/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23868/271d8154-86ae-46c7-abca-110d3c8fe960.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23868/3f3d421c-a639-4562-8ddd-cfea5ab16ec6.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23868/90ee6971-0d30-42cd-86e9-5456ee742b54.png)
Hirosaki Samurai Legacy: Castle, Neputa & Traditional Crafts
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/106059/f00b8ec3-aaaf-4b4e-bddf-7ebcd138d260.png)
Joined 2026
Samurai were not only warriors with swords. In a castle town like Hirosaki, they were also administrators and cultural leaders who shaped the city’s defense, festivals, crafts, and identity.
On this tour, we explore three sides of samurai culture in Hirosaki: military rule at Hirosaki Castle, the festive spirit at Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, and the aesthetic side through traditional local crafts.
*Transportation fees are not included. Ex. 8-seater taxi: 50,000 yen / 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
- Other options: cruise terminal or your hotel
Hirosaki Castle & Hirosaki Park
Visit Hirosaki Castle, the former center of the Tsugaru domain.
Here, we will explore the military and governance side of samurai culture — how samurai protected the region, ruled the land, and designed the castle town.
This is not only a beautiful castle park, but also the historical starting point of Hirosaki’s identity.
Tsugaru-han Neputa Village
Experience the festive spirit of Hirosaki at Tsugaru-han Neputa Village.
After exploring the military and political side of the samurai domain at Hirosaki Castle, we will discover how the energy of the castle town lives on through festival culture.
Here, you can enjoy powerful Neputa paintings, festival music, local crafts, and the warm atmosphere of traditional Hirosaki.
This stop shows that Hirosaki’s samurai history was not only about battles and governance, but also about community pride, creativity, and celebration.
Lunch
We will stop for lunch depending on the season, opening hours, and your preferences.
Possible options may include a local restaurant, seafood, ramen, or another casual meal along the route.
Lunch is flexible and can be adjusted based on your food preferences.
Traditional Craft Shopping
Browse traditional crafts from Hirosaki and the wider Tsugaru region.
Samurai were not only warriors — they also worked like regional managers who supported local industries, aesthetics, and cultural identity.
Through crafts such as Tsugaru lacquerware, kogin-zashi embroidery, woodwork, and local handmade products, you can see how the beauty and skills of the castle town continue today.
Ending Point
at the Aomori station
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
* Guide fee
* Admission and activity fees mentioned in the itinerary: Tsugaru-han Neputa Village Admission (¥600)
* Food and drinks: Lunch (¥2,000)
* Taxi or transportation fees
Tour Important Information
* I recommend wearing seasonally appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
* Please note that some local shops and restaurants may only accept cash (Japanese yen), so preparing cash in advance is recommended.
* The total price covers the guiding service only and does not include transportation, admission fees, meals, drinks, shopping, or other personal expenses unless otherwise specified.
Important message from the supplier
I can also help guide longer journeys across Japan, including multi-week trips and even full Japan travel experiences from countryside villages to major cities.
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 2026
About Tour Guide Hiro K.
Hi, I’m Hiro.
With me, you can experience travel that goes beyond sightseeing and connects you with local culture and everyday life in Japan. You might cook with local grandmothers, walk through rice fields with farmers, taste seasonal ingredients, visit a neighborhood grocery store, stop by a small coffee shop, or go bar hopping with locals. These are ways to enjoy the slower rhythm of life in Aomori.
My great-grandmother was from Hakodate, Hokkaido. I have visited many times since childhood, so I can guide you there too and help you explore Aomori and Hakodate in one journey.
I was born and raised in Aomori and have close connections with local farmers, families, and community members. Before returning home, I spent eight years in Tokyo serving in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, where I helped welcome VIP guests, including state guests and world leaders. Having lived in both Tokyo and rural Japan, I can help you experience both sides of the country.
I’m also a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor. If you enjoy being outdoors, I would be happy to guide you along the Michinoku Coastal Trail or introduce you to other nature experiences.
Feel free to contact me anytime. I would be happy to welcome you to Japan.
Reviews
Deb B.
“The Past and Present in a 6 hour Tour”
The three of us were impressed with Hiro's knowledge at the Sannai-Maruyama site and enjoyed the morning that we spent there. The tour could be as long or short as we wanted, as Hiro is quite flexible, but we were pleased to take in as much as we could. Lunch followed at an excellent downtown restaurant and since two of us have dietary requirements, Hiro was aware and ensured that we both remained healthy.The cultural present was represented by the Wa Rasse museum which highlights the Nebuta Festival. The floats that we saw were incredibly beautiful, colourful and spirited - impressive works of art. Enjoyed an enthusiastic, joyful and informative tour - in fact we thought so highly of him we are going to have him guide us on another tour when the ship returns in October. Deb B.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/106059/f00b8ec3-aaaf-4b4e-bddf-7ebcd138d260.png)
Hiro K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. The three of you were so intellectually curious that I truly enjoyed our time together as well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and perspectives with me about how buildings were constructed, local plants, and the connections between different cultures and regions around the world. It was a real pleasure and an honor to learn from you and discuss these topics together. I also took you to a place that I don’t usually include on my tours, and I was delighted that it ended up being one of the places you enjoyed the most! I’m glad you enjoyed our lunch and that we could accommodate everyone’s dietary needs. At the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, it also made me very happy to see you looking beyond the beautiful floats and taking an interest in the history and culture behind the festival. We even had time to share stories about our families, which made those six hours together even more enjoyable and memorable for me. Thank you again, and I’m already looking forward to our next adventure together in October. I have more in store for you! Hiro
Jada H.
“Spectacular, Hiro went above and beyond!”
My family 100% recommends Hiro, not only was he kind and knowledgeable he fit in like family! He allowed us to experience authentic Japanese customs firsthand! His tour was so enjoyable and he personalized it perfectly. Everything he did for us was way more than we ever expected, he made our Japan trip exceptional! Thank you so much Hiro!
Hiro K.
Thank you so much! I had such a wonderful two days with you and your family. Your family was so much fun and full of conversation. I was supposed to be the one showing you around Aomori, but I found myself enjoying all of your stories so much that sometimes I couldn’t tell who was the host and who was the guest anymore! It truly felt like I was traveling as part of your family. And you were an excellent tour leader for your family. Whenever something unexpected happened, you were always quick to talk things through with me and make sure we found the best solution so everyone could continue enjoying the trip. I really appreciated that. There are still so many things in Aomori that I want to show you, places I want to take you, and foods I want you to try. If you ever come back to Aomori, let’s travel together again. Or who knows, maybe next time I’ll be in your hometown! Thank you again for such wonderful memories. I hope our paths cross again!
Kyle L.
“Wonderful Local Guide”
Hiro was a wonderful guide. He is a local who knows his way around the area and speaks both Japanese and English. We did not select one of Hiro’s pre-packaged tours; rather, due to our time constraints and interests, Hiro provided a custom itinerary based on our schedule and places of interest. We mainly needed someone to serve as an intermediary for the places we wanted to see since we were unfamiliar with the area, do not speak Japanese, and had limited time. Hiro arrived on time and kept us informed of his location and arrival time. At each destination, Hiro was flexible in allowing us to take our time to explore but made sure we arrived at our next destination on time. When our selected lunch location was too busy, he recommended a local shop that served delicious ramen. Overall, Hiro was positive and friendly, knowledgeable about the areas we visited, thoughtful toward our interests and needs, easy to communicate with, and provided an affordable rate.
Hiro K.
Thank you so much, Kyle san, for your wonderful review. Spending time with your family made me think, “This is what a truly happy family looks like.” I was especially impressed by everyone’s intellectual curiosity. At the Sannai-Maruyama Site, I was delighted to show you places that I do not usually include in my tours, and your family explored everything with genuine interest and enthusiasm. I was also amazed to see your grandfather, who is over 80 years old, jumping energetically as a Haneto dancer at the Nebuta Museum! Having such a healthy body and joyful spirit at his age is truly inspiring. Ending our time together with ramen and delicious coffee was also wonderful. I hope you were able to find and buy the watch you were looking for. I also hope that the two of you who went to see the Nebuta festival that evening had a wonderful and unforgettable experience. I had a wonderful time guiding your family. I hope your family’s future cruise adventures continue to bring you many joyful and unforgettable memories. When my partner and I visit the United States, I would love to get in touch with you! Hiro
$380/ per group
More tours by Hiro K.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23864/5609943b-a04f-4f54-a999-fcac674a054d.jpg)
Aomori Hidden Scenic Drive: Takayama Inari Shrine and Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge
Discover the hidden beauty of Aomori on a private car tour to two sites that are difficult to reach without a car. Visit Takayama Inari Shrine, known for its mysterious red torii gates, and Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, a beautiful wooden bridge surrounded by peaceful rural scenery. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the city center and experience a quieter, more scenic side of Aomori. *Taxi arrangements are also available upon request. Example: 8-seater taxi — ¥50,000 for 6 hours.
Aomori Hidden Scenic Drive: Takayama Inari Shrine and Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23853/d557f420-c6c4-4e26-828d-495b0666fe70.jpeg)
Aomori Soul Journey: Temple, Shrine, Nebuta Tradition, and Local Flavors
This tour explores what supports the hearts of Japanese people and Aomori locals. We visit Seiryuji Temple to understand Buddhist views of life, death, silence, and prayer, then a Shinto shrine to learn how people celebrate, give thanks, and pray. After that, we enjoy Nokke-don at Furukawa Fish Market and visit WA RASSE to experience Nebuta as a festival, folk tradition, and source of pride. *Transportation fees are not included. Ex. 8-seater taxi: 50,000 yen / 6 hours.
Aomori Soul Journey: Temple, Shrine, Nebuta Tradition, and Local Flavors
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23784/2203de91-b7a1-4017-b2e5-352501fda33d.jpeg)
Aomori Cultural Journey: Jomon History, Local Art, and Nebuta Tradition
Discover Aomori through art, craft, and human creativity. This tour connects three expressions of Aomori’s creative spirit: Jomon pottery at Sannai Maruyama Site, modern art shaped by local culture at the Aomori Museum of Art, and the dynamic visual design of the Nebuta Festival at WA RASSE. For travelers who want to experience Aomori not only by visiting places, but by discovering the creativity behind them. *Transportation fees are not included. Ex. 8-seater taxi: 50,000 yen / 6 hours.
Aomori Cultural Journey: Jomon History, Local Art, and Nebuta Tradition
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23783/be1e6e12-184c-42dc-9937-1ff899609701.jpg)
Edible Culture: A Rare Journey into Rural Aomori
Edible Culture is a private rural Aomori experience where you see, hear, touch, feel, and finally taste our local culture. Visit a local market or a farmer friend’s production site, then step into my grandmother’s home for a hands-on cooking class and homemade lunch. This is not a sightseeing tour — it is an invitation to experience Aomori through daily life, local people, and food.
Edible Culture: A Rare Journey into Rural Aomori
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Aomori
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11923/173401.png)
Hirosaki City - The Original Castle Keep
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
Hirosaki City - The Original Castle Keep
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/45712/c07a0751-245a-44f0-91f1-6541752bdbea.png)
Aomori Soul Journey: Temple, Shrine, Nebuta Tradition, and Local Flavors
This tour explores what supports the hearts of Japanese people and Aomori locals. We visit Seiryuji Temple to understand Buddhist views of life, death, silence, and prayer, then a Shinto shrine to learn how people celebrate, give thanks, and pray. After that, we enjoy Nokke-don at Furukawa Fish Market and visit WA RASSE to experience Nebuta as a festival, folk tradition, and source of pride. *Transportation fees are not included. Ex. 8-seater taxi: 50,000 yen / 6 hours.
Aomori Soul Journey: Temple, Shrine, Nebuta Tradition, and Local Flavors
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12266/174092.jpg)
Aomori - Mountainous Seaside City
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
Aomori - Mountainous Seaside City
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12181/173089.jpg)
Kuroishi - The Black and White Stoned City
Kuroishi is surrounded by rich nature. As you walk around the city, you can experience the Edo Samurai era and feel like you have traveled 400 years in the past. Much of the architecture has remained the same since decades ago. The city offers some of the best sake in all of Japan. Let’s enjoy exploring, eating around, tasting sake and everything that Kuroishi has to offer! *This fee DOES NOT include transportation fee. Ex. 8 seaters taxi - 50,000yen every 6 hours
Kuroishi - The Black and White Stoned City