Aomori in One Day: *Ninjya House — Guide Tomohiko
January, 2025
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
- 【Itinerary – 16th January 2025- Hirosaki Castle(Hirosaki Park) Tour – 6 hours】
- 10:30- 11:30 Saishouin Temple housing a five-storied pagoda.
- 12:00 Lunch @ Kafukutei-Japanese Soba ( backwheat noodle)restaurant.
- 13:00 *Ninjya House
- *Zenringai streets frankered by 33 Zen temples.
- Depending on the snow conditoins
- 13:30 – 14:30 Hirosaki park – Hirosaki castle
- 14:30 – 15:30 Tsugaru-han Neputa Village (Shamisen (three-stringed musical instrument show ) （Admission fee: 600 yen/one-person)
- 16:00 End
What Is a Private Winter Tour of Hirosaki, Aomori Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
This was my first tour of the year. In the midst of heavy snowfall, I guided a group visiting from Oceania around Hirosaki. Because the JR Ou Line service from Aomori was at risk of being suspended due to snow-related disruptions, we stayed overnight in Hirosaki beforehand.
The guests, who had first come to Japan in 2019, were now visiting for the second time. This time, they came to Aomori because they wanted to see the snow.
We fully enjoyed the historic city of Hirosaki. Since the guests followed a vegetarian diet, we had lunch at a long-established soba restaurant.
We paid our respects to the head priest at Saishoin Temple. The head priest, Mr. Fuse, remarked that I resembled him.
Because one of the guests had lost their JR Pass for inbound visitors the day before, we headed to a police box in Aomori. The guests were deeply impressed by the very kind response they received. I learned that in their home country, traffic accidents are reported to the police, but accident handling is carried out by the fire department, with many people participating as volunteers in firefighting duties, making it one of the most respected roles among the public. I explained how extremely busy Japanese police officers are.
Fortunately, we found out that the JR Pass had been turned in to the police station. Since the guests were to take the first bullet train the next morning to Tokyo and return home that afternoon, the police, even though it was outside regular office hours, arranged for the pass to be received quickly — and remarkably, they even gave us a ride to the station in a patrol car.
The guests commented, "The most respected profession in Japan must be the police officer!"
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 | Train | JR Ou Line Aomori Station J～JR Ou Line Hirosaki 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!!