Play the Ancient Japanese Game of Go in Hakodate
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the Ancient Strategy Game of Go in the Heart of Hakodate!
Step into the fascinating world of Go — Japan’s legendary board game that’s easy to learn but takes a lifetime to master.
In this hands-on experience, you’ll be guided by a certified 6-dan Go instructor (one of the highest amateur levels in Japan) with decades of teaching and competition experience.
What makes this activity special?
✅ Learn the basics of Go in a traditional setting
✅ Enjoy a friendly match with the instructor or fellow participants
✅ Experience authentic Japanese culture through strategy and mindfulness
✅ Includes a seasonal wagashi (traditional sweet) and tea
✅ Perfect for beginners, families, or curious minds of all ages
Whether you’ve never touched a Go board or you’ve seen it in movies or anime, this experience offers a rare chance to dive into a true Japanese cultural tradition — and bring home more than just memories.
Reserve now and unlock the secrets of Go!
Available options
3-Hour Mini Walking City Tour
The choice of 1–2 sightseeing : Choose 1–2 spots from Hakodate highlights: Mt. Hakodate, Motomachi, Goryokaku etc. Transportation and entry fees not included<br/>Duration: 3 hours: The schedule can be adjusted depending on the location and time.<br/>Walking pickup only<br/>weekends: We may be available on weekends depending on the time. Please feel free to contact us.
Play the Ancient Japanese Game of Go in Hakodate
Walking pickup only<br/>weekends: We may be available on weekends depending on the time. Please feel free to contact us.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Go board and stones rental
Printed beginner’s guide to Go (take-home)
Guide
Japanese tea or coffee & one traditional Japanese sweet (wagashi).
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
If you prefer to come directly to the meeting point, I will be waiting with a name board in front of the Culture Center Gagyukan, a white four-story building with its name written in large vertical Japanese letters on the exterior wall.
About Hakodate
Hakodate is a vibrant port city in Hokkaido, renowned for its stunning panoramic views, historic sites, and delicious seafood. Its unique blend of Japanese and Western influences, combined with breathtaking natural scenery, makes it a must-visit destination in northern Japan.
Top Attractions
Mount Hakodate
A scenic mountain offering breathtaking panoramic views of Hakodate and the Tsugaru Strait. Accessible by ropeway or hiking.
Nature
1-2 hours
¥900 (ropeway)
Goryokaku Fort
A star-shaped fort built in the 19th century, now a popular cherry blossom viewing spot and historical landmark.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free (¥460 for museum entry)
Hakodate Morning Market
A bustling market offering fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional snacks. A must-visit for food lovers.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Varies
Hakodate Old Public Hall of Welfare
A historic building showcasing the architectural style of the early 20th century. Now a museum with exhibits on Hakodate's history.
Historical
1 hour
¥500
Hakodate Central Park
A beautiful park with walking trails, gardens, and seasonal flowers. A great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kaisendon
A seafood bowl with a variety of fresh seafood, including crab, squid, and scallops, served over rice.
Lunch
Contains seafood
Ika no Shiokara
A traditional dish made from fermented squid guts, often served with rice or as a topping for noodles.
Snack
Contains seafood
Hakodate Ramen
A local variety of ramen with a rich, miso-based broth and topped with local ingredients like butter and corn.
Dinner
Contains gluten
Butadon
A rice bowl topped with grilled pork belly, a popular dish in Hokkaido.
Dinner
Contains pork
Popular Activities
Skiing at Esan Ski Resort
Hiking in Onuma Park
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Picnicking in Hakodate Central Park
Exploring Goryokaku Fort
Visiting the Hakodate Old Public Hall of Welfare
Swimming at Kunimi Beach
Boat tours in Hakodate Port
Best Time to Visit
June to August (summer), December to February (winter)
Summer is ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, while winter offers skiing and hot springs. Both seasons attract the most tourists.
20-25°C (summer), -5 to 0°C (winter)
68-77°F (summer), 23-32°F (winter)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (GMT+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Hakodate is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis and ensure the meter is running.
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Getting there
By air
- Hakodate Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Hakodate Station
By bus
Hakodate Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Hakodate. The bus network is efficient and covers most of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Motomachi
Bay Area
Goryokaku
Daikanzaka
Day trips
Onuma Park
15 km from Hakodate • Half day to full day
A beautiful park with walking trails, gardens, and seasonal flowers. A great spot for a leisurely stroll and outdoor activities.
Kunimi Beach
20 km from Hakodate • Half day to full day
A scenic beach with clear waters and a beautiful coastline. A great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Esan Ski Resort
30 km from Hakodate • Full day
A popular ski resort offering a variety of slopes for all skill levels. A great spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Festivals
Hakodate Yukimatsuri (Snow Festival) • Early February
Hakodate Port Festival • Mid-August
Hakodate Cherry Blossom Festival • Late April to early May
Pro tips
- Visit Mount Hakodate for the best sunset views in the city.
- Try the local seafood bowls (kaisendon) at the Hakodate Morning Market.
- Explore the historic streets of Motomachi and Daikanzaka for a glimpse into Hakodate's past.
- Take a day trip to Onuma Park for beautiful nature and outdoor activities.
- Visit during the cherry blossom season (late April to early May) for stunning views of the blossoms at Goryokaku Fort.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
![[Hakodate Ultimate Tour] Hokkaido Essence & One-Stop Check-in for World's Top Three Night Views + Star Fort + Red Brick Warehouse Encounters + Trilingual Service in Chinese, English and Japanese (Departure from Hakodate)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/j2sfzgeln3jptdhhvzw7.jpg)
![[Hokkaido Classic Adventure] Noboribetsu Jigokudani & Lake Toya & Otaru Day Trip (Departure from Sapporo)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/dh16rtoacjz0vl0buj9e.jpg)
