Dress Up High-Quality Hakama Kimono and 30-min Rickshaw Tour

A Unique Way to Experience Hakodate: Dress Up in Hakama and Ride a Rickshaw

Imagine strolling through Hakodate’s historic bay area dressed in a splendid hakama kimono, pulled along by a courteous rickshaw driver. For just over two hours and at a cost of around $141, this tour offers a charming blend of tradition and scenery. You’ll visit notable sites like the Mori Red Brick Warehouse, the retro post office building, and even the oldest telegraph pole in Japan.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the chance to wear a traditional Western-influenced kimono—the hakama—which makes for fantastic photo opportunities. The rickshaw ride, guided by a knowledgeable puller, transports you back to the 19th century, giving a nostalgic feel of Japan’s early modernization days.

Two aspects we especially appreciate are the personalized experience, where your group alone enjoys the ride, and the opportunity for memorable photos in authentic period dress against a picturesque backdrop. On the other hand, this isn’t a long, in-depth tour of Hakodate, so if you’re eager to explore extensively or prefer a more active visit, this might feel a bit limited.

This tour suits travelers looking for a light, culturally immersive experience, especially those who want quality photo moments, a relaxed pace, and a taste of Japan’s past. It’s ideal for first-timers, couples, or anyone who enjoys unique, stylish ways to discover a city.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Wear a traditional hakama kimono while exploring Hakodate’s scenic bay area.
• Picturesque Setting: Many Instagram-worthy spots, with a historic backdrop that seamlessly blends Western and Japanese architecture.
• Guided Ride: Pulling the rickshaw is a local shafu, providing a personalized and engaging commentary.
• Short but Sweet: The 30-minute rickshaw ride complements a 2-hour tour, perfect for a quick cultural fix.
• Family-Friendly & Private: Suitable for most travelers, with the entire experience tailored to your group.
• Good Value for Money: Includes kimono, hair styling, footwear, and the rickshaw fee, making it a worthwhile splurge for a special day.

Exploring Hakodate in Style: A Detailed Review

Setting the Scene: Hakodate’s Charm and Historic Vibe

Hakodate is a port city in northern Japan, famed for its scenic bay and blend of Western and Japanese architecture. During our visit, we found its streets lined with red-brick warehouses, retro post offices, and the oldest telegraph pole in Japan—a tangible reminder of its role in early communication.

What makes this tour standout is the way it combines history, fashion, and scenery into a snapshot of 19th-century Japan. The tour guide, a local who knows Hakodate well, ensures you’re not just riding but also catching glimpses of stories behind each site.

The Rental: Wearing Hakama Kimono

What we loved most was slipping into the hakama kimono—a style influenced by Western culture but deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. The hair arrangement and footwear are thoughtfully included, so you don’t have to worry about looking your best. The kimono’s elegant cut and flowing fabric feel comfortable yet authentic, elevating the entire experience.

Guests have shared how wearing the kimono added a special sense of occasion: “It really made me feel like I was in a different era,” one visitor said. The experience of putting on the traditional attire, especially with help from a professional, makes for fantastic photos and a memorable moment.

The Rickshaw Ride: A Nostalgic Journey

The two-wheeled rickshaw is pulled by a Shafu, a local driver well-versed in storytelling and local lore. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, which is plenty of time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. You’ll glide past historic buildings, watch the bay’s gentle waves, and see well-known spots from a relaxed vantage point.

Many reviews mention how the personal touch of the Shafu makes the ride special. “He pointed out little details I would have never noticed,” said one guest. The quiet, smooth ride allows plenty of opportunity for sightseeing and taking photos.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See

The tour starts at the Hakodate Meijikan, a convenient meeting point near public transportation. From there, your guide takes you through the bay area, where you’ll see:

• The Mori Red Brick Warehouse, a hub of shops and cafes housed in historic buildings.
• The retro ex-post office, a charming reminder of early 20th-century Japan.
• The oldest telegraph pole in Japan, a small but fascinating piece of history.

Each stop provides a chance to take photos and learn about Hakodate’s past. The overall pace is leisurely, giving you plenty of time for selfies and reflection.

Authenticity and Comfort

This experience offers a comfortable, manageable way to enjoy Hakodate’s charm. Since it’s private for your group, you won’t have to share the moment with strangers, and the group discounts make it more accessible for families or small parties.

The price of $141.02 includes the kimono, hair arrangements, footwear, and the rickshaw fee—giving good overall value. You might find the cost high compared to typical city tours, but considering the attire, personalized service, and unique transport, it’s a fair price for what you get.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour is quite flexible, it’s worth noting that makeup isn’t included, so if you want a more polished look, you might want to prepare ahead. Also, since this is a short tour, it’s best to see it as a highlight rather than a comprehensive exploration of Hakodate.

Authenticity and Photos: A Major Plus

Many visitors mention how the photo opportunities are a highlight. “It’s like stepping into a postcard,” one review states. The historic backdrop combined with your traditional attire creates stunning images that will be treasured long after your trip.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour offers a delightful mix of culture, scenery, and fun—perfect for those wanting a stylish, memorable snapshot of Hakodate. It’s well-suited for photo enthusiasts, history buffs, or travelers seeking a light but meaningful cultural experience.

If you’re after an authentic moment that combines fashion, history, and scenic views, this experience delivers it with a touch of Japanese elegance. It’s a smart choice for couples, solo travelers who want to do something different, or families eager to introduce children to Japan’s unique traditional attire.

While it’s not designed for extensive sightseeing, it provides a beautiful, relaxed window into Hakodate’s past, making it a worthwhile addition to any itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, the experience is generally suitable for most travelers, including families, since it’s a gentle ride and fun dress-up. Check with the provider if you have very young children.

Does the tour include a full city walk? No, it focuses mainly on the bay area with a short rickshaw ride, so it’s best to supplement with other tours for extensive sightseeing.

What do I wear during the tour? You’ll wear a traditional hakama kimono, which is included. Hair arrangements and footwear are also provided.

Is the tour private? Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, making it more personalized.

How long does the entire experience last? Expect around 2 hours total—including the kimono dressing, the rickshaw ride, and walking around the main sites.

Can I cancel or reschedule? The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

Choosing this tour is about more than sightseeing—it’s about creating a memorable, photo-worthy moment in Hakodate’s historic setting. If you cherish authentic experiences with a touch of style and tradition, this is well worth considering.