Hafen
Aomori

Sannai Maruyama Site

Your tour starts with a visit to the Sannai Maruyama Site, one of the largest archaeological sites in Japan. Research has shown that the area was formerly a village dating back to as far back as 3,900 B.C and is estimated to have existed until 2,200 B.C. This period is known in Japanese history as the Jomon era which is characterized by earthenware with patterns made with straw ropes and pillar-supported buildings among others. Visitors will see replicated buildings as well as excavation sites which are now preserved.

Aomori Museum of Art

A brief bus ride will take you to the Aomori Museum of Art opened in July 2006, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary art pieces mainly by locally-grown artists and those with connections to Aomori. The museum houses more than 120 works from drawings to three-dimensional works by Yoshitomo Nara, a young artist from Aomori Prefecture. The museum also has on display works by some well-known European artists as well. Of note are "Aomoriken" which is a gigantic sculpture of a dog by local artist Nara Yoshitomo and the three panels of the backdrop for the ballet piece "Areco" painted by Marc Chagall.

After the museum visit, return to the port.

Explore the regional culture and traditions of Goshogawara during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Tsugaru Kanayama-yaki Kiln and Pottery

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Goshogawara, located in the Tsugaru Peninsula, approximately 25 miles west of Aomori City. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the Tsugaru Kanayama-yaki Kiln, which was founded in 1985 and is part of the folk art movement. The kiln produces simple yet beautiful pottery that is made from local clay and pine trees, with design and production influenced by ancient Japanese pottery-making methods. The internationally-renowned works produced here are displayed at galleries and factories all over the world.

Tachi-Neputa House

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to Goshogawara's Tachi-Neputa House. Goshogawara is home to the Neputa Festival, one of the largest, most popular and brilliant local festivals in Japan. The main event consists of a parade of enormous lantern works, flanked by large taiko drums, musicians and dancers. Neputa tradition is present in different districts in Aomori, and highlighted by distinct regional characteristics. Tachi-Neputa House displays the one held in the Goshogawara region. Here, view the huge, 75-foot (23-metre) tall, 21-ton (19-tonne) Neputa work depicting a mythical god. Made of paper and wire frame, it was used in the previous Neputa Festival. Following your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Hirosaki Castle Park

Hirosaki is a city located southwest from the port, and has historically developed as a castle town and the center of the Tsugaru region. Board your coach for an hour-long drive to Hirosaki, and enjoy an external visit of Hirosaki Castle Park. The main donjon of the castle, originally constructed in 1611 and rebuilt in 1810, is one of only 11 castles in all of Japan to maintain the original main donjon structure dating back from the samurai period. View the castle architecture up close as well as various other structures which constitute the castle premises.

Tsugaru-han Neputa Village

After your visit to the castle, walk over to the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village which showcases the famous Neputa Festival along with the various arts and crafts of the Tsugaru region in which Hirosaki is located. The Neputa Festival features a parade of gigantic festival floats lit up from the inside to show the colorful design based on scenes of historical events and myths among others. The floats are made of framing made with wire and paper put on top of the framework and then painted in various colors. The museum also showcases local traditional craftwork as well as musical performances. Local craft products are available at the souvenir shop. A Japanese garden is located within the property and is open for visits.

Mt. Iwaki and Tsurunomai Bridge, Lunch

Leaving Hirosaki, travel westward towards Mt. Iwaki, one of the iconic landscapes of Aomori. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel on through the apple orchards to the Tsurunomai Bridge, a relatively new attraction of Aomori. The bridge is a graceful triple-arch wooden bridge built across Lake Tsugaru-Fujimi, and the name can be translated as "crane's dance". If weather permits Mt. Iwaki provides a beautiful backdrop behind the bridge. Here, pause for a photo stop before returning to the pier.  

Embrace the splendid beauty and culture of Aomori during this delightful, half-day excursion to historic Hirosaki.

Hirosaki Castle Park

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Hirosaki. The third-largest city in Aomori, Hirosaki embodies the ancient culture extant since the Samurai period. It has been inhabited since the 8th century, but wasn't declared a city until 1889. Your first stop is at the renowned Hirosaki Castle Park. This lush, peaceful, 121-acre expanse is home to one of the country's most popular sakura (cherry blossom) spectacles in spring.

Hirosaki Castle

Tucked away in the park is the historic Hirosaki Castle, one of 11 castles extant from that era. The original castle was constructed in 1611, but was struck by lightning in 1627 and burned to the ground. Although rebuilt in 1810, Hirosaki Castle still retains an atmosphere of its medieval appearance and samurai's prosperity. The three-story castle tower and solid castle moats are visible from the park.

Tsugaru-han Neputa Village

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to Tsugaru-han Neputa Village. The village is home to the Neputa Festival, one of the largest, most popular and brilliant local festivals in Japan. The main event consists of a parade of enormous lantern works, flanked by large taiko drums, musicians and dancers. Neputa tradition is present in different districts in Aomori, and highlighted by distinct regional characteristics. Tsugaru-han Neputa Village displays the one held in the Hirosaki region. Here, view the huge, 16-foot (4.8-metre) wide by 25-foot (7.6-metre) high Fan-shape Neputa work depicting a mythical god. Made of paper and wire frame, it was used in the previous Neputa Festival.

Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the pristine natural beauty of Japan during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Lake Towada

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive through the mountains en route to Lake Towada. Drive around the lake and head to the Hakka-toge Observatory. Here, you will take a photo stop in spectacular vistas of Lake Towada. On a sunny day, the serene lake clearly reflects the expansive blue sky and white clouds.

Oirase

Next, your drive continues on to the Oirase Gorge for photo stops, the most beautiful riverside footpath in Japan. The gorge's water is very clear and fast-running, and its splash turns into mist. The forest along the river offers shade, soft sunshine and a pleasant breeze. Following your visit, proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and drive to Mt. Hakkoda.

Mt. Hakkoda

Located south of Aomori, Mt. Hakkoda is one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. Upon arrival at the base of the mountain, board an aerial tramway and soar 4,000 feet (1,219 metres) to the summit. Here, celebrate this beautiful mountain range from the air during a ride on the ropeway gondola, which runs just above the trees. At the top, short walking path is in place which includes vast marshland left over from volcanic eruptions that began over 1.7-million years ago. During the spring and summer months, the forest is hued in multiple shades of green. Weather permitting, you can see all the way to the Tsugaru Peninsula and Mutsu bay (weather permitted). At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Delve into Aomori's local culinary scene through a full experience of local Tsugaru cuisine prepared by Tsugaru Akatsuki-no-kai, a culinary research unit formed by local women on this half-day S.A.L.T tour. Learn about Tsugaru cuisine and culture, which is in danger of being lost, and see how the Tsugaru hosts provide demonstrations of local techniques. Enjoy lunch alongside local cider at a picturesque large orchard, home to Aomori's famous apples.

Meet Tsugaru Akatsuki No Kai

During this relaxed tour, meet members of the Tsugaru Akatsuki no Kai and learn about their attempts to keep local traditions alive.

Hirosaki Apple Park, Local Apple Cider

From the pier, it's about an hour to the Hirosaki City Apple Park, a large orchard and venue home to over 2,300 apple trees, where you are met by the Tsugaru Akatsuki no Kai and a local cider expert. Here, first get the chance to learn more about Tsugaru, converse with the Tsugaru Akatsuki no Kai members and see short demonstrations. Through the explanations of the cider expert learn more about Aomori's rich history of apple and cider production.

Authentic Bento Lunch

Next, enjoy a unique bento lunch prepared exclusively by the Tsugaru Akatsuki no Kai, including local dishes they are looking to pass down to future generations, before returning to the ship.

Experience the wonderful highlights and culture of Aomori during a scenic, half-day excursion to this historic city and its environs.

Aomori City, Temple & Buddha Statue

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Aomori City. Upon arrival, proceed for a visit to the Seiryu-ji Temple, home of the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Known as the Showa Daibutsu, this bronze statue is 70 feet (21.3-metre) in height, and weighs 220 tons (195.5 tonnes). In addition, see the impressive five-story pagoda, which is made entirely of hiba wood, a large evergreen tree and special product of Aomori. The five stories symbolise the elements in the Buddhist universe; water, fire, wind, and the sky, with the pagoda representing the universe.

Warasse Museum & Aomori's Nebuta Festival Exihibition

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to Warrase Museum. The museum displays the one held in Aomori City. Here, view the huge, 30-foot (9.1-metre) wide by 16-foot (4.8-metre) high Nebuta work depicting a mythical god. Made of paper and wire frame, it was used in the previous Nebuta Festival. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore Aomori at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Aomori at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Aomori at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Aomori at your leisure during your full-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.