We Took the Ship Tour AND Went Solo in Aomori — 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 0:00 - Introduction 0:26 – Hirosaki Castle Excursion 7:07 – Seiryu-Ji Temple 9:59 – Aomori City Center 10:53 – Wrap We're in Aomori, Japan, for a double dose of adventure! This travel vlog highlights two different ways to explore this city: a ship tour experience and our own self-guided travel discoveries. Whether you prefer organized excursions or charting your own path, Aomori has something for every type of Japan travel enthusiast. #GoTravelLife #CruiseJapan #Aomori #AomoriJapan #CruiseVlog #JapanCircle