Hakodate tours

Things to do in Hakodate

Hakodate, Japan, extends a warm welcome with its historical charm and breathtaking landscapes, where mountains meet the sea beneath a starlit sky. This enchanting port city offers a unique mix of tradition and natural beauty. With ToursByLocals, Hakodate tours become a customized journey, unveiling the city's essence beyond the well-known morning market. Imagine a private tour that takes you to the summit of Mount Hakodate for stunning vistas, or a stroll through Motomachi's historic avenues. On a food and wine tour, relish the freshest seafood paired with local wines, each taste a tribute to Hakodate's culinary legacy. ToursByLocals ensures you skip the lines at popular sites, making your experience as seamless as it is memorable. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Hakodate. Explore Hakodate your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Hakodate tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Hakodate for every interest, including: History tours: View the star-shaped Goryokaku from its tower, then walk the fort grounds where the last samurai made their stand. Continue into Motomachi to tour the Russian Orthodox Church, the Old Public Hall, and the red-brick warehouses while your guide shares stories of treaty-era trade. Nature and Wildlife tours: Follow easy paths at Onuma Quasi-National Park to spot whooper swans in winter and herons in summer, or circle the little islands by rental bike with views of Mount Komagatake. Back in town, ride the ropeway up Mount Hakodate for coastal views and walk the cliffs at Cape Tachimachi to watch seabirds. Food and Drink tours: Start at the Morning Market to sample just-cut squid, crab, and uni, then try a dancing squid rice bowl and finish with a light, clear Hakodate shio ramen at a long-running shop your guide recommends. Add a tasting flight of local sake or stop at a small craft brewery to compare styles from southern Hokkaido. The tram network connects the bay area, Motomachi, Goryokaku, and Yunokawa, and each neighbourhood is walkable once you’re there. For farther sites like Onuma or Cape Esan, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your guide about private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Hakodate inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour of Hakodate, where a local guide can tailor your experience by navigating you through its diverse neighborhoods. There's truly no better way to understand a place than with someone who knows it intimately. - Motomachi: Discover a blend of Japanese and Western architecture in this historic district. Perfect for cultural tourists, the area is filled with picturesque streets and grand buildings, making it a favorite for photographers. Families will enjoy the gentle slopes and stunning views of the harbor. - Hakodate Bay Area: Known for its renovated red-brick warehouses, this neighborhood offers a mix of shopping and dining options. It's ideal for tourists seeking meaningful connections with local artisans and food vendors. Multi-generational groups can appreciate the scenic waterfront and various activities available. - Goryokaku: Famous for its star-shaped fort, this area provides a glimpse into Japan's modern history. Cultural tourists will find the historical significance intriguing, while families can enjoy a leisurely walk in Goryokaku Park. The observation tower offers a panoramic view that's sure to impress anyone. Day trip ideas from Hakodate Use Hakodate as your base, then branch out to nearby nature, castle towns, and fishing ports that fit easy day trips without long travel or fuss. - Onuma Quasi-National Park: Walk island-hopping bridges under Mount Komagatake, rent a bike for quiet lakeside paths, or try a paddle if you like calm water, and your tour can focus on easy trails, photo stops, and local snacks by the station. - Matsumae: Stroll the castle grounds and old streets that still show Edo-era planning, catch sea views along the coast, and explore small temples and wooden houses that suit history lovers who want a slower pace. - Esashi: Follow the Inishie Kaido with its merchant homes and fishing-town heritage, hear the story of Esashi Oiwake folk songs, and pair harbour walks with simple seafood spots if you like culture with a local feel. - Shikabe: Hug the shoreline for cool sea air, soak your feet at a seaside hot-spring footbath, and sample fresh shellfish at small markets, which works well if you want a relaxed day with short walks and easy views. These tours stay flexible so you can swap in more nature, more food, or more history as you like. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Hakodate most travellers miss.