Free Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation
September 14100% refund
September 15No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Hirosaki Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
2 Adults x $285.60
$571.20
Approx Total
$571.20
Pickup included
Inclusions / Exclusions
Mobile ticket
Offered in: Japanese, English
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Hirosaki
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Pick up at Aomori (please book our Aomori tour for this)
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Overview
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Hirosaki!
Set in the shadow of the impressive Mt. Iwaki, the historic town of Hirosaki is said to be the cultural capital of the prefecture. Its semi-rural setting is complemented by beautiful parks and temples, while the various boutique fashion stores, one-room bars, and stylish cafes create an impression of hip culture.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If ...
you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7. Aomori pick up not available. Please book our Aomori Port pick up tour with vehicle for this option. Read more ▼
Itinerary
Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle (弘前城, Hirosakijō) was built in 1611 by the Tsugaru Clan. A three-story castle tower, fortified moats, castle gates and some corner turrets (yagura) survive or were reconstructed. The castle is located in Hirosaki Park, a spacious public park of about 0.6 square kilometers.
The castle's original five-story keep burnt down in 1627 after being struck by lightning. Rebuilt in 1810, the present three-story keep is the only one in the Tohoku Region that was not rebuilt in the modern era, amongst only a handful in all of Japan.
1 hour
Tsugaruhan Neputa Mura
The Neputa Mura (ねぷた村) or "Neputa Village" is a museum about Hirosaki's famous festival, the Neputa Matsuri, and also introduces the city's other cultural specialties.
The Neputa Matsuri takes place annually from August 1 to 7 around the same time when Neputa and Nebuta festivals are held all over Aomori Prefecture. It features floats with large painted screens that depict beautiful women, mythological warriors and other themes, and are illuminated from within when paraded through the streets. Several such floats and screens are on display in the Neputa Mura.
Although the main focus of the Neputa Mura is on the Neputa Festival, quite a few of Hirosaki's other specialties are put on display, as well. There are areas devoted to the local shamisen instrument, to popular local handicrafts and to old-fashioned toys. There is also a Japanese garden and a teahouse from the 19th century.
1 hour
Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden
The Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden (藤田記念庭園, Fujita Kinen Teien) was built in 1919 in the style of a traditional Japanese landscape garden. The spacious garden is separated into two main parts, an upper section and a lower section. It is named after its first owner, a local business man named Fujita Kenichi.
A few buildings of interest stand around the garden, including a traditional Japanese house in the upper section and a tea ceremony house in the lower section, both designed to afford views onto the surrounding landscape. Near the garden's entrance gate stand a small archeology museum and a Western house with tearoom from the Taisho era (1912-1926).
1 hour
Former Ito Family Residence
When the Tsugaru Clan sided with Tokugawa Ieyasu at the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, they ensured their authority as the feudal lords of Hirosaki for the 250 years of the Edo Period. Hirosaki Castle was to be the base from which they would rule, and around which a typical castle town developed.
Like in all castle towns, the samurai, who served the Tsugaru Clan, lived in residences surrounding the castle of their feudal lord. Today, a section north of Hirosaki Castle remains preserved as a former samurai district. Although much of the area looks like an ordinary modern Japanese residential area today, three samurai houses and one merchant house have been preserved and are open to the public:
1 hour
Former Umeda Family Residence
When the Tsugaru Clan sided with Tokugawa Ieyasu at the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, they ensured their authority as the feudal lords of Hirosaki for the 250 years of the Edo Period. Hirosaki Castle was to be the base from which they would rule, and around which a typical castle town developed.
Like in all castle towns, the samurai, who served the Tsugaru Clan, lived in residences surrounding the castle of their feudal lord. Today, a section north of Hirosaki Castle remains preserved as a former samurai district. Although much of the area looks like an ordinary modern Japanese residential area today, three samurai houses and one merchant house have been preserved and are open to the public:
1 hour
Former Iwata Family Residence
When the Tsugaru Clan sided with Tokugawa Ieyasu at the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, they ensured their authority as the feudal lords of Hirosaki for the 250 years of the Edo Period. Hirosaki Castle was to be the base from which they would rule, and around which a typical castle town developed.
Like in all castle towns, the samurai, who served the Tsugaru Clan, lived in residences surrounding the castle of their feudal lord. Today, a section north of Hirosaki Castle remains preserved as a former samurai district. Although much of the area looks like an ordinary modern Japanese residential area today, three samurai houses and one merchant house have been preserved and are open to the public:
1 hour
Ishiba Residence
When the Tsugaru Clan sided with Tokugawa Ieyasu at the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, they ensured their authority as the feudal lords of Hirosaki for the 250 years of the Edo Period. Hirosaki Castle was to be the base from which they would rule, and around which a typical castle town developed.
Like in all castle towns, the samurai, who served the Tsugaru Clan, lived in residences surrounding the castle of their feudal lord. Today, a section north of Hirosaki Castle remains preserved as a former samurai district. Although much of the area looks like an ordinary modern Japanese residential area today, three samurai houses and one merchant house have been preserved and are open to the public:
1 hour
Ōtemon Square
The Otemon Square (追手門広場, Ōtemon Hiroba), named after and standing across from the main entrance gate of Hirosaki Castle, is designed as a stepping off point for visitors to Hirosaki. It has an extensive Sightseeing Information Center where travelers can get maps, pamphlets and advice about the city's sightseeing spots.
There is also a souvenir shop, a few restaurants and a small exhibition about local handicrafts and the Neputa Festival. Around Otemon Square stand a few of Hirosaki's early Western style buildings, including the Former City Library, which was constructed in 1907. The library is no longer in use, but is open to the public.
15 minutes
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Free Cancellation
September 14100% refund
September 15No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
Reviews by TravelOne travelers
Showing 1-5 of 6 reviews with 5 stars
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A hidden gem
Published on Apr, 2024
Our guide Fuji is a native of Hirosaki so he was able to take us to a number of places off the beaten tourist track. During the six hour tour he took us to temples, shrines and other interesting buildings as well as the magnificent Hirosaki castle, and made them all come alive with his explanations of their historical and religious significance. I would recommend this tour and Fuji in particular.
A hidden gem
Published on Apr, 2024
Our guide Fuji is a native of Hirosaki so he was able to take us to a number of places off the beaten tourist track. During the six hour tour he took us to temples, shrines and other interesting buildings as well as the magnificent Hirosaki castle, and made them all come alive with his explanations of their historical and religious significance. I would recommend this tour and Fuji in particular.
A day in Hiroshima
Published on Apr, 2024
We had a private tour with Nori , Nori English was very good and his explanation where very clear . All day was perfectly organised. Thank you so much for a wonderful day.
Yair Leopold
A day in Hiroshima
Published on Apr, 2024
We had a private tour with Nori , Nori English was very good and his explanation where very clear . All day was perfectly organised. Thank you so much for a wonderful day.
Yair Leopold
Beautiful Hirosaki
Published on Apr, 2024
We had the great pleasure of experiencing the beauty of Hirosaki with the charming, knowledgeable and experienced Tomohiko Kudo. It was a lovely experience enhanced by a great guide.
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