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 Jacqueline and Steven Frew
- Welcome to Aomori ! *2 persons
- 【-Itinerary-Hirosaki city, on 29h April 2025】
- <Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki Park Tour 6 hours – 12:00-18:00>
- 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.
- 12;00 At Aomori Cruise Terminal
- To the Aomori station by taxi
- *Wzrrase Nebuta Museum*
- 13:35 Aomori station depart (train fare is 680 yen per one person)
- 14:20 Hirosaki station arrive.By taxi.
- 14:40 Hirosaki park – Hirosaki castle （Admission fee: 310 yen/one-person)
- 15:30 Tsugaru-han Neputa Village (Shamisen (three-stringed musical instrument
- show ) （Admission fee: 600 yen/one-person)
- 16:30 Tsugaru-han Neputa Village dept. By taxi
- 16:51 Hirosaki Station depart.
- 17:44 Aomori station Arrive. By taxi
- 18:00 Aomori Cruise Terminal arrive.
What Is a Private Day Trip to Hirosaki Like? A Licensed Guide's Cherry Blossom Report
I guided guests from North America, visiting Japan for the first time, on a private day trip to Hirosaki. They enjoyed a relaxed journey on local trains.
They were deeply moved by the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle, which they had truly wanted to see.
When they saw the little "mini koinobori (carp streamer) flag" I had brought along for sightseeing guidance, they asked what it was and said they wanted it as a souvenir for their grandchild, so I gave it to them. They said they would display it by their poolside at home.
On the train back, one of the guests showed me a photo of a "hand towel decorated on a white background" that their father had received during the Second World War from a Japanese prisoner of war with whom he had become very close at a Japanese POW camp on Guam. Their father had reportedly kept it very carefully.
After returning home, they said they had a small request and would send me photos of the Japanese POW items. This year marks 80 years since the end of the war, and it was a moment that gave me something to reflect on.
Click here for more details: Aomori Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | JR Ou Line Aomori Station ⇒ Hirosaki Station～JR Ou Line Hirosaki Station ⇒ Aomori Station | 1,360JPY |
| Total | 1,360JPY | ||
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…
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 Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Thank you for a great day in Aomori it was our last stop and most memorable! The Cherry
blossoms were beautiful! The Apple tarts divine.
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…
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 was a surprise in many ways. Despite
the rainy day we were enchanted by the cherry blossoms in full bloom by the old castle.
Once area was prettier than another. The floats and their history were amazing.
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…
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 hearted guide. The whole tour I felt like I was travelling with a fried. Me made me comfortable instantly. Very knowledgeable and patient in explaining stuff to me. I am vegetarian and he made sure my needs were met. He went above and beyond. There was a record snowfall in Aomori, taxi’s and buses were busy , we walked all the way and saw everything. I would highly recommend him to anyone wanting an expert and warm guide for Aomori. I whish him all the best.
Aug 3, 2024
Monika R
Fun and informative tour – great tour guide!
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
We were 3…
Aug 3, 2024
Monika R
Fun and informative tour – great tour guide!
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
We were 3 generations and all had so much fun with our tour guide Tomohiko. He was very informative and picked interesting places for us to visit including some shrines & museums. He took us to sample some of Aomori’s delicious apples and we had a wonderful lunch in a quint family restaurant. We met some lovely people. It was a fabulous experience we will not forget. Thank you!!