A “TSUMUGU” Experience: Weave Your Own Cultural Story

Welcome to Hakodate, a historic port city in Hokkaido. Here, you can meet the city’s “weavers” of
culture—people who cherish its history while creating new value for the future—and take part in weaving your own story along the way.

Culture-Weaving Journey
Weaving a new culture while honoring old traditions.

Hakodate is a northern port city that once flourished through the Kitamae-bune—north-bound merchant ships transporting goods from western Japan to Hokkaido. Later, it became a gateway for foreign cultures, which helped shape its unique history and character. To this day, the city is home to "weavers"—people who preserve its traditions while creatively connecting history, craft, and community.

This journey offers a rare opportunity to connect with remarkable people and places. Immersed yourself in their philosophies, be moved by their passion, and inspired by their craft. Through these encounters, you too will become a weaver of Hakodate’s story, carrying its charm forward into the future.

Journey to the authentic Hakodate, far beyond the reach of ordinary tourism. Here, every encounter, every moment, is an opportunity to weave your own story into the city’s living tapestry.

Discover the Real Hakodate:
Five Exclusive Experiences

Step onto the stage of history. Explore the source of its culinary bounty and the natural rhythm of the seasons. Meet the cultural artisans shaping Hakodate’s living traditions. This is a limited journey, connecting you with the time, nature, and people of the city in ways yet to be discovered. The more you experience, the deeper your love for Hakodate will grow.

MORNING IN HERITAGEPremium Breakfast at the Old Soma Residence: A tranquil morning in one of Hakodate’s most important cultural properties. Savor a special breakfast that reflects the city’s history and traditions.

On This Experience: Old Soma Residence
Highlights: Exquisite Japanese breakfast supervised by a top chef, and exclusive private tour of the residence.

DINING IN HISTORYPremium Private Dinner at the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward: Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime dinner in a historic Western-style mansion, a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property, with sweeping views of Hakodate’s nightscape.

On This Experience: Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
Highlights: An exclusive private tour of the historic mansion and a full-course dinner featuring Hakodate’s seasonal finest ingredients.

HISTORY & LOCAL LIFE Walking Tour of the Historic Old Town: Follow a local guide through Hakodate’s birthplace, where Japanese and Western cultures intersect. Discover the city’s architecture, stories, and hidden details that reveal its unique character.

On This Experience: Red Brick Warehouses area, Hakodate Western District, Hakodate Park, and more
Highlights: Guided historical walking tour

INSIDE THE MARKETEarly Morning Auction Tour at the Wholesale Market: Step into the heart of Hakodate’s food culture. An energizing morning at the wholesale market normally closed to the public.

On This Experience: Hakodate Local Wholesale Fish Market, Konishi Fisheries
Highlights: Live morning auction, insider talk by a wholesale dealer, and breakfast featuring freshly prepared fish.

ROOT AND PRODUCERSA Journey to Discover Southern Hokkaido’s Artisanal Producers: Savor Hakodate’s terroir and explore the future of its food through visits to passionate local producers.

On This Experience: Domaine de Montille & Hokkaido, Sauvage de Hakodate
Highlights: Wine tasting and guided hunting excursions