Kuroishi - The Black and White Stoned City
Joined 2023
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
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 Kuroishi City
Kokeshi-Doll Museum OR Hot Springs
You can choose between EITHER: Kokeshi Doll Museum OR Hot Springs
1. Kokeshi Doll Museum
This museum collects and displays a variety of kokeshi styles, from all over Japan. One of the kokeshi's displayed is the biggest and tallest in nation! Its head alone is over 4 meters. There are over 4000 dolls on display. We can watch how the kokeshi dolls are made and learn about the creation process.
*The first floor of the museum is free however, the second floor (where you can view the 4000+ dolls) requires a fee of 320yen.
OR
2. Kuroishi City Hot Springs
There are 3 major hot spring resorts and ryokans within Kuroishi city. Some of the hot springs have been in existence for over 400 years containing beneficial minerals such as alkaline and NCO. One of the hot springs is famous of women's beauty enhancing properties and promotion of skin health. While another boasts benefits for rheumatism, relief from neurological pain and muscle soreness. There is also another hot spring that helps specifically women in their later stages of life.
*All hot springs require a fee of 500-1000yen; extra amenities such as a rental towel, shampoo, etc. will cost extra and vary per hot spring
**Smaller tattoos can enter the hot springs, however large full back or fully covered arms or legs are NOT acceptable
Tsugaru Densho Kogei-Kan Hall
The Tsugaru Densho Kogei-Kan is a cultural art museum dedicated to crafts that come directly from Aomori Prefecture. You can view floats from the Aomori Nebuta festival along with drawings that specialize in that style. The art features classic Japanese elements such as the samurai, ninja, gods and goddess, folklore and so on. In addition, there are many gigantic kokeshi dolls on display around and inside the Hall itself. Entrance to the Hall is free.
Within the hall, there are many varieties of restaurants and eateries that feature foods from only the Aomori Prefecture. Please feel free to try a bit of food from every location!
*All restaurants and eateries require a separate fee and must be paid on your own.
Lunch
Will be in the "Traditional Crafts Hall“ Tsugaru Densho Kogei-Kan.
Please pay for your own meal and feel free to choose whatever you would like! I am more than happy to answer and ask any questions in regards to dietary restrictions or limitations to the restaurants as needed.
Nakano Mountain OR Seasonal Activity
You can choose between EITHER: Nakano Mountain OR Seasonal Activity
1. Nakano Mountain
This area is famous for its maple trees with over 400 years of history. Due to it's stunning beauty, it is nicknamed the Kyoto of Northern Tohoku Japan. Within the area, there is the Nakano Shrine, large waterfall and connecting river, and short hiking trail that climbs up the mountain. Come here to feel the revitalizing energy from nature! If timed appropriately, you can see the nighttime illumination if you visit from October 20th - November 5th.
OR DEPENDING ON THE SEASON
A. Cherry Blossom Viewing - (Available April - May) / Japanese Gardens (All year)
Kuroishi city has many parks that feature cherry blossoms! There are a few hundred types of cherry blossoms and here you can see the famous Someiyoshino cherry tree. In addition, there are Japanese gardens that are famous within Aomori. The gardens are available to the public throughout the year!
You will surely feel refreshed after enjoying the spring breeze amongst the pink blossoms!
*There are no additional fees
B. Apple Picking - (Apple picking will be available from August to November!)
Did you know that the Fuji apple actually originates from this area? You can now experience apple picking and eating the freshest apples from the largest apple producing prefecture in the Japan and some areas of the world! Feel free to pick to your hearts content and carry it with you as a snack for the remainder of your trip.
*Fee will vary depending on how much is picked (by weight) and the orchard that is available per season and time. Generally, fees can range from 550yen to 2000yen. The admission fee will sometimes include a few apples for you to take. If you want more apples, there is an extra fee as well.
C. Summer Neputa and Yosare Festival - (Available August)
On the main street of city, many floats will be carried by locals who handmade their own paper designs. Enjoy the Japanese summer festivals and marvel at the intricately made designs while experiencing the Japanese 'matsuri' atmosphere!
Later in the month - depending on the your visiting timeframe, you can watch the Yosare dance festival where the dancers wear traditional outfits and dance in synchronized motion!
Kuroishi City - Famous for Old Samurai Era Buildings and Merchant Street
*Temples and Shrine
*Japanese Sake Breweries
*Miso and Soy Sauce Shop
*Rice Cake Shop
*Soba Noodle ( Buck wheat noodle) Restaurant “ Kin-no-Icho ( Golden Ginko)”
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.
Experience the stoned city while eating foods that are only available here!
Learn and feel the culture together as we visit the city to nature in Nakano Mountain.
In Kuroishi city, you can drink pure spring water from the natural geysers and taste the freshest sake. The city has areas where you can drink from the well as the water is so pure and clean! The rice in the area is some of the tastiest in the nation due to its fresh spring water.
Let's go on an adventure together and learn about what Kuroishi City has to offer!
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
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.
Jamila T.
“Feel cheated while in Aomori ”
We booked this tour thinking this is the price including taxi fare but it ended up this is for guides only, we had to pay 50000 yen’s for taxi. Very disappointed. The offer/ pricing should be clear so it’s not misleading.
Tomohiko K.
Dear Ms. Jamilia. I would like to say thanks for joining my tour. I am sure that your group 34 people could enjoy the tour. How about the Aomori Nebuta Festival? I am very sympathetic to you that you had a bad feeling to the tour booking. Each tour like my yours and other tours have below message after a tour introduction and explanation. 【Inclusions & Exclusions】 What‘s included Tour Guiding Fee What‘s not included All events mentioned in the itinerary (museum fee, apple picking fee, restaurants, hot springs, etc.) Food costs Taxi/Transportation fee But it seems that the message note is not a little clear so that we would like to make it more clear for guest to see it easily. Thanks so much for having my tour again. The cherry trees bloom in the Hirosaki castle park, in 2,600 trees with a variety of 50 kinds is the most beautiful in the world. The Hirosaki Cherry Trees Blossom festival is held from mid-April to the beginning of May. If you have an opportunity to visit Japan again, please come to Hirosaki in Spring and I will provide special guide to you. Sincerely yours, Tomohiko Kudo
Rolf-dieter F.
“Special day, top guide!”
On the occasion of my milestone birthday, Mr. Tomohiko provided us with a perfectly varied excursion to Hirosaki. He took our special wishes into consideration. A special day with a special guide that we will not forget.
Tomohiko K.
Dear Rolf-dieter F. I would like to say thanks so much for joining my tour and be very honored to have your wonderful comment on my tour again. I will never forget the memory with you in my mind forever. I am sure that you could enjoy your Japan tour. I am looking forward to visiting your city in Germany someday and also guiding you in August for appreciating the Nobuta Festival in Aomori. Sincerely yours, Tomohiko Kudo
$283/ per group
More tours by Tomohiko K.
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
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
Hakodate - Hokkaido's Port City
Welcome to Hakodate! With many things to see and great foods to eat, come for the shopping and gourmet experiences! Let's stroll around the many historic buildings dating back 100+ yrs. Serene in the morning, dramatically illuminated at night, the ever-changing face of Hakodate offers scenery that is not be missed. *The price difference compared to Aomori is due to transportation and accommodation* *This fee DOES NOT include transportation fee. Ex. 8 seaters taxi - 60,000yen every 6 hours
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Aomori
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
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
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.