2025.10.02
｜ TOURS
MORNING IN HERITAGE | A Special Morning in a Private Historic Residence. Premium Breakfast at the Old Soma Residence.
A Special Morning in a Private Historic Residence. Premium Breakfast at the Old Soma Residence.
Enjoy a special start to your day with this premium breakfast plan at the Old Soma Residence, a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property once owned by the great Meiji-era merchant Soma Teppei. In a private space surrounded by beautiful gardens and architecture that tells the story of Hakodate’s history, you will savor a breakfast that lets you experience the essence of the local food culture. Before or after your meal, a guide will give you a private tour of the residence. 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 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.
【The Historic Stage | The Old Soma Residence】
Soma Teppei I was a great merchant of the Meiji era who contributed significantly to the development of Hakodate. The Old Soma Residence, a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property, was built as his private home in 1908. 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 building features exquisite design details throughout, such as chandeliers lighting traditional Japanese-style rooms. Welcome to an elegant morning in a special place that can be considered a piece of Hakodate’s history itself.
【Breakfast Supervisor | Yohei Narita, Owner-Chef of “Yo”】
This special breakfast is supervised by 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.
【Plan Details】
Duration： Approx. 1-2 hours / 2 days, 1 night (with accommodation)
Availability： Generally year-round (please inquire for the winter season). Bookings accepted from 2 months to 1 week in advance.
Group Size： 2 to 6 guests
Tour Escort： Not included.
【Price Guideline (per person, based on double occupancy)】
Prices may vary depending on the season, group size, and meal arrangements.
【Sample Itinerary – Day 1】
【Sample Itinerary – Day 2】
【What’s Included】
Special commentary and tour by the Old Soma Residence staff.
Breakfast at the Old Soma Residence.
Interpreter (for foreign language plans only).
〈Included for Accommodation Plans Only〉
Seafood dinner at NIPPONIA HOTEL Hakodate Minatomachi.
Cost of drinks is not included.
One night’s stay at NIPPONIA HOTEL Hakodate Minatomachi (based on double occupancy).
A supplemental charge applies for single occupancy.
【Accommodation】
NIPPONIA HOTEL Hakodate Minatomachi
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. Please inform us of any food allergies at the time of booking. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Q. Is it okay if I don’t speak Japanese?
A. Yes, that is perfectly fine. Many of our plans include an interpreter or a licensed guide, so you can enjoy your experience with peace of mind.