Hirosaki Zen Temples & Neputa Village Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Immerse yourself in the refined elegance of the Edo period on this 7-hour shore excursion that bridges the gap between spiritual silence and festive energy. This tour takes you into the heart of Hirosaki, the former political and cultural capital of the Tsugaru region. From the rare “Zen Forest” of 33 temples to the vibrant rhythms of folk music, you will experience the deep-rooted pride of northern Japan’s samurai heritage.

Your journey begins in the tranquil Zenrin-gai district, a unique urban planning marvel where dozens of Zen temples line a single path, leading to the ancestral Choshoji Temple. The day transitions from spiritual reflection to architectural grandeur at Hirosaki Park, home to one of Japan’s twelve original castle keeps. Here, history is framed by thousands of cherry trees and ancient stone walls that have guarded the city for centuries.

The experience concludes with an interactive celebration of local life at the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village. Unlike a quiet museum, this is a living center of culture where you can hear the haunting pluck of the Tsugaru-shamisen and feel the beat of festival drums. Guided by a licensed professional in a private vehicle, this tour offers a sophisticated blend of history, art, and high-end shopping. With our Back-to-Ship Guarantee, your return to the Aomori pier is perfectly timed for your cruise departure.

Highlights

• Choshoji Temple & Zenrin-gai: Walk the “Zen Forest,” a historic district featuring 33 Zen temples lined in perfect symmetry, a designated National Important Cultural Property.
• Hirosaki Castle & Park: Explore one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, famous for its iconic red bridges, massive moats, and spectacular seasonal landscapes.
• Tsugaru-han Neputa Village: Experience a live Tsugaru-shamisen performance and get hands-on with the massive “Taiko” drums used in the region’s famous summer festivals.
• ASPAM Tourist Center: Visit the striking A-shaped landmark on the Aomori waterfront for a 13th-floor view of Mutsu Bay and premium local souvenir shopping.

Cruise Information

This 7-hour tour is synchronized with the docking schedules of major cruise ships at the Port of Aomori, including the Diamond Princess, Celebrity Millennium, and ms Westerdam. We coordinate our departure directly with your ship’s arrival, ensuring your private guide and driver are waiting at the terminal with a Jasumo welcome board. Our team monitors port operations in real-time to guarantee a return to the pier at least one hour before your ship’s “all aboard” time.

Full Itinerary

Upon pickup from Aomori Port, you will enjoy a scenic drive to Hirosaki’s Zenrin-gai. This “Zen Forest” was created in 1610 to serve as a defensive barrier for the castle and a center for spiritual study. You will visit Choshoji Temple, the head temple of the Tsugaru clan, to admire its massive Sanmon Gate and the peaceful hall of 500 disciples.

Next, you will enter Hirosaki Park to see the iconic Hirosaki Castle. As you stroll through the grounds, your guide will explain the castle’s “moving” history—the entire keep was recently moved 70 meters without being dismantled to allow for stone wall repairs. The park is a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring over 2,600 cherry trees and scenic picnic areas that change beautifully with the seasons.

After a local lunch, the energy shifts at the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village. This interactive facility showcases the fan-shaped “Neputa” floats of Hirosaki. You will witness a live performance of the Tsugaru-shamisen, known for its powerful, percussive style, and have the chance to try traditional folk instruments. The day ends back in Aomori City at ASPAM, where you can enjoy the observation deck or shop for Aomori’s famous apple-based sweets and lacquerware before your 5-minute transfer back to the terminal.

Booking with Jasumo

To join one of our Upcoming Shared Tours for 2026 or to request a private vehicle for your family, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your ship’s docking schedule to ensure a seamless experience.

Jasumo also operates as a Destination Management Company (DMC), providing end-to-end support and reliable local coordination for individual travelers and travel agencies.

Additionally, every booking through Jasumo includes a complimentary 10GB eSIM. This allows you to stay connected throughout your journey—from the quiet temple paths of Zenrin-gai to the top of the ASPAM observation deck—ensuring you can share your favorite moments and access travel updates without worrying about local Wi-Fi.

Faqs

What is the difference between Nebuta and Neputa?

While both are vibrant lantern festivals, “Nebuta” (Aomori City) usually features massive 3D character floats, whereas “Neputa” (Hirosaki) is famous for its fan-shaped floats painted with epic warrior scenes. You will experience the unique Hirosaki style at the Neputa Village.

How far is Hirosaki from the Aomori cruise terminal?

The drive takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes each way. Our private coaches use the most efficient highway routes to ensure you spend the maximum amount of time at the historical sites and less time in transit.

Can we see the cherry blossoms on this tour?

If your cruise docks during late April or early May, you will experience one of the top three cherry blossom spots in Japan. Hirosaki Park is world-famous for its “Sakura Carpet,” where fallen petals completely cover the castle moats in a sea of pink.

Is the Tsugaru-shamisen performance loud?

The shamisen is a powerful instrument, but the performance is held in a comfortable, seated theater environment. It is a soulful and exhilarating experience that many of our guests consider the highlight of their trip to northern Japan.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

Most of the tour is conducted on flat or gently paved ground. Hirosaki Park is quite spacious, but your guide can customize the walking route. The Neputa Village and ASPAM are fully accessible with elevators and modern facilities.

Location