Hirosaki & Aomori Highlights Tour Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Experience the cultural heart of northern Japan with a 7-hour Aomori shore excursion that spans thousands of years of history. This journey takes you from the ancient Jomon-period roots of Japanese civilization to the refined samurai elegance of the Edo period, concluding with the electric energy of the modern-day Nebuta Festival.

Your day begins in Hirosaki, a city that feels like an open-air museum, before returning to Aomori City to explore a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site and a world-class lantern museum. This tour is perfect for the traveler who wants to see the “Big Three” of the Tohoku region: original castles, spiritual Zen temples, and the vibrant arts. With our “Back-to-Ship Guarantee”, you can explore the northern frontier with the confidence of a perfectly timed return to the pier.

Highlights

• Hirosaki Castle & Park: Visit one of Japan’s twelve original castle keeps. In April, this is the nation’s premier cherry blossom destination with over 2,600 trees.
• Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site: Walk through a 5,000-year-old settlement that redefined our understanding of prehistoric Japan.
• Nebuta WA RASSE Museum: Stand in the shadow of massive, hand-painted paper floats that reach up to 5 meters in height.
• Choshoji Temple: Enter the “Zenringai” (Zen Forest) to see the ancestral temple of the powerful Tsugaru clan.

Cruise Information

This 7-hour excursion is synchronized for the ms Westerdam (April 22, 2026) and other major vessels like the Diamond Princess docking at the Port of Aomori.

Full Itinerary

1. Port Departure & Scenic Drive: Meet your guide at the terminal for a 1-hour drive through the apple-orchard countryside toward Hirosaki.
2. Choshoji Temple & Zenringai: Begin at the head of the “Zenringai,” a unique street consisting of 33 Zen temples. Explore Choshoji’s massive 1629 main gate and its hall of 500 disciples of Buddha.
3. Hirosaki Park & Castle: Stroll through the castle grounds. While the main keep’s interior will be closed for a major seismic restoration starting in late 2025, you can still witness the incredible engineering feat of the keep being moved from its original stone walls.
4. Sannai Maruyama Site: Head back to Aomori City to explore this UNESCO site. See reconstructed “longhouses” and massive six-pillared structures from the Jomon period.
5. Nebuta WA RASSE: End your day in the heart of Aomori at this striking red museum. You’ll see the award-winning floats from the most recent festival and hear the rhythmic Haneto chant.
6. Return to Port: A short 5-minute drive brings you back to the ship’s gangway.

Booking with Jasumo

To secure your spot on the April 22, 2026, Shared Tour for $154 USD, please use our Inquiry Form. Jasumo operates as a dedicated Destination Management Company (DMC), ensuring that every logistic—from highway tolls to temple entrance fees—is handled seamlessly for you.

Jasumo Travel Tip: When you book this tour, you’ll receive a complimentary 10GB eSIM. This is especially helpful in Aomori, allowing you to use live translation apps at the Sannai Maruyama site or share your photos of the towering Nebuta floats the moment you step out of the museum.

FAQs

Is it true the castle keep is being moved?

Yes! Hirosaki Castle is undergoing a historic “Ishigaki” (stone wall) restoration. The entire castle keep was moved 70 meters without being dismantled. While the interior of the keep will be closed for preservation starting November 24, 2025, the exterior remains a stunning and rare photo opportunity within the park.

What is the best thing to eat for lunch?

Aomori is the apple capital of Japan. We recommend trying Apple Curry or fresh Inaniwa Udon. If you prefer seafood, the Aomori Fish Market near the port is famous for “Nokke-don,” where you can build your own seafood bowl.

How far is the drive to Hirosaki?

The drive takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Our private coaches use the toll roads to bypass city traffic, ensuring you get the maximum amount of time at the historical sites.

Location