Hi Jeanette, your timing should be perfect for the blossoms. I think there are a couple of options that might work for your group. From the cruise port to the JR station in Aomori is a short walk but it might take 20 minutes or so, the waterfront is nice to see but perhaps grab a taxi if that suits better to save your legs for exploring later as you'll walk a bit at the castle and gardens. Then take the train to Hirosaki which takes 35-50 minutes depending on whether it's a local train or limited express. Outside the station there are taxi's, it's about 2.5 km to the castle and the taxi will only take a few minutes, in Japan you pay what's on the meter don't barter a price but they are very honest. A cheaper option is the loop bus that also runs from the station which will take about 15 minutes.

A second option which we haven't used from there is a taxi, while they aren't large in Japan you won't have luggage and 4 people will fit. It's around 45 km and takes just over an hour. You can get one near the port or there are taxi tours like this one that you can book ahead and split the cost across your group.

I know there is a combination of bus and train service that we could do independently; however, we are a senior citizen group, and I believe the public transportation involves quite a lot of walking. I don't think that is going to work for us.

Any suggestions?

The cruise terminal is a short walk to the city centre and attractions but I suppose like most regional cities there is a limited amount to see and depending on your interests I would suggest getting out of the city centre, perhaps to see the beautiful scenery around Lake Towada if you had the time or visit an onsen town. The seafood in Aomori is fabulous too.

I don't have a contact for a local English speaking guide but have you found this site which has a map of the walkable city sights? For something different Asamushi Onsen is only about 20 minutes away by train and even if you don't fancy Japanese hot spring bathing the area has more to see. Your timing should also have you there for cherry blossoms which are late April to mid-May in Aomori and worth looking out for.

Excellent post.

The split second I saw the Hachinohe image I knew it was located where the tsunami hit, for the countless YouTube videos I watched of the wave slamming into town. I saw the boat, the background, and everything clicked. Happy to see the place is on its feet again after that natural disaster.

Cycling or walking through the golden colored rice fields would be high on my list, as I do this frequently in places through SE Asia. May as well do it in Japan too. What a peaceful, serene afternoon, chilling amid the rice fields.

Thanks for the fab post Toni.

Ryan