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
- Hirosaki Station (waiting from 8:30, but received notice of a 1-hour delay) ⇒ Kuroishi City Komise Street ⇒ Hirosaki City Zenrin Street ⇒ Apple Park ⇒ Lunch ⇒ Iwakiyama Shrine ⇒ Takaoka no Mori Hirosaki Domain History Museum ⇒ Fujita Memorial Garden ⇒ Starbucks (a store using a registered tangible cultural property, one of only 3 such stores in the country) ⇒ Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden ⇒ Hirosaki Castle ⇒ Disband at Hirosaki Station (ends at 16:40)
Title: What's a Private Day Tour Around Hirosaki and Kuroishi Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests planned to travel by train from Aomori City, so I waited at the ticket gate of Hirosaki Station at the 8:40 meeting time. When they did not appear, I checked my email and found a message saying they would be one train later. We reset the plan and met at the ticket gate at 9:40. I guided the guests to "Komise Street" in Kuroishi City, on the outskirts of Hirosaki, which strongly retains the atmosphere of the feudal era. It is not yet widely known, but no Western visitor who comes here leaves disappointed. This time the guests were also very satisfied with this hidden gem of a sightseeing spot. At the end of the tour, the guests named the "Takaoka no Mori Tsugaru Clan History Museum," which displays Japanese swords and armor, as the most memorable place. The uploaded photo was taken at the "heart-shaped cherry blossom mark" inside Hirosaki Castle.
Click here for more details: Hirosaki Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Park West Exit～Hirosaki Station | 500JPY |
| Total | 500JPY | ||
My home town Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, still retains much of its culture that was already lost because it is located far away from Kyoto and Edo, present Tokyo. In particular, the Japanese sword workshop, where the spirit of the samurai lives on, and the only house in Japan where ninjas are said to have actually lived, have impressed many visitors. In addition, the various feedbacks obtained via the monitoring tours that I have independently conducted are my strengths, and I promise to convey the hidden gems of Japan in all its glory.
Reference
https://ameblo.jp/itpaomori/entrylist.html
https://ameblo.jp/itpaomori/entry-12809356282.html
https://ameblo.jp/itpaomori/entry-12712282742.html
Apr 30, 2026
R6516SMglenb
Tripadvisor review: Hirosaki 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and scenery
Fuji was a wonderful guide and helped show…
Apr 30, 2026
R6516SMglenb
Tripadvisor review: Hirosaki 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and scenery
Fuji was a wonderful guide and helped show me around the city to many different spots that were not heavily trafficed. He was very knowledgeable and shared information about the different shrines and historical background of them and of the Hirosaki castle grounds. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone else.
Jun 28, 2025
E3776VPshawnk
Unique tour of Hirosaki!!
Tripadvisor review: Hirosaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
I had Fuji-san for a private tour of…
Jun 28, 2025
E3776VPshawnk
Unique tour of Hirosaki!!
Tripadvisor review: Hirosaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
I had Fuji-san for a private tour of the Hirosaki area, and it was an amazing experience. I
even got to see some off the beaten path areas that were amazing to see. I’d highly
recommend a tour with the JGA after this. Fuji-san was knowledgeable and helpful.
May 25, 2025
B
Brian_V
Excellent tour highlighting the less-touristy spots.
Viator review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Fuji-san was our guide and…
May 25, 2025
B
Brian_V
Excellent tour highlighting the less-touristy spots.
Viator review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Fuji-san was our guide and we could not have been happier with him. We saw a real samurai master who’s won championships practice their swordsmanship along with his students, the temples and shrines that have survived the last 350-400 years without tourists (besides us), eating at an eatery that locals frequent and enjoying food comfort food, seeing the birthplace of the Nebuta festival, and watching a live shamisen show. We also saw the old red light district in Hirosaki, and the now-repurposed public bath that was common and popular after the war. This was a packed tour that hit areas located in the suburbs, and Fuji-san made the trip efficient by renting a car instead of using public transportation.
Nov 7, 2024
Koroxx
everything was perfect
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Very nice trip around Hirosaki, to discover the city…
Nov 7, 2024
Koroxx
everything was perfect
Tripadvisor review: Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
Very nice trip around Hirosaki, to discover the city and the Momiji of Nakano Momijiyama.
The guide is very kind and know really everything about the different places.