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Joined 2025
Bobby S.
Available Areas
Hakodate
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
7 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 days ago
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!
Important
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!
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Hakodate Classic Charm Tour – 8 Hours of Beauty *Walking tour
Join me on an exciting journey through Hakodate’s most captivating sights. Step back in time at the star-shaped Fort, feel the energy of the bustling Morning Market, and wander the romantic streets, filled with charming architecture. Soak in breathtaking views from the top of Mt. Hakodate and stroll through the historic Red Brick Warehouses, now home to trendy shops and cafes. With stories, surprises, and scenic beauty, this tour is perfect for curious travelers looking to truly feel Hakodate.
Hakodate Classic Charm Tour – 8 Hours of Beauty *Walking tour
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Hakodate Express: The Ultimate Half-Day Sightseeing Tour *Walking Tour
Join me for a half-day tour of Hakodate’s most iconic spots! We’ll stroll through the lively Morning Market, explore the samurai-era history at Goryokaku Fort, and ride the ropeway up Mt. Hakodate for amazing views — selfie opportunities included! I’ll share fun local stories and insider tips along the way. Whether you're into food, history, or scenic views, Hakodate's got you covered!
Hakodate Express: The Ultimate Half-Day Sightseeing Tour *Walking Tour
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Hakodate Delights – History, Flavors & Views in 6 Hours *Walking tour
Join me on an exciting journey through Hakodate’s most captivating sights. Step back in time at the star-shaped Fort, feel the energy of the bustling Morning Market. Soak in breathtaking views from the top of Mt. Hakodate and stroll through the historic Red Brick Warehouses, now home to trendy shops and cafes. With stories, surprises, and scenic beauty, this tour is perfect for curious travelers looking to truly feel Hakodate.
Hakodate Delights – History, Flavors & Views in 6 Hours *Walking tour
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Play the Ancient Japanese Game of Go in Hakodate
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.
Play the Ancient Japanese Game of Go in Hakodate
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Zen Moments in Hakodate: Discover Tranquility at Koryu-ji Temple
Tired of crowded temple visits? This private tour offers a truly tranquil experience. Discover the quiet elegance of Hakodate through zazen meditation at historic Koryu-ji Temple—chair seating is available. Explore its breathtaking architecture and serene interiors, and try optional shakyo (sutra tracing). Then enjoy a peaceful stroll through Motomachi, a charming district full of Western-style buildings and local history.
Zen Moments in Hakodate: Discover Tranquility at Koryu-ji Temple
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Hands-on Yakisugi Experience — The Beauty of Burnt Wood
Experience Yakisugi, the traditional Japanese technique of preserving wood by fire. Using locally sourced wood (mainly Japanese larch), you’ll craft a small, lightweight card stand by burning, brushing, and oiling it. Guided by me and a skilled carpenter, no experience is needed — all tools and protective gear, including overalls and gloves, are provided. Walking pick-up is available; streetcar fare is extra. Take home your handmade card stand, a perfect souvenir of authentic craftsmanship.
Hands-on Yakisugi Experience — The Beauty of Burnt Wood
Reviews
Chris M.
“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.
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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.
“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.
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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
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Asad J.
Hi! I’m a passionate traveler and photography enthusiast, eager to show you the best of every destination. From nature and heritage to city life, mountains, festivals, and local cuisines, I’ll help you discover it all. I speak English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Pashto, and basic Japanese, so we can connect easily. Contact me for a tailored tour, and let’s explore together to create unforgettable memories!
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Mayu A.
Hi, I am Mayu. I can speak English and Spanish (for guiding my Spanish needs to be polished. But I can communicate). I have had experiences as a tour leader for groups of Japanese tourists to foreign countries and foreign tourists in Japan, Tokyo, Osaka. Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa and many other cities. I live in Hokkaido. My tours are around my city, Asahikawa. But I can customize your plan and take you around Japan. (Please let me know 2 weeks before your plan.) Even if my days are not available on my calendar, I could arrange them for you. So please ask me for availability. I like hiking and cycling. If you are interested in those things, I will make a plan for you. I am looking forward to showing you around Japan. Important note:Please take a travel insurance if you take my driving guide tour. Your insurance detail is required. Hola, Me llamo Mayu. Soy guia turistica. Puedo comunicar bien en Español. Pero tal vez no sería suficiente para hacer turismo. Si le gusta que le guie, después de comunicar con usted, será un placer.
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Reiko M.
Hi my dear guests! I live in Kushiro in Hokkaido and I’ve been working as a Hokkaido Government Licensed Tour Guide for over 15 years. I am an expert guide in and around Kushiro and I arrange a tour and activities on your request , which you will surely feel satisfied with. I won’t betray your expectation! Here are a highlight of our attractive activities. Let’s enjoy the beauty of great nature, good food and have fun exploring adventure and share great time together! ※ Tours shown here use my car Prius for 2 guests, for a larger group up to 8 people we could use a jumbo taxi for ¥10,340/ hour
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