Aomori, Japan Cruise Port - Hirosaki Park & Castle. Famous spot to view 2,600 Cherry Blossom Trees

We are on a 31 Day Transpacific Repositioning cruise on the Carnival Luminosa. And one of our ports of call is Aomori, Japan. Aomori is the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Japan and is blessed with both diverse culture and magnificent nature, including the famous cherry blossom viewing spot Hirosaki Park.
We were lucky enough to be visiting Aomori during the height of the cherry blossom blooming season. It was a drizzly day but that didn't stop us. We hired a taxi guide and he took us to Hirosaki Park, with over 2,600 cherry blossom trees in FULL BLOOM and home to Hirosaki Castle. Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 by the Tsugaru Clan. The original five-story keep burnt down in 1627 after being struck by lightning. Rebuilt in 1810, the present three-story keep is the only one in the Tohoku Region that was not rebuilt in the modern era, amongst only a handful in all of Japan. Not only was the castle a perfect example of Japanese architecture and design, but the landscape of millions of blossoms in shades of pink were amazing to see, including the view of the majestic and snow-covered Mt. Iwaki. As the day pushed on the rain stopped and we were blessed with a beautiful day. We even got to take a drive over to the Choshoji Temple. This Buddhist temple has a long history as the family temple of the Tsugaru clan, and many feudal lords from the past are buried in the mausoleum built within the temple grounds.
So come along with us as we explore a port day in Aomori, Japan.

[@davidh2420]

What were the costs of taxis in Japan? I usually just find a driver when I travel and pay for private tours? this is the first video you rented a taxi? did you happen to get your taxi driver phone number or email? I'm going to be there in a couple weeks

[@HubbardsJourney]

Japan is AMAZING! And the people are just as AMAZING!!! You are going to have a blast. In Aomori we used an online taxi service and booked ahead. Below is the contact information. I believe you can use them in multiple cities. The price varies.
　Tokyo Taiyo Co., Ltd. Aomori Taxi Office
　2-28 Ikuta, Shinmachino, Aomori City, 030-0135
　ＨＰ：hk-grp.or.jp/aomori/
　Taxi dispatch reception 017-738-6000
　Sales/General Affairs Phone: [phone]
　Ｆａｘ　　　　　　[phone]
　Email　　　　　　[e-mail]
Here is a copy of our email receipt from the taxi company showing the cost:
April 17th New Chuo Pier/Taxi stand (pick up at 8:00) → Hirosaki 5-hour course → Shin Chuo Pier (arrive at 13:00) [Sightseeing taxi ¥30,000]
*A taxi stand will be set up, so please wait there with your name board.
*Payment can be made by various methods such as credit card payment. Please pay directly to the flight attendant on the day.
In Hiroshima cruise port they had English speaking attendants to help you negotiate a taxi. Keep in mind very few drivers speak english, google translate was our friend. It worked pretty good. Thank you for your questions, comments and coming along on our journey around the world.

[@claudepenco4451]

Looks wet.....lucky you are not doing a mud bath or it would wash off

[@HubbardsJourney]

That's true. Hahahaha