When Sara returned to her hometown- Hakodate after living in Tokyo and abroad, she fell in love with it again and decided to share those feelings with the world. She started studying about Hakodate by herself, passed a local exam about the area, and became a local guide! She's a jack of all trades combining her work as a guide with other professions which gives her additional insight into the area. Sara shared her favourite sights in Hakodate and gave us some great tips for exploring Hokkaido in Northern Japan.
Hi Sara, thanks for talking to us today. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
I'm an English speaking guide in Hakodate City, Hokkaido, Japan. Actually I'm self-employed, making English TV programs on local TV, being a teacher, working as a beautician, etc.
I was born in Hakodate and raised there until I was 18 years old. After that, I lived in Tokyo for 9 years, Singapore for 4 years, Philippines for 1 year and travelled a lot (visited 26 countries). A few years ago, when I came back to my hometown, I realised how beautiful and amazing it is, and now want to spread it to the world. I’m falling in love with it again, and doing my best to learn more.
How did you become a local guide?
At first, I was learning a lot about Hakodate by myself (history, places, local information, how to be a guide etc.). I took an exam about Hakodate (a kind of local one), made my own website, and attracted customers. I did all of these things by myself!
If you can imagine it, you can do it!
What tours do you offer?
I would like to recommend the "Unforgettable Tour with Me". I believe that one of the most important things for unique travel memories is "Sharing Special Moments with Local People".
I recommend the "Tailor-made-tour" where you can create your own tour, following your interests, hobbies. Learn more about a new culture or history, and of course include some local sightseeing spots. I like to be a bridge between locals and travellers.
I also offer the "Hiking Tour to visit secret fortresses at Mt. Hakodate". The most famous sightseeing spot in Hakodate is the night view from the top of Mt. Hakodate, but there is a lot of history to uncover in the area! Get off the beaten path to enjoy experiencing nature and visiting historical places with local stories.
What are some must-see spots in Hakodate?
1. The view from the top of Mt. Hakodate
2. Cherry Blossoms at Goryokaku Park
3. Morning Market (must-try fresh seafood in Hakodate!)
4. Mt. Esan (It's an active volcano, the scenery is awesome!)
What places would you recommend to learn more about Ainu culture?
Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples (函館市北方民族資料館)
There are a lot of priceless Ainu's things and you can try to wear Ainu clothes.
They have workshops to make this kind of Ainu pattern by Origami (Japanese paper).
Do you have any food tips or recommendations for first time visitors to Hokkaido?
You must try fresh seafood (SUSHI, SASHIMI or SEAFOOD-DON)!! When you try raw fishies in Hokkaido, you will definitely know how different they are from other places.
In addition, I recommend sweets, desserts, and ice cream made in Hokkaido. Most Japanese milk and sweet beans are from Hokkaido so we have fantastic ingredients for sweets!
That's why I offer a "Foodie Tour" which you can find here.
What other places in Hokkaido would you recommend to combine with visiting Hakodate?
Discover Southern Hokkaido! There are small towns around Hakodate which are very peaceful countryside, rich in nature. You can find beautiful scenery and history in places like: Shikabe, Shiriuchi, Esashi, Matumae, Otobe, and more.
A big city to combine a trip to Hokkaido with is Tokyo. It’s very convenient because the flight is only 1hour 20 min. It takes only 10 to 20 min by car to get from Hakodate airport to main sightseeing spots in Hakodate! You can enjoy a day trip or 1 night and 2 days for a short Hokkaido adventure from Tokyo!
For winter activity lovers (skiers and snowboarders), Niseko also is a good place to combine a visit to Hakodate with. It only takes 3 hours by car and it’s a world-class ski resort.
Thank you!
You can find Sara on Instagram and Facebook, and don't forget to check out her website!
