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
Mark R.
“Cherry Blossom Delight”
Once again, another special thank you to Tomohiko for another memorable day. We were very lucky to have Tomohiko guiding us for two days, one day in Aomori and today in Hakodate. Upon booking my tours many months ago, I had great communication with Tomohiko regarding our bookings. This morning, Tomohiko once again met us at the cruise port and off we went for another great day of seeing the beauty of Japan during cherry blossom season. Like I mentioned in another review, Tomohiko is an incredibly knowledgeable and caring guide, who was always willing to answer questions and provide us with the local history. Tomohiko provided a unique prospective of Hakodate’s history and lifestyle. Arriving in late April, we were truly lucky to experience the cherry blossoms. The view from the Goryōkaku Tower of the fort below was incredible as the cherry trees were in full bloom. Our visit Saruyama Hotsprings to see the monkeys lounging around in the hot spring on a cold cloudy day was entertaining to say the least. Our drive to the top of Mount Hakodate gave an interesting prospective (view) of the city. After a short stop at the Russian Orthodox Church, and Tomohiko telling the history of the Russians in Hakodate, which dated back to around the 1850’s, it was interesting to learn there still is a small Russian presence in the city. Besides a short shopping stop, we ended the day at a local Ramen restaurant. This was definitely a great culinary treat! Based upon this restaurant’s reputation, this is place you would most likely never find or think about going into as a tourist. A must stop if you’re hungry for Japanese style noodles. Listen to Tomohiko’s lunch suggestion. Like yesterday, this day was a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you Tomohiko.
Tomohiko K.
Dear Mark Richard I am very honored to have an excellent review about my guide from you again !!!!! I is seemed that you are now on voyage on way back to USA. Did you enjoyed Japan tour ? ! Now in Aomori and Hirosaki, Apple tree flowers are in bloom. Fuji Apple teee flower just starts to be in bloom. We will enjoy picking apples up from August to November. Please come to visit Japan in Autumn again and again ! I and Monkeys are waiting for you, --- smile ---- ---. Thanks so much for joining my tour again. Best regards Tomohiko Kudo.
Mark R.
“A beautiful day filled with cherry blossoms.”
A special thank you to Tomohiko for a memorable day. Upon booking this tour many months ago, I had great communication with Tomohiko regarding our tour. The morning of the tour Tomohiko met us at the cruise port and after attending a tea ceremony, off we went to see the sights of Aomori and its surrounding areas. Tomohiko is an incredibly knowledgeable and caring guide, who was always willing to answer questions and provide us with the local history. Being a long time resident of Aomori, Tomohiko provided a unique prospective of Aomori’s history and lifestyle. Arriving in late April, we were truly lucky to experience the cherry blossoms. The lake and park at Tsuruta Mawarizeki (Fuji Miko Park) were incredibly beautiful and a memorable experience, as the area was filled with pink cherry blossoms. Later in the day a or visit to Saishoin Temple and Hirosaki Castle was equally beautiful. This was a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you Tomohiko.
Tomohiko K.
【Guided tour of Hirosaki, Tsuruata in Aomori and Hakodate in Hokkaido, April 27-28, 2025】 Dear Mark Richards. I am very honored to have an excellent review about my guide from you. I was very glad guided you to Tsuruata, avoiding crowded places, and visited Tsugaru Fujimi Lake Park. This is yourt hird visit to Japan, following their trips to Hakodate in July 2024 and Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara in October of the same year. We had soba for lunch at Shimizu in Hirosaki. In Hakodate, Goryokaku Park was in full bloom with cherry blossoms. A comment about Hijikata Toshizo: "He is like Tom Cruise!" Then, we visited the monkey hot springs Mount Hakodate Kanamori Waterfront. For lunch, we had Hakodate salty ramen at Omachi Fukufukutei. Tomorrow in Akita (April 29) was going to be a port departure (for reasons other than weather), so you intended to return via the Aleutian Islands, arriving in Seattle on May 8. You love Hakodate and will visit again this fall with your son, making this forth third trip to Hakodate. I am looking forward to seeing you in Hakodate again. Best regards, Tomohiko Kudo, tour guide in Aomori city, Japan.
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
$250/ per group
More tours by Tomohiko K.
Hirosaki City - The Original Castle Keep
Hirosaki City - The Original Castle Keep
Hakodate - Hokkaido's Port City
Hakodate - Hokkaido's Port City
Kuroishi - The Black and White Stoned City
Kuroishi - The Black and White Stoned City
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Aomori
Hirosaki City - The Original Castle Keep
Hirosaki City - The Original Castle Keep
Half-Day Hirosaki Castle and Samurai house Tour with Guide
Half-Day Hirosaki Castle and Samurai house Tour with Guide
Aomori City light walking Tour
Aomori City light walking Tour
Kuroishi - The Black and White Stoned City
Kuroishi - The Black and White Stoned City