Kuroishi - The Black and White Stoned City

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

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.

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.

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!

*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)”