Hirosaki: the Castle Town
-
Port
Aomori, Japan
-
Activity Level
Strenuous
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At
$199.95
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
Drive 25 miles along National Highway Route 7 from Aomori to Hirosaki -- the castle town -- situated on the southern part of the Tsugaru plain and known for its cherry blossoms and apples. The atmosphere of this former Samurai town is quite compelling.
Visit Hirosaki Park, the location of Hirosaki castle and one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots (usually flowering at the end of April and beginning of May).
Tsugaruhan Neputa Mura village offers a glimpse of numerous traditional art forms. Follow the circuit of demonstrations on making the Nebuta festival goldfish, Tsugaru ceramics and woodblock painting. village offers a glimpse of numerous traditional art forms. Follow the circuit of demonstrations on making the Nebuta festival goldfish, Tsugaru ceramics and woodblock painting.
Take in the live performances of Nebuta music and the delicate shamisen (a three-stringed banjo-like instrument). Walk past stands that sell locally grown vegetables, apples and handicrafts.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Head to the Zenringai area, where 33 Zen temples huddle quietly together. You will visit the Saishoin Temple, with its 300-year-old five-story pagoda, before transferring back to the ship.
Notes:
Restoration work is underway at Hirosaki Castle. Live performances at Tsugaruhan Neputa Mura village may be canceled with little prior notice. This tour requires a long walk at Hirosaki Castle Park. Group may be split over multiple lunch venues. Tour order may vary.