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 Monika Rhodes, Kevin＆Calista Aarts
- Welcome to Aomori !
- 【Aomori Tour】 24th July 2024 *3-persons
- ～ Today's Itinerary ～
- 9:00 At the Aomori cruise terminal. To the Seiryuji Temple by taxi.
- 9:30 Seiryu-ji Temple arr. (Admission fee: 400 yen/one-person)
- * Showa Daibutsu (Showa Great Buddha)
- – the tallest bronze sitting statue of Buddha in Japan (21 meters)
- *Five-Storied Pagoda – the 4th highest in Japan (39.5 meters)
- *Zen Garden (Dried Landscape Garden-Sand Garden)
- 10:30 Seiryuji Temple dept. By taxi
- 11:00 Warrase Museum arr. (Admission fee: 620 yen/one-person)
- This Museum introduces “Aomori Nebuta Festival – Nationally Designated Important Folk Cultural Property- diplaying the Nebuta Float made by Japanese paper, wire, and electric flouresent or Led lumps of 9 merets in width, 7 meters in depth, and 5 meters in height.
- Workshop: Nebuta Festival drum hitting and dancing experience.
- @Warrase Museum Hall
- 13:30 Sannai Maruyama Archeological site -the Unesco World Cultural Heritage
- Site- (Admission fee: 410 yen/one-person)]
- 14:30 Sannai Maruyama Archeological site dept. By taxi
- 15:00 At Aomori cruise terminal arr.
Title: What's a Private Aomori Cruise Port Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided a group visiting from North America who were making their first trip to Japan and spent time in Aomori, the final port of call on their cruise. On this private tour with [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), we visited Seiryuji Temple, the Nebuta Museum "WA RASSE," the fresh food market in the Auga basement for lunch, and the Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site.
At an apple shop in front of Aomori Station, the guests enjoyed Sun Fuji apples and apple juice, commenting on the wonderfully pure flavor.
When I asked what they would like for lunch, I suggested a seafood rice bowl or Aomori niboshi (dried sardine) ramen. The guests replied that, including Hakodate the day before, they had already had seafood rice bowls at each port, and that they would prefer a lunch made with local Aomori ingredients. I proposed a boxed lunch featuring Aomori ingredients at a local Aomori eatery, and the guests were delighted at the idea of trying local Aomori food. I took them to a boxed lunch shop I often visit.
The daily set lunch included freshwater clam miso soup, rice, salmon flakes, rolled omelette, cowpeas, pickled radish, chicken, macaroni salad, and more. The rice was very tasty, and the guests found everything fresh and delicious.
I introduced how to eat natto, Japan's iconic national dish and a representative healthy fermented food, but as expected the answer was a firm no. When I mentioned fermented foods, the guests noted they had enjoyed yogurt that morning.
The guests were very satisfied with the local flavors of Aomori.
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!!