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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

(12 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 / ¥250-300 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: 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: ¥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

Bobby S.

5.00 / 5

(12 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

Chris M.

5 / 5

Nov 18, 2025

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

Nov 18, 2025

Hakodate

4 hours 30 mins

“Wonderful Hakodate Experience!”

Our tour Bobby in Hakodate were nothing short of wonderful. From the very first interaction, she exuded warmth, attentiveness, and care; sending detailed weather updates, restaurant confirmations, and thoughtful reminders that made us feel instantly at ease. She went above and beyond in every way, from coordinating our Uni Murakami reservation to offering flexible plans that matched the weather and our pace. It felt less like traveling with a guide, and more like exploring Hakodate with a dear friend who genuinely wanted us to experience the best of her city.

Bobby S.

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! Reading it truly touched my heart. I was quite worried about the sudden cold weather, but spending time with you both truly warmed my heart, and your smiles are something I will always treasure. Thank you as well for your kindness toward my daughter! You definitely made her day. You’ve visited Japan many times, and there is nothing that makes me happier than knowing you enjoyed your time here again. Your love and respect for Japan mean so much, and the time we shared was truly meaningful and an honor for me as a Japanese. It’s still very cold, but I hope the rest of your trip is filled with wonderful moments. And please do reach out again whenever you come back to Hakodate. I’ll also look forward to seeing more of your beautifully professional-level photo collection! Bobby

Barbara R.

5 / 5

Nov 3, 2025

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

Nov 3, 2025

Hakodate

4 hours 30 mins

“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.

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.

5 / 5

Nov 1, 2025

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

Nov 1, 2025

Hakodate

8 hours

“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