucky. We strongly suggest you book her services if you want to explore this city as a local and not a tourist. Thank you again Bobby for the most Amazing Day!

Bobby S.

Thank you so much for the amazing review Heide! It’s way beyond my expectations and you truly made my day!! Your family was so warm and full of wonderful smiles, and it became a truly unforgettable and special time for me too. I'm so grateful that you were looking forward to coming to Japan. Thanks to that, I had the chance to meet all of you. I feel deeply honored and happy to have been a part of those memories. I look forward to the day we meet again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!