2025.10.02
｜ TOURS
MORNING IN HERITAGE | Premium Breakfast at the Old Soma Residence.
Start your day in a private, historic residence.
Start your morning with a premium breakfast supervised by a first-class chef at the Old Soma Residence, a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property and former home of the great Meiji-era merchant Soma Teppei. In a private space surrounded by gardens and architecture that tell the story of Hakodate’s history, enjoy a breakfast that allows you to experience the essence of local food culture. A guide will accompany you on a private tour of the residence, either before or after your meal. This is a moment to savor the history and culture of Hakodate with all five senses.
【Highlights of this Journey】
Exclusive Access to an Important Cultural Property ： Enjoy private access to the historic Old Soma Residence during the quiet hours before it opens to the public.
A Breakfast That Tells a Story: Savor a special Japanese breakfast created by a top-class chef, with a theme inspired by the history of the Soma family, who built their fortune on the Kitamae-bune trade routes.
A Private Tour with a Dedicated Guide ： Explore the residence, a masterpiece of traditional Japanese architecture, with commentary from a dedicated guide.
A Space Where History and Gastronomy Intertwine ： Spend an elegant morning immersed in Hakodate’s history and food culture, surrounded by beautiful architecture and gardens.
Breakfast Supervisor | Yohei Narita, Owner-Chef of the Japanese restaurant “Yo”
This special breakfast is curated under the supervision of the highly acclaimed chef Yohei Narita. Hailing from Hirosaki, Aomori, Chef Narita honed his skills in French cuisine at top restaurants including Le Bourguignon (Tokyo), Le Jardin des Sens (Montpellier, two Michelin stars), and Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée (Paris, three Michelin stars). At age 27, he pivoted to master the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine at its highest level, training at the three-Michelin-starred Kikunoi Honten in Kyoto. After mastering every section, he set out on his own. He is the two-time runner-up of RED U-35, one of Japan’s largest chef competitions, and is active in many fields, including supervising in-flight meals for Japan Airlines (JAL) on both international and domestic routes.
Chef’s profile (Japanese language only): https://yo-hirosaki.com/#profile
【The Historic Stage | The Old Soma Residence】
Soma Teppei was a promient merchant of the Meiji era who contributed significantly to the development of Hakodate. In 1908, he built the Old Soma Residence, a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property, as his private home. A testament to the prestige of the Soma family, who amassed an enormous fortune in the rice, finance, and shipping industries, the residence was built by master craftsmen, including shrine carpenters, using the finest materials of the time like hinoki cypress and keyaki zelkova wood. True to Hakodate’s character as a crossroads of Japanese and Western cultures, the villa features exquisite design details throughout, such as chandeliers lighting traditional Japanese-style rooms. Begin your morning in this extraordinary space, a true piece of Hakodate’s history.
【Menu】
Donabe-cooked rice (traditional Japanese clay-pot rice)
Overnight-dried Hokke (Atka mackerel) with pickled ginger shoots
Dashimaki tamago (Japanese rolled omelet)
Hakodate Wagyu beef simmered in sweet soy (Shigure-ni)
Spinach and shiitake mushrooms with light soy dressing
Matsumae-style pickles with salmon roe and marinated salmon rice
Freshly caught squid sashimi
Simmered eggplant in dashi broth
Sanpei-jiru (Hokkaido-style miso soup with fish and vegetables)
Seasonal fruits
Assorted pickles
*Menu is a sample and may vary by season
【Plan Details】
Duration： Approx. 1-2 hours / 2 days, 1 night (with accommodation)
Availability: Generally year-round (please inquire for the winter season). Reservations accepted from 2 months to 1 week in advance.
Group Size： 2 to 6 guests
Tour Escort： Not included.
【Price Guideline (per person, tax and service included)】
Tour + Accommodation (based on double room occupancy, with dinner included)
Foreign-language plan (with interpreter): from ¥80,000
Japanese-language plan: from ¥77,000
Tour Only
Foreign-language plan (with interpreter): from ¥17,000
Japanese-language plan: from ¥14,000
※Prices may vary depending on the season, group size, and specific arrangements.
【Sample Itinerary – Day 1】
【Sample Itinerary – Day 2】
【What’s Included】
Special commentary and guided tour by the Old Soma Residence staff
Breakfast at the Old Soma Residence
Interpreter service (for foreign language plans only).
Shuttle service between the hotel and the Old Soma Residence
〈Included for Accommodation Plans Only〉
Seafood dinner at NIPPONIA HOTEL HAKODATE PORT TOWN
※Cost of drinks is not included.
One night’s stay at NIPPONIA HOTEL HAKODATE PORT TOWN (based on double occupancy)
※A supplemental charge applies for single occupancy
【Accommodation】
NIPPONIA HOTEL HAKODATE PORT TOWN
Stay in a Red Brick Warehouse, a Symbol of Hakodate
Located within the Red Brick Warehouse district, an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, NIPPONIA HOTEL Hakodate Minatomachi is an intimate 9-room auberge housed in one of the city’s iconic restored warehouses.
Experience a truly refined stay while immersing yourself in the history and culture of Hakodate.
【How to Book】
Step 1: Choose Your Experience
Select your desired experience from our five unique plans. It is also possible to combine multiple experiences.
Step 2: Send an Inquiry
Using the inquiry form, please let us know your desired experience, preferred dates, number of guests, and any other requests.
《Book or Inquire Here》
Step 3: Receive a Proposal
Our dedicated concierge will create a customized travel plan and quote based on your request. (Please note that we may not be able to accommodate all requests due to the schedules of our producers and guides, facility maintenance, etc.)
Step 4: Confirm Your Booking
Once you are satisfied with the proposed plan, we will proceed with the official booking process.
【Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)】
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. A predetermined cancellation fee will be charged for any cancellations. For details, please refer to the “Travel Conditions / Before You Apply” section at the bottom of this page.
Q. Can you accommodate dietary allergies?
A. Yes. Please inform us of any food allergies at the time of booking, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Q. Is it okay if I don’t speak Japanese?
A. Absolutely. Many of our plans include an interpreter or licensed guide, allowing you to enjoy your experience with complete peace of mind.
[Travel Terms and Conditions: Please Read Carefully Before Booking]
This tour is an organized package tour planned and operated by Value Management Co., Ltd. Before booking, please be sure to read the following items and the “Travel Terms and Conditions (Full Text).”
<< Regarding the Contract >> The travel contract between the customer and our company shall be concluded when our company accepts the contract and receives the deposit.
<< Payment of Tour Fare >> Please pay the tour fare by the date specified by our company.
<< Cancellation Fees (Cancellation Policy) >> If you cancel your reservation, the following cancellation fees will apply. Please check the “Travel Terms andConditions” for details. (Note: The fees below are a standard example. Please revise this section based on your company’s official terms and conditions.)
- Up to 21 days prior (counting backward from the day before the tour start date): No charge
- 20 days to 8 days prior: 20% of the tour fare
- 7 days to 2 days prior: 30% of the tour fare
- The day before the tour start date: 40% of the tour fare
- On the day of the tour start date: 50% of the tour fare
- Cancellation after the tour has started or no-show (non-participation without notice): 100% of the tour fare