Private Tour of Aomori with Licensed Guide

About this experience

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.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 5min

   The trip begins at the Aomori Port International Cruise Terminal in Aomori City. We will visit the port in the morning for pickup. Please let us know if you have a preference for the meeting place!

2. Stop 2 · 50min

   The site is a large settlement site dating from the early to middle Jomon Period (ca. 3,900-2,200 BC, ca. 5,900-4,200 years ago from the present), with many pit and dugout pillar building sites, fillings, and graves of adults and children, as well as a large amount of earthenware, stone tools, valuable wood products, bone and horn products, etc., having been excavated. In May 2003, 1958 of the excavated artifacts were designated as National Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and in July 2021, the "Jomon Monuments of Hokkaido and the Northeast" including the Sannai-Maruyama Site were registered as a World Cultural Heritage site. Known as a place where visitors can experience the "mura (village)" of the Jomon period

3. Stop 3 · 40min

   The Showa Daibutsu, located at Seiryuji Temple in Aomori, is a majestic 21-meter bronze seated Buddha—the largest of its kind in Japan. Comparable in scale to the Great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura, it has become a modern cultural landmark of northern Japan. The temple grounds also feature a five-story pagoda and a serene garden, offering beautiful scenery in every season: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and a tranquil snowy landscape in winter.

4. Stop 4 · 1h

   Hirosaki Castle is the northernmost existing castle tower in Japan and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Aside from the castle tower, the park's gates, bridges, and moat are full of historical atmosphere.

5. Stop 5

   Hirosaki Castle is located in Hirosaki Park. The castle tower, turrets, gates, and other remains from the feudal era still remain as historical sites. There are few examples in Japan of a castle that has been opened to the public as a park while retaining its original appearance. It is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.

6. Stop 6 · 25min

   We will return to the Aomori port and finish the tour.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

Please show the ticket to the guide when you meet.

Before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
• We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.