Top Aomori Prefecture Day Trips

Uncover the rich traditions and natural beauty of Aomori, Japan's northernmost prefecture on Honshu, with a guide. With a private vehicle, this tour covers four highlights across the city and its outskirts: Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, displaying giant floats from Aomori's famous festival; Aomori Museum of Art, home to Yoshitomo Nara's 8.6-meter statue Aomori-ken; Hakkoda Mountains, reached by ropeway for a summit view; and Furukawa Market, known as the 'Kitchen of Aomori,' for fresh seafood. Without a private vehicle, the Hakkoda Mountains sit roughly 24km away and are not realistic by public transport within the time frame, so the public-transport version stays close to Aomori Station, covering Nebuta Museum, Aomori Museum of Art, and Furukawa Market as an easier loop. Either way, your guide can tailor the plan on request, and the itinerary can be adjusted within the tour's allotted time.

This tour takes you on a tour of three of Aomori's most fascinating important cultural spots. Hirosaki Castle, which has the northernmost castle tower in Japan, and the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins, a scene from an era more than 4,000 years ago. We will also take you to a facility where you can experience the Nebuta Matsuri Festival, a festival that inspires the hearts of the Japanese people. Enjoy the delicacies of the sea and feel the charm of Aomori with all your senses. This tour is great for the various types of groups, such as friends, families with children, couples. A National Licensed Guide will guide you in a private car that does not require any permission under the Road Transport Act. *A traditional sightseeing boat called the Hirosaki Park Moat Boat operates on the castle moat within Hirosaki Castle Park. Guests who wish to enjoy this unique boat ride are kindly requested to inform us by message at least two weeks prior to the tour date.

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.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. Depart Aomori Port and travel to Takayama Inari Shrine, famous for its “thousand” red torii gates. Afterward, enjoy lunch around the Naka-tomari / Ajigasawa area (restaurant choice based on availability and your preferences). In the afternoon, visit Tsuru-no-Maihasi Bridge at Fujimi Lake Park—Japan’s longest wooden triple-arch bridge—before returning to Aomori Port.

You can enjoy walking In the buffer zone of the world heritage site Shirakami mountains. First, please learn about World Heritage site Shirakami mountains at the visitor center. Then we will move to the Aqua Green village Annmon. Refreshing beech forest walking can be enjoyed for 1 hour and a half. (contains 200 steps or more stairs) You may witness bear scratches on the beech trees. If we are lucky, we can see some animals. At the Aqua Green Village Anmon, there is a restaurant where you may have lunch. You can also enjoy soft ice cream after the walking. *** Additional information **** This tour is up to 3 guests, because the car I can provide is a small car. But if you are 4 guests including one or more child who is younger than 10 years old, it will be ok with four guests.(Three people should be packed in the back seat) In this case please let me know in advance.

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.

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. *** Additional information **** This tour is up to 3 guests, because the car I can provide is a small car. But if you are 4 guests including one or more child who is younger than 10 years old, it will be ok with four guests. Three people should be packed in the back seat. In this case please let me know.

Experience the vibrant beauty of Aomori in autumn on this one-day tour. Stroll through the fiery red maples of Nakano Momiji Mountain, enjoy a delicious local lunch, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Oirase Gorge, known for its crystal-clear streams and colorful foliage. End the day with the magical evening illumination of Hirosaki Castle’s autumn leaves. With comfortable transportation, a well-paced itinerary, and seasonal highlights, this tour offers the best of Aomori’s fall charm - all in one unforgettable day.

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.

Discover the natural beauty of Aomori on this captivating tour of Oirase Stream and Lake Towada. Enjoy scenic views of charming streams and waterfalls from an eye-level perspective, allowing for a deeper connection with the stunning surroundings. Experience the tranquility of Lake Towada, a remarkable double caldera lake, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of Japan’s breathtaking landscapes. - Perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. *** Additional info **** This tour is up to 3 guests, because the car I can provide is a small car. If you are 4 guests including one or more child who is younger than 10 years old, it will be ok with four guests. Three people should be packed in the back seat. In this case please let me know. If you have 4 adults to 6 adults, I can arrange a van with additional fare of 20,000 to 25,000 JPY. Please let me know.

Travel from Aomori to Mount Hakkoda, explore the scenic Oirase Stream, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of Lake Towada. With a private vehicle and a flexible itinerary, you can travel comfortably between Aomori’s most spectacular natural attractions while enjoying the freedom to spend more time at the places you love.

This tour combines Aomori’s most iconic highlights into a seamless one-day journey. Unlike standard sightseeing, you’ll experience Lake Towada not only from its lakeside town of Yasumiya but also on a cruise to Nenokuchi, the scenic gateway to Oirase Gorge. Traveling by private car allows you to cross Jogakura Bridge, Japan’s longest arch bridge, where breathtaking views unfold in every season. The adventure concludes with a ride on the Hakkoda Ropeway, soaring above vast forests and volcanic peaks. With curated stops and a focus on variety—lake, river, bridge, and mountain—this tour offers a truly balanced taste of Northern Japan’s natural beauty.

Hirosaki was a capital of Aomori or Tsugaru from Samurai period. In this tour you can visit several temples and shrines to feel an old history of Hirosaki. Most of those buildings were built in 17th century. Walking in the precincts must be refreshing experience for you. You can feel the past samurai period where Japanese castle Hirosaki castle was built. In addition, I can recommend you some cafe which serves apple pies to take a break. *** Additional information **** This tour is up to 3 guests, because the car I can provide is a small car. But if you are 4 guests including one or more child who is younger than 10 years old, it will be ok with four guests. Three people should be packed in the back seat. In this case please let me know. *** We can start this tour from Aomori city too. (extra 2 hours and additional fee is needed)

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)

The Oirase Gorge is a popular resort in the Northern Japan, offering some of Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. The gorge is marked by interesting rock formations on both sides while the river has icy rapids and a series of 14 plunging waterfalls along the way. If there’s only one thing you do in Aomori, do this. It really is a nature lovers paradise. It is about 2.5 kilometres (1.8 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2-4 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hours tour that's best for you! Note*1: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

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) reservation is needed *** Attention **** If you are 4 guests, 3 of you should be packed in the back seat in my car (Nissan Note.)

Let's enjoy deep Tsugaru sight-seeing with Stove train ride. Stove train is operated through snow covered rice fields only from December to March. On the stove train, local attendants help us to know deep Tsugaru area, and they even cook dried squid on the stove (Squid is sold on the train) for you. It is also fun to dring Japanese sake with dried squid. At Goshogawara city, you can visit local summer festival museum called Tachineputa no Yakata(museum.) Tachineputa Museum:Gigantic floats are welcomming you at this museum.22 meters high. Please enjoy deep Tsugaru culture.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This private shore excursion from Aomori Port takes you to northern Japan’s iconic nature duo: Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada. Walk along a crystal-clear mountain stream framed by mossy rocks and waterfalls, then reach Nenokuchi at the gorge’s exit. After lunch near the lake, enjoy classic viewpoints around Lake Towada, including the famous Statue of the Maiden, before returning to the port.

This full-day tour from Aomori Port takes you deep into the natural and cultural heart of Aomori Prefecture. Enjoy a scenic drive through the foothills of Mt. Iwaki—also known as “Tsugaru Fuji”—and visit sacred Iwakiyama Shrine, where tradition and tranquility await. Ascend the famous Skyline road to the 8th station observatory for breathtaking views of the Tsugaru Plain and the Sea of Japan. Savor a delicious local seafood lunch and end your journey at the iconic Tsurunomai Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in Japan, with Mt. Iwaki as its stunning backdrop.

Discover the best of Aomori on this full-day tour, combining breathtaking scenery, local flavors, and rich cultural heritage. Walk through the iconic red torii gates of Takayama Inari Shrine, admire the elegant Tsuru-no-Maihashi Bridge, savor fresh local seafood at Aomori Gyosai Center, and immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of the Nebuta Festival at Nebuta Museum WA RASSE. This tour offers the perfect introduction to Aomori's natural beauty, history, and culinary delights in just one day. This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.