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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 / ¥210–250 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: 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
・Go board and stones rental
・Japanese tea or coffee & one traditional Japanese sweet (wagashi).
・Printed beginner’s guide to Go (take-home)
*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
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
Debbie N.
“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!
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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
Celene P.
“Best Guide Ever”
Bobby is a fabulous guide. She hand crafted a tour with our specific requests in mind. She kept us on time yet allowed for distractions on the ground when we saw something we wanted to stop at. Bobby also took into acccount the tour and we stopped at an amazing coffee shop that was definitely not a tourist trap. Bobby pointed out interesting things about Hakodate that is not a in an out book, only a local would know. I wish she could have been our guide at all of our stops in Japan!
Bobby S.
Dear Celene, Spending time with you two was truly wonderful. I laughed so much, and it became one of the most unforgettable tours for me. Thank you so much. From the very first words we exchanged, I could feel your warmth, and that meant so much to me. This special time would never have happened if you hadn’t found me, and I am deeply grateful for that encounter. Every word you shared with me here touched my heart and I’m still smiling today because of it! I sincerely hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Japan. I am truly looking forward to the day our paths cross again. With all my gratitude, Bobby
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Elisa H.
“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
$62/ per group
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