This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • Dear Jeffery Born
  • Welcome to Aomori ! *4 persons
  • 【-Itinerary-Hirosaki city, on 1st May 2025】
  • <Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki Park Tour 6 hours – 8:30-14:30 >
  • Hirosaki Castle is a symbol of the city, and it has a long history. The first of
  • the Tsugaru feudal lords established his rule over the Tsugaru area in the early
  • 17th century. The second lord, Tsugaru Nobuhira, completed the castle in 1611.
  • Remaining on the grounds are a castle tower, three turrets, five gates, and
  • three moat systems. The Hirosaki Castle site is now a 49-ha park area known as
  • Hirosaki Castle Park. The park is a popular destination for local residents and
  • out-of-town visitors alike.
  • 8;30 At Aomori Cruise Terminal.
  • To Hirosaki park – Hirosaki castle.By a chartered taxi
  • *A chartered van-type taxi fare is 50,000 yen (up-to 8 seats)
  • 9:30 Hirosaki park – Hirosaki castle arrive.(Admission fee: 310 yen/one-person)
  • 10:30 Hirosaki park – Hirosaki castle depart.
  • 11:00 Seibien Japanese Garden arrive.(Admission fee: 500 yen /one person)
  • 11:40 Seibien Japanese Garden depart.
  • 12:15 Lunch @Kafukutei “Japanese Soba Restaurant”
  •     Tsugaru-han Neputa Village (Shamisen (three-stringed musical instrument
  • show ) (Admission fee: 600 yen/one-person)
  • 13:30 Tsugaru-han Neputa Village dept.
  • 14:30 Aomori Cruise Terminal arrive.

What Is a Private Guided Tour of Hirosaki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour of Hirosaki for a guest visiting from North America.

The guest was most eager to see the cherry blossoms of Hirosaki. Since they had already visited many shrines and temples on this trip to Japan, they wished to skip those and focus on something different.

The guest wanted to spend time at the interesting Tsugaru-han Neputa Village. There they experienced a Tsugaru shamisen performance and tried the large Hirosaki Neputa drum. They showed particular interest in the history of the shamisen, and as a souvenir they purchased a hand cream with the scent of cherry blossoms.

My name is Tomohiko Kudo.
I live in Aomori city.
I already visited more than 30 nations so far.
After official retirement from the public officer, I could have the Japanese Government Licensed Guide Certificate and am nowadays very pleased to guide overseas tourists all over the world.
Did you know that the Fuji apple is not from Mt.Fuji…but is actually from Aomori Prefecture’ Fujisaki town. Aomori is proud of the biggest apple product in
Japan. We provide 40 apple-pie restaurants to guests.
Let’s enjoy real Japanese culture and history with me. I would enjoy with you real Samuri history, Kimono culture, local traditional festivals, castle,
Japanese garden, temple, shrine, Japanese tea ceremony, food and Sake.
I often go to the local sea food and vegetable markets and eat fresh foods and would love to show you some secret, hidden restaurants that only Aomori locals know about – let’s go on an adventure together.
If you like sushi and fresh seafood, let me introduce to Nokkedon ?
What is it? Come to Aomori and find out! I am waiting for you.

Jun 2, 2025
413maryannb
Tomohiko organized our day beautifully! The car was immaculate, the driver skilled. We thoroughly enjoyed our day!
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day…

Apr 30, 2025
Jacqueline_F
Great Guide, great tour
Viator review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
We experienced the wonderful sites of Aomori which…

Dec 30, 2024
Scenic33296385055
Warm and professional guide
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Mr. Kudo-san is very professional, meticulate and kind…

Aug 3, 2024
Monika R
Fun and informative tour – great tour guide!
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We were 3…