On one day in our itinerary we can either:

• Drive up (from Aomori) to Shimokita Peninsula, stopping at Towada Arts Centre on the way there or way back. For Shimokita Peninsula I'd planned to see Lake Usori, Mount Osore, and Osorezan Bodaiji Temple.
• Or we can visit Hirosaki Castle and a few places in that area. I'd thought to visit the castle, perhaps stop for tea at Fujita Memorial Garden, and we could also visit Tsugaru (for kokeshi doll makers) and/ or Towada shrine. BUT I think there's currently a lot of repair work going on at Hirosaki Castle which may mean that it's not an ideal time to visit it?

We can't fit in both so I need to choose!

I'm leaning towards Shimokita Peninsula but would welcome any thoughts from those familiar with these sites!

Hi Kavey, what time of year is this trip planned for? Hirosaki-jo is a smaller castle but absolutely amazing and a must see in sakura season. The whole of the castle grounds are turned into a sakura wonderland complete with food/krafts booths and imho one of the best sakura viewing sights in all of Japan. The drive up the coast from Aomori is another gem. I'm impressed more people are finally driving in the Japan countryside on this forum. It opens up much more to see and the freedom to do it at your own pace. I would lean towards the drive up the coast unless its in sakura season. Enjoy!

Aloha!

This is right at the very very end of September. Too early for koyo I believe. So definitely no sakura. I also can't tell if the info I found about the castle being under refurbishment / not very visible is correct and still the case or not.

We have driven in Japan twice, for both our 2013 trip and 2016 trip. We LOVE driving in Japan and am always trying to persuade friends but most are reluctant!

Thanks I think I too am leaning towards heading up towards Mount Osore!