【Departing from Aomori】Tohoku Autumn Foliage One-Day Tour: Hirosaki Castle Cherry Leaf Tunnel & Saishoin Temple Five-Story Pagoda | Min. 2 to depart, Private Transfer, Multilingual Service (Aomori Prefecture)
- Minimum 2 people to depart: Solo travelers are welcome to book; the tour will be confirmed once a minimum of 2 people is reached. Perfect for couples, families, and friends!
- Hirosaki Park Cherry Leaf Tunnel: Stroll along the outer moat and admire the cherry trees as they turn shades of red and orange, creating a unique 'cherry leaf' tunnel. Reflected in the water, it offers a romantic autumn atmosphere distinct from the spring cherry blossoms.
- Saishoin Temple: Admire the Five-Story Pagoda of Saishoin Temple, known as the most beautiful pagoda in the Tohoku region, and experience the serene beauty of autumn!
- Private Transfer: Direct transport from downtown Aomori to the attractions, saving you the hassle of transfers and making your trip efficient and effortless!
- Multilingual Service: Staff members from Taiwan or Japan who speak Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese are available to ensure smooth communication and peace of mind!
(Staff language availability depends on the participants on the day; specific language services cannot be requested.)
Package Options
Product Info
Purchase Notice
- This tour requires a minimum of 2 people to form a group. If the number of participants on the same departure date is less than 2, the tour will not be formed and the order will not be confirmed. You will be notified of whether the tour will proceed no later than 7 days before departure.
- The tour fee includes round-trip transportation and staff services. However, it does not include entrance fees to attractions (such as Hirosaki Castle Honmaru, Nebuta Village, Saishoin Temple, etc.) and meals. Please prepare Japanese Yen cash on the day of the tour and hand it over to the staff for payment to expedite the entry process.
- This tour has a flat rate regardless of age; the unit displayed in the system represents the number of participants. Travelers aged 2 and above must register at this rate.
- Maple Leaf Viewing Disclaimer: The turning of maple leaves and the peak viewing period are easily affected by natural factors such as weather and temperature. The actual scenery is subject to on-site conditions. If the maple leaves do not meet expectations due to weather factors, the tour will still proceed as scheduled, and refunds will not be accepted for this reason.
- Traffic Reminder: Traffic in Hirosaki city is extremely congested during the autumn foliage season. The actual dispersal time may be delayed depending on traffic conditions. It is recommended not to arrange tight public transportation connections afterwards.
- The itinerary may be subject to changes due to inclement weather conditions. No refunds will be given in the event of changes, but the itinerary will proceed as scheduled.
- The arrangement of private vehicles will be adjusted according to the number of participants, and may be buses or large taxis.
- Staff will arrange the language according to the passengers' language needs on the day (Chinese/English/Korean/Japanese), but we apologize that we cannot specify the language.
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[Tourism Conditions]
Departure place/destination: Aomori⇄Hirosaki
Tour duration: 1 day
Transportation: Private car hire, large taxis or buses
Bus companies: 385 Kanko Takushi or Nakazato Kotsu
Meal arrangements: No meals provided.
Accommodation: Not included
Minimum group size: 2 people
Accompanying personnel: There is one tour leader.
Tour guide service: No tour guide
[Tourism Planning & Organizing Unit]
Company Name: Tour Wave Co., Ltd. (Japanese company)
Address: 2F, NL Sendai-Hirose-dori Building, 2-5-1 Honmachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan 980-0014, Japan
Tourism Business Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registered Travel Business No. 1665
Affiliation: Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Contact information:
• Telephone: +81-22-212-1980
• Email: [email protected]
Service hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 17:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Japanese national holidays)
※For emergencies outside of business hours, please use the official LINE account or the emergency contact method notified in advance, and we will respond as soon as possible.
【Reseller/Distributor】
Company Name: KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Tourism Business Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner's Registration Number for Travel Businesses No. 2045
Affiliated Association: Japan Travel Agents Association (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 7 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location on time to complete the check-in process. Check-in may take time when there are many travelers, so we recommend arriving early to allow sufficient time. Latecomers will be considered as not present (No Show), and no refund will be given.
All pre-departure notices and important messages will be sent via email. Please check your email regularly to avoid missing any information.
This is a day trip in Japan with shared transportation. Participants will be traveling with tourists from other countries, so please be punctual and keep up with the group pace.
The vehicle type will be arranged according to the actual number of passengers, and may be a bus or a large taxi. We regret that we cannot specify the vehicle type.
During the peak season for viewing autumn leaves, traffic in Hirosaki city is extremely congested. The actual departure time may be significantly delayed due to road conditions. Please allow for flexibility in your subsequent itinerary and avoid scheduling tight public transportation connections.
If you need to bring large luggage, please indicate this in advance when registering; as road conditions are unpredictable during cherry blossom viewing, we cannot be held responsible for any missed trains due to traffic congestion.
It is not recommended to bring children under 2 years old or people with mobility impairments. Infant seats and accessible facilities are not provided on the tour.
It is recommended to wear lightweight, non-slip clothing and shoes to facilitate walking and outdoor activities.
FAQ
1. What are the current admission methods and visiting hours for Hirosaki Castle?
The Honmaru and Kitano Kuruwa areas of Hirosaki Castle require an entrance fee, while most other areas of Hirosaki Park are free to enter year-round. During the cherry blossom season, temporary ticket booths are set up. We recommend booking your tickets in advance through KKday to secure your entry and enjoy the convenience of e-tickets, saving you time queuing for tickets on-site. Specific visiting hours are subject to seasonal adjustments; please refer to on-site announcements. Extended hours are usually available during the cherry blossom season.
2. What is the progress of Hirosaki Castle's restoration work, and will it affect the visiting areas within the park?
Hirosaki Castle is currently undergoing a once-in-a-century stone wall restoration project, most notably the 'hikiyou' (relocation) of the castle keep to a more stable location for repairs. While some areas may be restricted due to the ongoing construction, most of the park remains open to visitors who can still enjoy the cherry blossoms and the castle keep under restoration. We advise checking the official website for the latest construction progress and opening information before planning your trip.
3. What are the convenient transportation options from Aomori City to Hirosaki Castle?
The most common way to get from Aomori City to Hirosaki Castle is by taking the JR Ou Main Line to Hirosaki Station, and then transferring to a local bus or walking to Hirosaki Park. For a more convenient and comfortable journey, this tour offers a direct shuttle service from Aomori City to Hirosaki Castle, eliminating the hassle of planning your own route and transfers, allowing you to reach the attraction more easily and save valuable travel time.
4. When is the best time to see the 'cherry blossom carpet' at Hirosaki Castle?
The best time to witness the 'cherry blossom carpet' (hanaikada) at Hirosaki Castle is typically during the falling petal period after the peak cherry blossom bloom, around late April to early May. At this time, a large number of fallen cherry blossoms cover the surface of the moats, creating a spectacular pink carpet. The exact timing is influenced by the weather of the year, so we recommend checking the official cherry blossom forecast before your departure.
5. Besides Hirosaki Castle, what are the highlights of Saishoin Gōjū-no-tō during the cherry blossom season?
Saishoin Gōjū-no-tō is one of the most beautiful five-storied pagodas in the Tohoku region of Japan, renowned for its elegant architectural lines and historical significance. During the cherry blossom season, the pagodas are surrounded by blooming cherry trees, creating a beautiful scene where classical architecture meets nature. Visitors can not only enjoy unique photo opportunities of the pagoda and the cherry blossoms but also experience the tranquil atmosphere of the temple, especially when viewed from different angles to appreciate the interplay between its architectural beauty and the blossoms.
6. How does the multi-language service provided during the visit to Hirosaki Castle and Saishoin work?
This tour specifically offers multi-language services with accompanying staff from Taiwan or Japan fluent in Chinese, English, Korean, and Japanese. These staff members will handle communication with local services, assist with any issues that may arise during the trip, and provide necessary information and guidance during visits to Hirosaki Castle and Saishoin, ensuring travelers face no language barriers and can experience the tour more safely and smoothly.
7. What are the pick-up/drop-off areas and booking process for the shuttle service provided on this cherry blossom viewing tour?
This tour provides a shuttle service from designated locations in Aomori City (such as Aomori Station or city hotels) directly to Hirosaki Castle and Saishoin, so you don't have to worry about transfers. After the tour, the shuttle will take you back to your original drop-off location in Aomori City. By booking this tour through KKday, you can enjoy a convenient one-stop service, with all transportation arrangements meticulously planned to save you effort and worry.
8. Does the Hirosaki Castle park area still have sightseeing value outside of the cherry blossom season?
Yes, the Hirosaki Castle park area retains its sightseeing value outside of the cherry blossom season. In late spring and early summer, you can enjoy lush green natural landscapes, while autumn offers beautiful red foliage, especially from the maple trees within the park. In winter, Hirosaki Castle hosts the Yuki-no-Hana Lantern Festival, presenting a different dreamlike atmosphere with the snow-covered castle illuminated by lanterns. It offers diverse scenery worth savoring throughout the year.
