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 Jenne – Tai Wang’s Group (5 persons)
- Welcome to Aomori! on 5th May 2024
- 【Lake Towada and Hirosaki Tour】
- ～Itinerary – 8 hours- ～
- 9:00 At the Hotel Aomori. To Lake Towada by a chartered taxi.
- 11:00 Oirase Gorge arr. Hiking (Walking) in the sidewalk along the Oirase Gorge.
- 13:00 Yasumiya district (most popular sightseeing area in Lake Towada) arr.
- *Lunch *(Only cash acceptable)
- 14:00 Leave the Lake towada for Hirosaki city.
- Driving around the Lake Towada in the mountainous area abundant in nature.
- 15:00 Hirosaki city arr.
- Five-storied pagoda at the Saishouin temple ⇒Hirosaki Castle Park.
- 15:30-16:30 Hirosaki park – Hirosaki castle Admission fee: 310 yen/one-person) *Cherry blossom viewing
- 16:30 Hirosaki park – Hirosaki castle dept.
- 17:30 Hotel Aomori arr.
Title: What's a Private Tour of Aomori's Hakkoda, Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada, and Hirosaki Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Body:
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour for a group visiting from North America, who arrived in Aomori by Shinkansen. The tour covered the fresh spring greenery of Mount Hakkoda, Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada, and Hirosaki.
We enjoyed a walk along Oirase Gorge from Ishigedo and up to Choshi Otaki Falls. At a restaurant in Yasumiya, those who preferred vegetables savored the "Akita Kiritanpo Set Meal," while those who preferred meat enjoyed the "Towada Barayaki Set Meal."
The group had worked as engineers. One of the guests had previously been assigned to work at Japanese companies and spoke a little Japanese. Another guest mentioned that a family member had studied medicine at a university in Tokyo.
At Saishoin Temple in Hirosaki, famous for its five-story pagoda, we admired the lilacs. The guests noted that in their snowy home region, lilacs are often planted between neighboring properties. At Hirosaki Castle, seeing the Tsurumatsu pine and Kameishi rock reminded them of a past cruise trip to Kushiro, where the red-crowned cranes had left a strong impression.
At a lively izakaya, while listening to shamisen and Tsugaru folk songs, we enjoyed Aomori soul foods such as "hotate kaiyaki miso" (scallop grilled in miso), "igamenchi," and "salt-grilled kinki fish." The "Dake corn tempura" from the foothills of Mount Iwaki is a dish that visitors from abroad often praise and order again. For sake, we tried "Denshu" and "Kikuizumi" from Aomori City.
The guests were true admirers of Japan and thoroughly enjoyed the food and culture 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!!