Top Aomori Prefecture Art & Culture

Discover the sights, culture, and history of Aomori on this comprehensive private tour of the city. Your itinerary can be customized to suit your personal interests but must-see spots include the Wa Rasse arts and cultural center, which is dedicated to Aomori's famous Nebuta Festival and the Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site, which reveals the reconstructed foundations of an ancient Jomon-era settlement.

Discover the sights, culture, and history of Hirosaki on a comprehensive, full-day private tour. As the tour is exclusively for you and your chosen companions, you can enjoy the flexibility of customizing the itinerary to your own interests, whether you are interested in exploring castles, gardens, museums, historic homes, or anything else.

Aomori is a vibrant city celebrated for its apple production, verdant nature, and August Nebuta festival, considered Tohuku's best summer festival. And, there is much more to discover between the city's seasonal highlights, history, art, culture, and cuisine. After you choose the attractions that sound the best to you, your government-licensed multilingual guide will customize a 4-hour tour for you and ensure you see the best of the city.

Uncover the rich traditions and natural beauty of Aomori with a professional local guide who knows the region inside and out. Visit the vibrant Nebuta Museum WA RASSE and learn about Aomori's iconic summer festival. Admire the art at the Aomori Museum of Art, set in a striking architectural space. Soak in scenic views at Hakkoda Mountains or along the coast, and sample fresh seafood at Furukawa Fish Market. This customizable tour offers a balance of culture, nature, and local flavor, with transportation options available based on your preferences. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking to enjoy Japan's northern spirit, this Aomori tour delivers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Visit one of Japan’s leading sakura (cherry blossom) viewing sites on a private full-day tour from Hirosaki. Designed for nature lovers visiting during springtime, this tour covers Hirosaki Park, filled with more than 2,600 cherry trees. Stroll around the natural expanse, posing for photos and admiring shrines, temples, and  different species of cherry tree. Hotel pickup is included.

Experience the awe-inspiring Nebuta Festival, a renowned cultural event in Aomori, featuring dazzling three-dimensional floats illuminating the night. You can watch the parade from the paid reserved seats, avoiding crowds. Also you'll have bento box dinner at the viewing seat. The floats are pushed along the street by human power, weaving back and forth, and spinning around for the crowd. They are often as wide as nine meters and as tall as five meters! The nebuta dancers, called “haneto” wearing flashy outfits, jump and dance as they shout “Rassera, Rassera.”

Experience the vibrant Aomori Nebuta Festival like never before with our viewing tickets! Get up close to the mesmerizing illuminated Nebuta, feel the energy of traditional music and dance, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Japan. Reserve your seat now for an unforgettable summer spectacle! *Regarding the ticket handover location, please check the “Meeting & Pickup” section. (These are paper tickets, not e-tickets.) *Please come to the ticket pickup location during the operating hours listed there. ✨Limited Availability: Hotel & Ticket Package (First-Come, First-Served) To ensure a more comfortable and seamless festival experience, we are offering a limited number of hotel packages that include a reserved seat ticket and one night's accommodation on the day of the festival. Eligible Hotels: - Aomori Center Hotel (About 20 minutes on foot from the viewing area) - Asamushi Onsen Nanbuya Kaisenkaku (About 40 min by bus or 30 min by taxi from the viewing area)

Takayama Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands of Shinto Torii Gates. Real insta-worthy shrine. The view of those beautiful gates should be one of the best memories of Aomori trip. *** You need to walk up and down 90 steps of stairs. You can go slope.*** You can also visit JR Kizukuri station which is famous for its insta-worthy Jomon figurine shape.

The most beautiful rice paddy art in Japan. In Inakadate village, from the Japanese castle-like building, you can enjoy viewing rice paddy art which started 31 years ago. There is another paddy art site about 10 minutes away by car. In this tour, you can visit two rice paddy art site. Near the second site, you can also visit roadside station Inakadate and buy souvenirs, vegetables and local fruits. There is a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch if you are hungry. Each year, we can enjoy different rice paddy arts at two sites. In addition, you can view a stone art from the tower of the second site.

Holiday Travel offers a photography program that takes visitors to some of Aomori’s most popular spots. Led by highly qualified photographers, our program works around your travel schedule, capturing natural and memorable shots. -Available anywhere in Aomori. -The original 100+photo files will be delivered. -Photography can be booked up to 3 days in advance. Please select your preferred shooting location from the Location list and inform us when booking or via Chat. ①Hirosaki castle Park ②Other location (Additional fees will be charged for outlying areas) Let us capture your special moments through our photography services! ＜Important Notice＞ ・After your booking is confirmed, we will invite you to a LINE group chat with your assigned photographer for smooth communication during the tour. ・If you do not have a LINE account, please download and register the app in advance. ・If you are unable to use LINE, please contact us separately.

This private tour showcases three of Aomori’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Step back over 4,000 years at the Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can explore ancient Jomon village life. Discover Hirosaki Castle, home to Japan’s northernmost surviving castle tower, surrounded by gates, bridges, and seasonal beauty. At Showa Daibutsu in Seiryuji Temple, marvel at Japan’s largest seated bronze Buddha, an awe-inspiring figure set among peaceful gardens and a five-story pagoda. Along the way, enjoy fresh local seafood and regional specialties that highlight the flavors of northern Japan. Perfect for friends, couples, and families, this Aomori cultural heritage tour offers a memorable experience for both private travelers and groups. *We also welcome group bookings. Reservations for 16 to 38 participants are available, so please feel free to contact us.

Experience traditional craft making with Guide. Tsugaru is the eastern half of Aomori Prefecture. In this tour you can experience three kinds of local handicrafts in Tsugaru. We visit Kuroishi Town, famous for its old Komise Street (traditional shopping arcade street), and museums nearby. 1. Making a Paper lantern Using the color-full Japanese paper from the local summer festival float, you can make your own design lantern by placing the paper over a prepared wooden flame. 2.Kokeshi doll or handicraft painting experience Kokeshi doll is a local souvenir of some hot spring resorts in the northeastern region of Japan. You can experience painting Kokeshi doll face and body. Or you can choose other handicrafts such as tops, matryoshka or some local toys. 3.Lacquerware chopstick making Tsugaru lacquerware is a local traditional lacquerware dating back to the samurai period. You can experience the grinding step of chopstick making. Make your own individual chopsticks for your daily life.

Explore Akita's great outdoors on this private hiking tour of Shirakami-Sanchi, a mountainous UNESCO World Heritage-listed area on the border with Aomori in northern Tohoku. The area offers a range of hiking options and your tour will be fully customized to your preferences, interests, and abilities. Let your guide know what you want to do and they will create a tailor-made experience.

In this tour, you can go see 3 of 17 World Heritage Jomon Historical sites. More over, you can feel Japanese culture by visiting Takayama-Inari shrine which is famous for its hundreds of mysterious red torii gates lining up. Visiting a pottery shop is another highlight of this tour. You can experience pottery making. (more than 3 pax, Extra fee 4,000/person plus shipping fee)

Aomori City, the northernmost major city of Honshu, is one of the rare places in the world where seafood from four different seas—the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, the Tsugaru Strait, and Mutsu Bay—comes together. This exclusive sushi counter experience is limited to one group only and includes a translator for your comfort. Adding to its rarity, the restaurant specially opens during lunchtime, a time when it is usually closed, just for your private experience. At the counter, you will savor an omakase course prepared with seasonal seafood. While the selection is centered on the local bounty of Aomori’s four seas, the chef also meticulously selects the finest ingredients from across Japan and the world on any given day to ensure the highest quality experience. This showcases the true craftsmanship and hospitality of Japanese sushi culture. More than a meal, this is a high-value cultural journey in Tohoku, and an unforgettable highlight of your visit to Japan.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Hirosaki! Set in the shadow of the impressive Mt. Iwaki, the historic town of Hirosaki is said to be the cultural capital of the prefecture. Its semi-rural setting is complemented by beautiful parks and temples, while the various boutique fashion stores, one-room bars, and stylish cafes create an impression of hip culture. You can see 2 to 3 sites on your four-hour tour that's best for you! Please see our list of sites on itinerary/what to expect list to see what you can chose to visit. Please inform your guide post reservation of the sites you wish to see.

Engage in a unique culinary journey at the Aomori Gyosai Center, where you create your own personalized Nokke-don seafood bowl. This hands-on experience allows you to explore a vibrant market filled with fresh seafood and local flavors, crafting a meal that reflects your individual tastes. As you navigate the stalls, your guide shares insights about Japan's seafood culture and Aomori's rich culinary traditions. Each topping you select transforms your bowl, making it a delightful discovery of flavors from rich tuna to delicate fish and seasonal specialties. - Create a customized Nokke-don seafood bowl at Aomori Gyosai Center - Guided exploration of the market with insights into local seafood culture - Choose from a variety of fresh toppings to build your ideal bowl - Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Japanese market

Celebrate the vibrant Aomori Nebuta Festival by immersing yourself in the festivities as a 'Haneto' dancer. This unique tour allows you to don a traditional costume and join local residents in joyful dancing. After participating in the parade, enjoy reserved seating at a prime viewing spot to witness the stunning Nebuta floats up close. A guide will be with you throughout, ensuring a worry-free experience so you can fully enjoy the festival and its vibrant atmosphere. This "best of both worlds" tour features 1 hour of energetic dancing and 1 hour of relaxed viewing, ensuring you experience the festival's full magic. - Dress up in a traditional 'Haneto' costume with assistance from kimono shop staff - Participate in the parade alongside locals for an authentic festival experience - Enjoy reserved seating at 'Ishi no Hana' for a spectacular view of the Nebuta floats - Relax with two complimentary beverages while watching the festivities unfold

In this tour, we visit 2 of 17 Jomon pre-historic sites near Aomori city.(Listed on UNESCO world cultural heritage sites). In each site, you can see around the excavated sites and artifact museums. You can touch and feel the spirit of Jomon period. Transportation: Pax 1 to 3: I use my private car. (costs 3,000 JPY for gas and other cost) Pax 4 to 6: You need to hire a Taxi (Cost At least 14,050JPY) to visit Komakino Site. 1.Komakino Site Original stone circle made in Jomon period. Found by local high school students. The unique stone line is famous nation wide as Komakino style stone arrangement. Excavated artifacts are seen at a museum named Jomon-no Manabiya Komakinokan. 2.Sannai Maruyama site This site is considered to be one of the biggest Jomon villages more than 500 people were living. huntings and gatherings people, but some proofs of domestication such as chenut trees. The symbol of Sannai maruyama site is a huge restored tower consists of 6 big chesnut tree logs.

1. Rice Paddy Art in Inakadate Village (opens until Oct. 10th) The first rice paddy art in Japan and the best one. They also have foot bath nearby. 2. Apple picking You can enjoy apple picking directly from apple trees(2 to 5 apples), The variety is according to the season(Fuji, Orin etc.) ※Until July, we take you alternative site.(Picking period is from August) 3. Tsugaruhan Neputa Village You can feel local summer festival Hirosaki Nepta festival is the oldest Neputa festival in Aomori. The sound of Tsugaru Syamisen makes you energetic. 4. Hirosaki castle The old castle dates back to early 17th century. There are more than 2,600 cherry trees which can be appreciated especially in mid-April. Cherry blossoms bloom in mid-April here. The second oldest cherry tree, 130 years old, can be seen in castle compound. (Inside of castle tower is not accessible until 2032)

Experience the cultural essence of Hirosaki on this efficient half‑day tour led by an English‑speaking guide. Start with a buffet lunch featuring international dishes and local Aomori specialties. Then explore Tsugaruhan Neputa Village, where impressive festival floats and traditional crafts showcase the spirit of the Neputa Festival year‑round. Continue to Hirosaki Castle, known for its seasonal beauty—from cherry blossoms to autumn leaves and winter snow. Visit Meiji‑era Western‑style buildings such as the Former City Library and the Former To‑o Gijuku Missionary Residence, reflecting the city’s early international influences. With convenient routes and included transport, this tour offers a rich, immersive introduction to Hirosaki’s history and culture.

You can experience the traditional Japanese card game "Hanafuda"! Hanafuda originated about 200 years ago and was once used for gambling, but is now widely loved as a card game. There are various ways to play Hanafuda, but at KADARU+ you can experience the "Koi Koi" way of playing. We will explain everything from the history of Hanafuda to the specific rules, so even if you have never tried it before, please feel free to join us! There will a guide in-person, so no need to worry about the language.

You can enjoy local festival feeling at the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village. Staff members play festival music and you can try to drum a japanese drum. You can enjoy local craft making(extra charge needed.) Gold Fish Neputa Making 1,500JPY Tsugaru Kite Painting 1,300JPY etc. At Hirosaki Castle, you can walk through the castle park which is famous for its cherry blossom in early to mid-April. At the main wing, you can see exterior of the castle tower which is one of twelve castle towers remaining from 19th century. *The castle tower is under repair so we cannot go inside until 2032. If we have time, you can visit a couple of samurai houses near by.