Aomori - Mountainous Seaside City
Joined 2023
Aomori city is the capital city of the Aomori prefecture with 280,000 population, connecting Tokyo and Aomori by the Shinkansen, or bullet train in 3 hours or 1 hour flight. The city a major trading hub so you can eat the freshest produce, learn about the ancient Jomon people and their rope-patterned pottery, and visit the UNESCO designated word heritage site! Let me show you my beloved hometown!
*This fee DOES NOT include transportation fee.
Ex. 8 seaters taxi - 50,000yen every 6 hours
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Aomori Station or Your hotel lobby
Aomori Station or Your hotel lobby
We will initially meet at 9AM at either Aomori Station or Your Hotel Lobby then we will take the taxi (or other agreed upon method of transportation) to Seiryuji Temple
Seiryu-ji Temple
* 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)
*Work shop - ( Zen meditation and Zen style breakfast, copying of Buddhist sutra,and Buddhism style vegetarian food ) - appointment necessary in advance
*(Admission fee : 400 yen/one-person)
Warrase Museum
This Museum introduces “ Aomori Nebuta Festival - Nationally Designated Important Folk Cultural Property- displaying the Nebuta Float made by Japanese paper, wire, and electric fluorescent or LED lamps with the size of 9 meters in width, 7 meters in depth, and 5 meters in height.
*Aomori Sumer Nebuta Festival- Every year three million spectators gather for the Aomori Summer Nebuta Festival. Large dolls (nebuta) made of wood, wire and Japanese paper with lights inside, march through town. Dancers called haneto, dance wildly to call of “rassera, rassera” for a very energizing performance. Anybody can participate if they wear the haneto outfit so don’t just watch, be a part of the festivities yourself!
*(Admission fee: 620 yen/one-person)
Lunch - Nokkedon at Aomori Gyosai Center
Aomori Gyosai Center (Fishery and Vegetable Market) Center
OR Maruo Sushi Restaurant in “Shinsen Fishery Market” OR Ramen shop OR other Japanese style restaurants.
Sannai Maruyama Archeological site - The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
5500-Year-Old Jomon Village Site
*This is the biggest Jomon village site in Japan and is designated as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Excavation and research since 1992 have uncovered the remains of pit houses, burial pits of adults and children, storage pit and 2000 other relics.
Some of the highlights include the reconstructed large pit-dwellings and large pillar-supported buildings.
*At the Jomon Jiyukan, you can learn about the lives of the Jomon people through exhibits and array of activities such as making ‘Magatama’ beads and ‘Dogu” miniature clay dolls.
*(Admission fee : 410 yen/one-person)
<Jomon Culture>
The first Japanese probably crossed land bridges that connected Korea with Kyushu Island in Japan. When sea levels rose, those land bridges disappeared, the people who stayed in the Japanese islands lived by hunting and gathering things to eat. They hunted deer and boars. They gathered seeds, plants, fish and shellfish.
These people made the earliest pottery in the world. The name "Jomon refers to the "rope-pattern" on the surface of their ceramics.
They began making this pottery around 12,000 B.C. in various parts of Japan. Some of these ceramic works are highly decorative and surprisingly modern. Because the pottery is so distinctive, we call the period from 10,000 B.C. to 300 B.C. the Jomon period.
One of the best places to learn about Jomon culture is the Sannai-Maruyam site in Aomori city. Researchers found pit-dwellings, long houses and large pillar-supported structures. They also found stone tools, clay figures, and woven bags. Jomon people probably lived there until about 4,000 years ago. The outdoor museum there shows what Jomon life was probably like.
Return back Aomori Station or Your Hotel Lobby
We will take the taxi (or agreed upon method of transportation) back to either your hotel lobby or Aomori Station
Ending Point
Aomori Station or Your hotel lobby
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Tour Guiding Fee
All events mentioned in the itinerary (museum fee, apple picking fee, restaurants, hot springs, etc.)
Food costs
Taxi/Transportation fee
Tour Important Information
I recommend wearing seasonally appropriate clothes and comfortable walking shoes as we will be walking a lot.
Additionally, many store and restaurants only accept cash (Japanese yen) so please prepare enough in advance.
Extra fees for places that we visit are noted in the itinerary above - please feel free to ask questions as needed.
The total fee does not include taxi/transportation, and other outside expenses as mentioned above or during the trip. The fee is ONLY the tour guiding fee.
Let me share my hometown with you as I show you the spots and locations in Aomori city that only locals know.
We will learn about the electrizing Summer festival 'Nebuta' while giving you a chance to walk amongst the floats and playing the instruments.
Aomori city is the major trading city for the prefecture so you will be able to try everything that the prefecture has to offer: from the juiciest of apples to the freshest tuna and finally the smoothest sake.
Let's experience the serenity of the temples and archeological sites as we learn about Aomori together.
If you give at least a 3 weeks - 1 month in advance notice - other days will be available, to the best of my ability
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Tomohiko K.
*I am generally unavailable on Weekdays however if you schedule at least a week in advance, I am available all days*
*Please contact me if you have any questions!*
Hello, my name is Tomohiko! I am from Aomori City and have lived here for over 60 years.
I love traveling and have already visited more than 30 nations so far. After my official retirement as a public officer, I obtained the Japanese Government Licensed Guide Certificate and am nowadays very pleased to guide foreign 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 to be the biggest apple producer in Japan. In Hirosaki city alone, there are over 40 apple-pie restaurants.
・Let's enjoy real Japanese culture and history together! Let's experience real Samurai 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 you Nokkedon ? What is it? Come to Aomori and find out! I am waiting for you!
<Qualifications>
・Chairman of Aomori International Voluntary Association (AIVA)
・Part-time Lecturer, Aomori City Higher Nursing Academy
・National Government Licensed Guide-Interpreter
・ Medical interpreter who have passed the Ministry of Health, Labor
and Welfare's "Medical Interpretation Curriculum Standards"
examination.
Reviews
Carla R.
“Simply the Best!”
This was our second tout with Tomohiko Kudo. He is a true professional and the best guide for Aomori and Hakodate. He was creative and flexible and in addition to the things we planned, added other things such as visiting shrines and showing us around beyond what was planned. He is personable, and a great conversationalist. Highly recommend.
Tomohiko K.
Hi Carla! I was very delighed to guide you in Hakodate and also, I am greatly honored to have your wonderful review for my guiding you! I am looking forward to seeing and guiding you again any seasons in Hakodate someday. Please enjoy Hokkaido! I wish you healthy and good luck. Best regards Tomohiko Kudo. 【Hakodate City Tour on 19th March 2025 】 14:30 At Goryokaku 5-star shaped Fort 15:30 Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden You can enjoy exotic flowers and trees in the south live in the northern city of Hakodate. Japanese Monkeys warm up in the hot spring 16:30 Hakodate Hachiman Temple West Side Hakodate Historic Sites for preserving Japanese and Western buildings, such as temples, shirines, the Chatoric and protestant churches, the Hakodate Russian Orthodic Church. Non-Japanese Graveyards. Koryuuji Temple. Port for squid-fishing boats. 18:00 Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Let's take the ropeway up Mt. Hakodate! With ideal weather conditions, the top of the mountain has a breathtaking view. After riding the ropeway, you can see the Honshu Island beyond the Tsugaru strait which is the international strait. In the summit building, there is a souvenir shop, a snack stand, a restaurant and a cafe-bar. 19:00 You can enjoy dinner special to Hakodate, such as Hakodate Ramen with solt based soup, Japanse Sake special to Hokkaido. Best regards, Tomohiko Kudo
Carla R.
“The Unofficial Mayor of Aomori”
Our guide, Tadosan ,was very professional and knew everything about Aomori and seemingly everyone in Aomori, He was entertaining and very lovely.
Tomohiko K.
Hi Carla! I was very delighted to guide you in Aomori and also, I am greatly honored to have your wonderful review for my guiding you! I am looking forward to seeing and guiding you again in the Hirosaki Cherry Trees Bloom Festival from mid-April to mid- May any the Nebuta Festivals from 2nd to 7th every August someday. Please enjoy Japan! I wish you healthy and good luck. Thanks so much again. Best regards Tomohiko Kudo. 【Aomori City Tour on 17th March 2025 】 14:00 At Hotel Sunroute Aomori To the Seiryuji Temple by taxi. 14:30 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) 15:30 Seiryuji Temple dept.By taxi 16:00 Uto Shinto Shrine 17:00 Warrase Nebuta Museum (Admission fee: 620 yen/one-person) This Museum introduces “Aomori NebutaFestival - Nationally Designated Important Folk Cultural Property- diplaying the Nebuta Float made by Japanese paper, wire, and electric fluorescent or Led lumps with the size of 9 meters in width, 7 meters in depth, and 5 meters in height. *Aomori Nebuta Festival- Every year three million spectators gather for the Aomori Nebuta Festival. Large dolls (nebuta) made of wood, wire and Japanese paper with lights inside, march through town. Dancers called haneto, dance wildly to call of “rassera, rassera” for a very energizing performance. Anybody can participate if they wear the haneto outfit so don’t just watch, be a part of the festivities yourself! * Workshop: Nebuta Festival drum hitting and dancing experience. @Warrase Museum Hall 18:00 Dinner @Japanese restaurant " Daifuku Maru"
Daniil G.
“A Magical Snowy Journey Through Hirosaki with Tomohiko! ”
Our tour of Hirosaki City with Tomohiko was an unforgettable experience! Despite the heavy snow in Aomori, the guide made sure we were comfortable and tailored the tour to our interests. Listening to authentic local music, trying delicious local cuisine and seeing the original castle keep covered in snow was absolutely magical! Tomohiko shared so many interesting facts about the city, its history, and culture. We truly enjoyed the tour and learned so much along the way. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Hirosaki!
Tomohiko K.
I am very delighted to guide you to Hirosaki City, which was hit by a record-breaking heavy snowfall. The suspension of the JR Ou Main Line and other public transportation continued. You are my wonderful guests, originally coming from Moscow, and St. Petersburg. Avoiding the crowds and bustling cities of Kyoto and Osaka, your trip to Tokyo, Aizuwakamatsu, Matsushima, Sendai, Yamadera, Aomori, Hirosaki, Hakodate, Noboribetsu, Shiraoi, Lake Toya Sapporo Tokyo. Did you all enjoy !! The cold in Moscow and St. Petersburg is severe than Hirosaki, but Y've never seen so much snow! You love Japan and have a Shiba Inu named Kotaro. I am glad to hear that you did enjoy the local food culture of Aomori, so I guided you to Tsugaru Domain Neputa Village and Izakaya. You seemed to be impressed by the Tsugaru shamisen and Tsugaru folk songs. Maria likes sea urchins, she said that the very fresh raw sea urchins are very delicious. It's the best she has ever eaten!! You and Maria love to drink local Aomori Sake, and Ochen Hukusna! (It's very delicious). Next time, I would like to guide you to the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in Mid-April to May and the Nebuta Festival in the first week, August. Odate City, south of Hirosaki City, famous for Akita dog. I would like to express thanks for joining my tour and wish you and Maria good luck and health ! Ochen Shipasiba ! Tomohiko Kudo, Aomori in Japan.
$240/ per group
More tours by Tomohiko K.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Aomori
Half-Day Hirosaki Castle and Samurai house Tour with Guide
Starting from Aomori city, we visit castle town Hirosaki city to see local festival museum and one of 12 remaining castles Hirosaki castle (in winter, we can't get in the building)
Aomori City light walking Tour
Aomori city is a capital city of northern most prefecture in Honshu. This tour is a kind of introduction to Aomori. We meet at JR Aomori station and all spots can be reached on foot all year long. Let's enjoy this walking tour with Government licensed English tour guide.
Guided Full Day Stove-Train Deep Tsugaru Culture Tour
Let's enjoy deep Tsugaru sight-seeing with Stove train ride. In this tour, we basically use public transportations. Stove train is operated through snow covered rice fields only from December to March. On the stove train, local attendants help us to know deep Tsugaru area, and they even cook dried squid on the stove (Squid is sold on the train) for you. You can enjoy some sight-seeing spots around Gosyogawara city.