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 Sarah Oslick
- Welcome to Aomori !
- 【Aomori Tour】 5th July 2024 *2-persons
- ～ Proposal Itinerary ～
- 10:00 Hotel Aomori Ekihigashi
- To the Seiryuji Temple by taxi.
- 10:30 Seiryu-ji Temple arr. (Admission fee: 400 yen/one-person)
- 11:30 Seiryuji Temple dept.
- By taxi
- 12:00 Warrase Museum arr. (Admission fee: 620 yen/one-person)
- * Lunch
- 14:30 Sannai Maruyama Archeological site -the Unesco World Cultural Heritage
- Site- (Admission fee: 410 yen/one-person)]
- 15:30 Sannai Maruyama Archeological site dept.
- By taxi
- 16:00 Hotel Aomori Ekihigashi arr.
What Is a Private Sannai-Maruyama and Aomori Jomon Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided the guests from North America. It was their first visit to Japan. After sightseeing in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara, they visited Aomori. Why Aomori? "We are educators, and we really wanted to visit the Sannai-Maruyama Site, a treasure house of Jomon culture." One of the guests specializes in medieval history, and another teaches English, mathematics, and history.
The day before, with another guide, the group had visited Hirosaki Castle, Saishoin Temple, and Tsugaru-han Neputa Village. Today, I guided them to the long-awaited Sannai-Maruyama Site, Seiryuji Temple, and the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE.
The guests followed a plant-based, pescatarian diet, so I suggested soba noodles for lunch — but the dipping sauce would not do. In major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, they had enjoyed dumplings, ramen, and sushi prepared to suit their diet. So, on short notice, I asked an acquaintance who runs a bento shop to prepare a special set meal. They said the lunch at a local Aomori eatery was delicious!
One of the guests had studied Jomon archaeological sites beforehand and explained things in great detail to the other. There was hardly any need for my humble explanations, which was a relief.
They said that after returning home, they would teach children about the Jomon sites and the Sannai-Maruyama Site, and they purchased items such as miniature clay figurines as teaching materials.
I have never been happier to guide anyone through the Sannai-Maruyama Site than on this occasion. Later, I decided to send photos and materials of the Sannai-Maruyama Site to use as teaching materials.
Click here for more details: Aomori Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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!!