Let's explore the area around Aomori station to learn some of the history of this interesting city. See the ferry that used to carry trains and passengers to Hokkaido. Visit the oldest shrine in Aomori city. Shop for local delicacies. Try some of the local sake.
Your hotel.
We'll meet in the lobby.
Learn about the Aomori - Hakodate ferry and Nebuta, the largest summer festival in Aomori city. Wander through A Factory to see local goods. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping. Afterwards, we'll stroll along the seaside boardwalk to our next stop.
This shrine has a 1200 year old history and is the oldest in Aomori city. There is a lovely garden and huge pond stocked with koi, turtles and visiting ducks. Feel free to buy some food for the koi and turtles. You may also see some of the local cats lurking around. Tucked away in a corner is the resident dragon.
Here you can enjoy a plate of local delicacies and four tasting glasses of sake or wine. A vegetarian (but NOT vegan) plate can be provided on request. Please note, this shop is closed on Sundays.
On Sundays, you can do sake tasting at another venue. Food is available at extra cost.
If you’d prefer, it may also be possible to do a Japanese calligraphy experience.
I can take you back to your hotel or give advice on where to go next!
Your hotel or another place, on request.
On this tour, you will see places of interest in the area around Aomori station. I will talk about the history and culture of Aomori. You will have the opportunity to try Japanese sake and local Aomori delicacies. And you will have time to do some souvenir shopping if you like.
Guide fee
Hotel pick up
Local information
Entrance fees
Lunch
Sake tasting (¥1600 per person)
Alternative sake tasting ¥1300 or ¥1800 per person. One plate of scallops is ¥700.
I’m sorry but I won’t be available for tours in 2025.
This is a walking tour so please wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for the season. It can get quite hot and humid in summer so a hat might be useful. Don't forget your water bottle!
Most Japanese shops are cash only, so please make sure you have Japanese yen on hand.
Whether you're visiting Aomori as a small group or as a solo traveler, do yourself a favor and spend some time with Vikki. It really does feel like meeting up with an old friend! Not only is she engaging and comfortable to be around, she just knows so much about the city and surrounding areas. She gave me great tips on enjoying the San'nai Maruyama Site and a recommendation for a kissaten loved by locals (I went twice)! I also appreciated how easy it was to customize the tour to really hit my personal interests. We visited Showa Daibutsu, Utou Shrine, ASPAM and also had a great feast of a lunch. And she arranged everything. So easy and convenient! Spending the day with Vikki at the beginning of my week-long stay was the highlight of my time in Aomori and I think you would enjoy it as well!
Thanks Heidi. It was lovely meeting you too. I’m happy to hear my suggestions helped you enjoy your time in Aomori. I hope the rest of your trip is just as enjoyable! Regards, Vikki
I found Vikki through the Gowithguide site and had never used them before. She was excellent in many ways....her knowledge of the Jomon period, her patience with me & my requests, her 'bottom-line' answers to questions, her efficiency. Vicki will be recommended by me to my travel consultant in America and others wishing to visit the area in Japan.
Thanks Jill. It was lovely meeting you and exploring Jomon culture together over two days. I also enjoyed our chats and getting to know you better. Regards, Vikki
We met up with Vikki on a warm summer day during the Aomori Nebuta festival and spent some time discovering the city, honed our skills at an amazing caligraphy lesson, a tea ceremony, sake tasting and had a casual dinner with Vikki before heading to the Aomori Parade and festival! Highly recommend for folks (couples or families) with only a day in Aomori and who want to know a little more about the area, history and culture.
Thanks Neil. It was my pleasure to spend the day with you. I hope the kids snaffled more bells on the way back to the ship! Enjoy the rest of your travels. Kind regards, Vikki
Vikki showed up at the appointed date and time at my cruise terminal entrance ready for the 3 hour Hakoda ropeway excursion although I was apprehensive as the appointment was made several months before. Unfortunately the Ropeway was closed due to high winds but Vikki was still able to come up with a Plan B so that we could still have an interesting time visiting several other just as interesting locations around Aomori. Have no hesitation in recommending her as your guide in Aomori as she is very pleasant as well as very knowledgeable regarding Aomori.
Thanks Matthew. It was unfortunate the ropeway was closed but I’m glad to hear you still enjoyed the day. I hope the rest of your trip went smoothly! Regards, Vikki