Aomori: We Took the Ship Tour AND Went Solo — Which Would You Choose?
Welcome to the sixth episode in our CRUISE JAPAN PORT HIGHLIGHTS series- Aomori- the leading producer of apples in Japan! Two port stops in Aomori gave us double the adventure — one guided, one DIY. On our first visit, we joined a ship sponsored excursion out to Hirosaki, exploring its castle and gardens along with a visit to the Neputa Village. On our second stop, we struck out on our own with a taxi ride to Seiryu-ji Temple, home to the towering Showa Daibutsu (Great Buddha). And for those who prefer to stay close, the port town itself is full of treasures: the Nebuta Museum, the Apple Factory, shops, and even the A Factory building, where locals swear the basement ramen is worth the trip (we’ll save that for next time!). Whether you’re looking for the convenience of a guided tour, the independence of a taxi adventure, or the simplicity of strolling right from the ship, Aomori offers it all — and each option is doable on your own. What to Expect: - Ship Excursion to Hirosaki Castle & Gardens plus a Neputa Village - Taxi Adventure to Seiryu-Ji Temple and the Great Buddha - Walkable port town with Aomori Nebuta Museum, Apple Factory and A-Building Ramen This episode is perfect for cruisers visiting Aomori or anyone curious about Japan’s lesser-known port gems Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 0:26 – Hirosaki Castle Excursion 7:07 – Seiryu-Ji Temple 9:59 – Aomori City Center 10:53 – Wrap Aomori cruise port offers two distinct ways to explore: organized ship tours or independent adventures. Which fits your style? We visited Aomori twice, testing both methods to see what works best for a day in port. On our first stop, we joined a ship excursion to Hirosaki Castle and the Neputa Village. On our second visit, we struck out on our own with a taxi to Seiryu-ji Temple and explored the local port town on foot. Whether you prefer the convenience of cruise ship excursions or the freedom of independent travel, this breakdown helps you weigh the pros and cons of each. From navigating the local taxi system to finding the best ramen in the A Factory building, these Japan cruise tips cover the logistics you need to plan your day. We also highlight the best options for a shore excursion if you decide to stay closer to the dock. Subscribe for travel preparation breakdowns, and comment below which style you prefer for your next sailing. #GoTravelLife #CruiseJapan #Aomori #AomoriJapan #CruiseVlog #JapanCircle