Excursion Hirosaki castle & views of mt. iwaki tour at Aomori

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. Stroll across the bridge and find the perfect vantage point for you to enjoy the view. Having completed the visits, drive back to the port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: External visit to Hirosaki Castle, Display of festival floats and traditional music performance at Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, Views of Mt. Iwaki, Architecture of Tsurunomai Bridge

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometres) at times over uneven surfaces, with about 50 steps to negotiate at the visited sites and a few to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended. Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior the cruise.