Hirosaki City - The Original Castle Keep
Joined 2023
Hirosaki has many attractions, such as the thousands of ancient cherry trees, surrounding the castle and is Japan’s biggest apple producer.
There are about 50 apple-pie restaurants.
Hirosaki grew up around its castle, protected by Shinto Shrines to the north and Buddhism temples to the south-west.
Come with me and I'll share my extensive knowledge about the city and make this a memorable experience!
*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
At the Aomori Station or Your Hotel Lobby
At Aomori station or You 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 Hirosaki City
Hirosaki Castle Park
Completed in 1611, the castle was occupied by generations of the Tsugaru clan. The castle keep was rebuilt in 1810 and has now been turned into a small historical museum.
It dominates the 121-acre / 49ha public park, which is very famous throughout Japan for the flowering of its 2,600 cherry trees, from the end of April to mid-May.
The botanical gardens in the park are worth strolling through to see the many styles of garden in different seasons.
Neputa - Mura Village
Let's experience Hirosaki's unique summer time festival within the Neputa-Mura Village!
Here you will see:
Neputa Float: Containing some of the highly decorative festival floats with illuminated screens or gigantic fans used during the Famous Hirosaki festival, the Neputa Matsuri Festival.
Did you know that the word neputa derives from nepute or “drowsiness” in the local dialect? This allegedly refers to the farmer’s custom of placing giant lanterns along the riverbank in order to keep them awake when they were returning home from a hard days work.
The museum also offers free live performances featuring:
● Shamisen: Japanese traditional 3 stringed musical guitar.
● Neputa Festival Music where you can try hitting the gigantic drums
*The following are NOT included in the fee:
●Lunch and Shopping: Ramen and others (Aomori Ramen-dried sardine-based soup, Sushi, Tempura (Mountain vegetables).
●Aomori Specialties (varieties of crafts, cake and others)
●Workshops: wooden dolls, pottery, locale ware.
Fujita Garden OR Zenrin Temple OR Nakacho Samurai Houses
You can ONE choose amongst the following:
*Fujita Kinen Teien - Garden
In its 26,312 sq yd / 22,000sq m area, you will find a Japanese house with a floor made from Yakusugi (ancient pines), archeological hall, a tea ceremony pavilion.
A somber Taisho-era dwelling with a magnificent veranda.
The garden also features a café - the apple pie here is best!
*Entrance fee is 320yen
**Attending the tea ceremony with some sweets fee is 1000yen per person
***Attending the handcraft workshop has an additional fee that changes per event; fees are generally around 300-2000yen - please ask for what the current event is!
OR
*Zenrin-Gai
Thirty - three Zen temples flanks this peaceful “Buddhist way “leading to the Tsugaru family temple of Chosho - ji, containing 500 small statues of the disciples of Buddha.
*There is NO additional fee required
OR
*Nakacho Historic Quarter - Samurai Houses
The people who served the Daimyo (King of local districts in Japan), lived in this district.
Several houses are open to visitors. The Iwata House shows how a Samurai family would have lived at the time (16c- 19c) around 400 years ago.
*Ninja house is near this district
**There is NO additional fee required
Return to 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
At the 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
We will be traveling a lot around the castle, garden, temple, shrine - you will feel refreshed afterwards.
If you do not see the tour which you are looking for or want to add or subtract something, let me know what you want to do and where you go soon!
Very welcome in always!
• Market opens usually at 10 am, so you cannot visit before then.
• This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Several places we will visit do not accept credit cards, so please bring cash.
Hirosaki is nicknamed the Kyoto of Northern Japan, here you will experience true Japanese culture without the overwhelming tour groups.
Upon approaching the castle, you will experience the botanical gardens leading up to the picturesque castle.
When you are in the area, you can feel the Edo atmosphere and imagine walking amongst the samurai.
Afterwards, wake yourself from the dreamy feeling when visiting the Neputa-Mura Village and be empowered by the festival music from the drums and flutes. Let's enjoy some sake while you're here as well - sake tasting is available throughout the city.
Regardless of your choice for the last activity, you will feel the historical presence as you finish your day.
If you give at least a 3 weeks - 1 month in advance notice - other days will be available, to the best of my ability; Available every day in January, February and March
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
$244/ per group
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