Day 1 – Arrival in Aomori

After being welcomed by your Private guide at Aomori airport or the dock at Aomori port, head to the hotel in Hirosaki city by private car.

Night in Hirosaki

Inclusions: Breakfast at hotel; Private, English-speaking Guide; Private vehicle; and any Admission Fees

Day 2 – Summer Climbing at World Natural Heritage Site “The Mount Shirakami”

Today, you will experience a fantastic summer climb on Mount Shirakami (1,235m), the central peak of the Shirakami mountain range. While climbing , You might get the chance to get a glimpse of  a Japanese black bear,  Japanese serow, Japanese macaque or any of the 87 species of birds in the area. This  extensive Tohoku  mountain is one of the first sites in Japan  to join the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1993. 

The region is an expansive 130,000-hectare area crossing into both Aomori and Akita prefectures. You can also experience fishing in the Shirakami Sea, Canoe Tour of Shirakami Sanchi Great River, pleasure walks and swimming in Shirakami’s rivers, sea kayaking and more summer activities. You will go back to your hotel and rest for another great day of adventure in nature.

Night in Hirosaki

Inclusions: Breakfast at hotel; Private, English-speaking Guide; Private vehicle; and any Admission Fees

Day 3 – Lake Towada Cruise

After breakfast, you will visit Lake Towada, which is a large caldera lake surrounded by deep forests that are especially colorful in the Autumn season. The transparency of the lake will amaze you.The cruise on Lake Towada allows you to enjoy the beauty of the four seasons from a pleasure boat. You can see the mountains shimmering with seasonal colors, the intricate peninsula, and the steep cliffs from the lake. After the cruise, you will continue to the Towada Visitor Center where the exhibits of wild birds and trees are shown. You will have an early check-in at the hotel to rest for the nature trail the next day.

Night in Lake Toya, Onsen Ryokan

Inclusions: Breakfast at hotel; Private, English-speaking Guide; Private vehicle; and any Admission Fees

Day 4 – Unforgettable Summer Trails at Oirase Gorge

Today, you will experience an energetic hike along the summer trail of Mt. Hakkoda and Oirase Gorge. Before you go, please make sure you are fully equipped for this day. You will take a 10-minutes ride on the Hakkoda Ropeway to the peak of Tomodachi-dake station

Station for a panoramic view of the area. Skiing is possible from late November to mid-May, with some places allowing for summer skiing into August.

After enjoying the ropeway and lunch surrounded by the dynamic natural sights, you will continue to Oirase Gorge, which is designated as a ‘natural monument’ and ‘natural special scenic spot.’ It is one of the most well-known scenic spots in northern  Japan. The 14 km long hiking path is surrounded by nature and untouched by mankind. The path follows beautiful streams and waterfalls and offers numerous breath-taking spots. 

 In Summer, the forests are covered in luscious green and filled with negative ions that are good for your health. In the Fall, you can see the vibrant red, orange and yellow hues of Autumnal foliage. In winter, snow covered hills and frozen waterfalls create a surreal panorama.

You will next visit a moss workshop where they grow, exhibit, and sell moss balls. Oirase Gorge is a protected area and natural reserve.  Collection of any natural objects including moss, is strictly prohibited. After enjoying the moss factory, you will head to Aomori city to rest up for the next day’s activity.

Night in Aomori

Inclusions: Breakfast at hotel; Private, English-speaking Guide; Private vehicle; and any Admission Fees

Day 5 – History Tour in Aomori city

You have a free morning to rest from the previous day’s hiking. After lunch, you will visit The Seikan Tunnel, which  connects Aomori Prefecture on the main Japanese island of Honshu, from the northern island of Hokkaido. With a length of 54 km (23km are actually underwater), It is the longest railroad tunnel in the world .

After lunch, you will continue to Lake Jūsan, also known locally as Jūsan Lagoon, which is the third-largest lake in Aomori Prefecture. Next, you will learn everything about Aomori’s traditional instrument: shamisen at the The Samisen Music hall and enjoy a live Tsugaru Shamisen performance. 

After the charm of Tsugaru Shamisen music, continue to Osamu Dazai Memorial Hall where you can learn about Osamu Dazai, the Japanese author who is considered one of the foremost fiction writers of 20th-century Japan. Exhibits let you view his writing utensils, handwritten manuscripts and letters. Return to your hotel and get ready for the next day’s exciting festival

Night in Aomori

Inclusions: Breakfast at hotel; Private, English-speaking Guide; Private vehicle; and any Admission Fees

Day 6 – Nebuta Matsuri – Watch and Join “Bouncing” Dancing

oday, you will visit the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, a Japanese summer festival that takes place annually in early August. You can only join the festival after 17:00 (5pm), so rest your body until your party.

The festival attracts over 20,000 people and is counted as one of the three largest festivals in the Tohoku region. The festival is centered around a float of a brave warrior-figure which is carried through the heart of the city, while dancers wearing a unique type of costume called ‘Haneto’ surround the float. The dance is accompanied by the chant ‘Rasserā’ which is a shortened dialectal version of “Irasshai”, calling visitors to watch or join. You can either just watch or join the Nebuta Matsuri for dancing in a Haneto costume. To participate in the festival, one asks using the verb haneru, “Are you going to haneru today?” This was derived from the Japanese spelling of the haneto costume and the verb haneru (to bounce). Enjoy interacting with locals and immerse yourself into their culture. After ‘bouncing’, you will go back to your hotel and rest.

Night in Aomori

Inclusions: Breakfast at hotel; Private, English-speaking Guide; Private vehicle; and any Admission Fees

Day 7 – Last day of Nebuta Matsuri – Night Fireworks

After all  the bouncing dancing and the Japanese sake you probably enjoyed at the festival last night, you will have the day free at your leisure to relax.  You can also explore Aomori city on your own. 

After dinner on your own, you will meet the English-speaking guide at your hotel and attend the night fireworks, which is the finale event for one of the most exciting and energetic summer festivals in North Japan. Return to your hotel after the event.

Night in Aomori

Inclusions: Breakfast at hotel; Private, English-speaking Guide; Private vehicle; and any Admission Fees

Day 8 – Departure for Tokyo

After breakfast, you will leave for Aomori airport for your departure or cruise from Aomori dock.

Inclusions: Breakfast at hotel; Private, English-speaking Guide, Private vehicle