8 DAYS AUTUMN IN AOMORI: ARTISANAL CRAFTS & SEAFOOD HARVESTS

Car Transfer: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Excursion to Hachinohe (Market, Coast & Culture)

Hachinohe is comprised of 7 towns and villages surrounding Hachinohe City, a unique area and a warm-hearted community with a variety of opportunities for visitors.

Start your day early with a 30-minute drive to visit the Tatehana Wharf Market, the biggest morning market in Japan. Every Sunday between March and December, thousands of locals gather to enjoy fresh local food and produce, from fruit and vegetables to seafood straight from the fishermen’s catch. The market is not only famous for its food – there are stalls selling antiques, traditional crafts, and all sorts of locally produced goods.

We then continue to the coast for a hike along the scenic Michinoku Coast before we delve into the artistry behind traditional Nanbu handicrafts, which are unique to Aomori region. End the day at Korekawa Jomon Museum to learn about Jomon culture, and catch a glimpse into ancient Japanese life.

Transfer: Misawa to Oirase

Today, we depart Misawa and drive to Oirase.

Towada Discovery

Visit Towada Art Centre, one of Japan’s best contemporary art museums, a key part of the city’s effort to transform Towada into a “City of Arts”.

Later, experience the untouched natural beauty of Lake Towada by paddling a Canadian canoe. An expert local guide will share the history of Lake Towada, formed over millennia of volcanic activity. Enjoy the lake’s mysterious atmosphere, surrounded by Japanese beech trees, from the safety of a beginner-friendly Canadian canoe.

Oirase Gorge Hiking

Enjoy a pleasant and scenic 14km hike through Oirase Gorge, one of Japan’s most beautiful river valleys. With vibrant, fast-flowing waters, the Oirase Gorge showcases its beauty in different ways throughout every season, but is especially renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage in fall. 

Car Transfer: Oirase to Tsugaru 

We depart after breakfast, and make our way to Tsugaru with enroute sightseeing. 

Jogakura Ohashi Bridge and Ropeway

Visit the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, and marvel at the natural scenery. 

Make a stop at Jogakura Ohashi Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Jyogakura-Keiryu streams. The bridge is especially beautiful during the fall season, with its hues of golden and red. Next, take the Hakkoda Ropeway for a magnificent view of Mt. Hakkoda, arriving at Summit Park Station on the peak of Mt. Tamoyachidake.

Day Visit in Hirosaki – A Castle Town of Cherry Blossoms and Apples

Hirosaki is a historic castle town renowned for its rich culture, apples, and springtime cherry blossoms.

Begin your day with a visit to Choshoji Temple and the 33 Zen temples. Next, immerse yourself in Tsugaru’s culture at Neputa Village. If your visit coincides, you might catch the Hirosaki Castle Autumn Foliage Festival.

Spend some time at Hirosaki City Apple Park, where you can pick your own apples (between early August and early November), and then enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Fujita Memorial Garden.

Car Transfer: Hirosaki to Aomori 

Depart Hirosaki and drive to Aomori City today with enroute sightseeing. 

Aomori City Visit

Visit the fascinating Nebuta Museum WA RASSE, where you can experience the charm of the Aomori Nebuta Festival year-round with its impressive lighting and atmosphere.

Next, explore the Aomori Museum of Art, where you can enjoy first-rate contemporary artworks.

Car Transfer: Hotel to Airport 

Depart from Aomori today with enroute sightseeing. We will make a stop at the fish market before continuing to the airport for your onward journey.

Furukawa Fish Market (Rice Bowls)

Visit the Furukawa Fish Market, where you can create your own “Nokke-don” – a seafood donburi. Select your favorite seafood ingredients and add them as toppings to make a personalised meal with the freshest ingredients.