aomori seafood tour

Aomori City (�X) in Aomori Prefecture is the northernmost prefectural capital city on Honshu, Japan's main island. This port town used to be the main departure point to Hokkaido via ferry ; and, although it remains the main port for car ferries, the opening of the Seikan Undersea Railway Tunnel and the advent of cheap flights have reduced ridership and many travelers now bypass the city altogether. Today Aomori is best known for its spectacular Nebuta Matsuri summer festival.

Top attractions in Aomori

Nebuta Matsuri ••

Furukawa Fish Market •

Nebuta Warasse

Hakkodamaru Ship

Museum of Art

Auga Fish Market

Towada •

Shimokita Hanto •

Hirosaki •

Getting there and around.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Aomori city, hotels around aomori.

• Japan Tours & Packages
• Activities in Japan
• Pocket WIFI Rental For Japan
• Japan Rail Pass
• Car Rentals
• HIS Hawaii Blog

Hokkaido + Aomori Food & Foliage Tour 2024

Feast on fun! See Japan’s Great North this autumn!

Hokkaido and aomori, a brilliant combination.

Fully guided and including 23 delicious meals, a free pocket WiFi router, and much more, this carefully crafted itinerary has everything from picking Aomori’s famous apples fresh at the orchard, reveling in stunning scenery at Nakano Momijiyama “Maple Tree Mountain”, and even learning first-hand cooking tips from a local fisherman’s family. There’s a fireworks show, superb local ice cream in Hakodate, a hands-on glass blowing experience in Otaru, and free time to explore Japan’s bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Plus much, much more!

A special highlight of this tour is TWO nights at Hoshino Resorts’ spectacular 5-star luxury resort Aomori-ya . Dedicated to regional Tsugaru culture, this incredible destination features distinctive touches like an “Aomori Apple Juice Fountain” where you can drink your fill of the prefecture’s famous juice, plus specially designed illumination in the onsen baths that make you feel like you’re floating in another world and an extravagant buffet dinner that will have you going back for seconds, thirds, fourths, and more! Watch a preview video of this truly unique accommodation and see why Aomori-ya is an absolute can’t-miss location.

Marvel at spectacular wide-open natural vistas and featuring multiple nights at deluxe, relaxing  onsen  (hot springs) hotels, this tour is the perfect way to visit Japan’s Great North this autumn.

Destination Highlights

Sapporo – Otaru – Shiraoi – Date – Lake Toya – Hakodate – Aomori City – Hirosaki – Lake Towada – Oirase Stream – Hachinohe – Tokyo – and more!

Tour Includes

9 nights extraordinary accommodations – 23 memorable meals – Onsen (Hot Springs) – WiFi router – HNL Airport Lounge – Unique activities & experiences – and much more!

Full Package $4,990 (Adult) / Land Package $3,990 (Adult)

Hokkaido + Aomori Food & Foliage Tour 2024

Tour Details

9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS IN JAPAN

For a detailed look at the many activities and destinations you’ll visit, download our written itinerary (PDF file) .

Or see the short summary below!

Itinerary Summary

Tour Flyer (PDF Download)

Tour itinerary (pdf download), application form (pdf download), terms and conditions form (pdf download).

1-Day Aomori Itinerary

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• Aomori in 1 day
• 2-Day Aomori Itinerary
• 3-Day Aomori Itinerary
• 4-Day Aomori Itinerary
• 5-Day Aomori Itinerary

Table of contents

1-day itinerary, aomori prefecture tourism information center aspam.

Nebuta Museum WA RASSE

Memorial Ship Hakkōda-maru

Sakurano department store aomori, aomori gyosai center (aomori nokkedon), aomori center hotel, ito-yokado aomori store, where to eat, marusei shokudo, sweets shop chandola, nagao chūka-soba aomori ekimae.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

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Top searches in Aomori

Popular road trips from aomori, what's the weather like in aomori.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Aomori for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Aomori in January
• Weather in Aomori in February
• Weather in Aomori in March
• Weather in Aomori in April
• Weather in Aomori in May
• Weather in Aomori in June
• Weather in Aomori in July
• Weather in Aomori in August
• Weather in Aomori in September
• Weather in Aomori in October
• Weather in Aomori in November
• Weather in Aomori in December

All road trips from Aomori

• Aomori to Tokyo drive
• Aomori to Kyoto drive
• Aomori to Sapporo drive
• Aomori to Osaka drive
• Aomori to Hakodate drive
• Aomori to Seoul drive
• Aomori to Kanazawa drive
• Aomori to Nagoya drive
• Aomori to Hakone-machi drive
• Aomori to Nikko drive
• Aomori to Sendai drive
• Aomori to Hiroshima drive
• Aomori to Kamakura drive
• Aomori to Taito drive
• Aomori to Fukuoka drive
• Aomori to Busan drive
• Aomori to Matsumoto drive
• Aomori to Takayama drive
• Aomori to Nagasaki drive
• Aomori to Akita drive
• Aomori to Fujikawaguchiko-machi drive
• Aomori to Morioka drive
• Aomori to Narita drive
• Aomori to Biei-cho drive
• Aomori to Noboribetsu drive
• Aomori to Karuizawa-machi drive
• Aomori to Ise drive
• Aomori to Nagano drive
• Aomori to Himeji drive
• Aomori to Yamagata drive

Explore nearby places

• Hiranai-machi
• Yomogita-mura
• Goshogawara
• Inakadate-mura
• Tsuruta-machi
• Itayanagi-machi
• Fujisaki-machi
• Shichinohe-machi
• Noheji-machi
• Owani-machi
• Nakadomari-machi
• Sotogahama-machi
• Ajigasawa-machi
• Imabetsu-machi
• Tohoku-machi
• Rokkasho-mura
• Yokohama-machi
• Shingo-mura
• Nishimeya-mura
• Rokunohe-machi
• Kosaka-machi
• Gonohe-machi

All related maps of Aomori

• Map of Aomori
• Map of Hiranai-machi
• Map of Yomogita-mura
• Map of Kuroishi
• Map of Goshogawara
• Map of Inakadate-mura
• Map of Tsuruta-machi
• Map of Itayanagi-machi
• Map of Fujisaki-machi
• Map of Tsugaru
• Map of Hirakawa
• Map of Shichinohe-machi
• Map of Noheji-machi
• Map of Hirosaki
• Map of Owani-machi
• Map of Nakadomari-machi
• Map of Sotogahama-machi
• Map of Ajigasawa-machi
• Map of Imabetsu-machi
• Map of Tohoku-machi
• Map of Towada
• Map of Rokkasho-mura
• Map of Yokohama-machi
• Map of Shingo-mura
• Map of Nishimeya-mura
• Map of Rokunohe-machi
• Map of Misawa
• Map of Kosaka-machi
• Map of Sai-mura
• Map of Gonohe-machi
• Map of Oirase-cho

Aomori throughout the year

• Aomori in January
• Aomori in February
• Aomori in March
• Aomori in April
• Aomori in May
• Aomori in June
• Aomori in July
• Aomori in August
• Aomori in September
• Aomori in October
• Aomori in November
• Aomori in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Aomori?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 1-Day Hirosaki Itinerary
• 1-Day Towada Itinerary
• 1-Day Goshogawara Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

Aomori CIty Light Walking Tour

• Aomori , City Tours , Tour Reviews , Walking Tours

Nestled in the heart of northern Japan, Aomori City shines like a radiant gem, enticing travelers with its rich history and breathtaking landscapes.

And what better way to uncover its hidden treasures than through the Aomori City Light Walking Tour? This enchanting experience allows visitors to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as they stroll through the city’s streets, soaking in the sights and sounds that make Aomori so unique.

With each step, travelers are transported through time, discovering ancient temples, traditional markets, and awe-inspiring landmarks. From the majestic Nebuta Museum to the tranquil beauty of Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into Aomori’s past, present, and future.

So come, join the journey, and let the Aomori City Light Walking Tour illuminate your senses.

Great News! You can reserve your spot for free with Viator. You can easliy cancel any time up to 1 day before without paying anything.

Quick Takeaways

• The Aomori City Light Walking Tour provides inspiration for future visitors.
• The tour offers a glimpse into Aomori’s past, present, and future.
• Participants will have the opportunity to explore ancient temples and traditional markets.
• The tour features awe-inspiring landmarks in Aomori City.

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

• Private Tour to Big Buddha and Nebuta Museum With Licensed Guide
• Private Transfer From Aomori City Hotels to Aomori Cruise Port
• Aomori Half-Day Private Trip With Government-Licensed Guide 2024
• Half-Day Private Guided Japanese Hot Spring Experience

Highlights of Aomori City Tour

The highlights of the Aomori City Tour can be seen in the traveler photos and reviews, showcasing the popular attractions and providing inspiration for future visitors.

When it comes to local cuisine in Aomori City, there’s an abundance of delicious options to indulge in. From fresh seafood delicacies like grilled scallops and tuna to regional specialties like Nebuta-maki, a sushi roll filled with local ingredients, food lovers will find themselves in culinary heaven.

Aomori City is also rich in cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant Nebuta Festival, where massive illuminated floats parade through the streets, or explore the tranquil beauty of Hirosaki Castle and its stunning cherry blossoms.

With its delectable cuisine and captivating cultural offerings, Aomori City has something to enchant every traveler.

Recommended Attractions in Aomori City

Visitors to Aomori City will find a stack of captivating attractions to explore. One of the highlights of the city is its top-rated restaurants, offering a variety of delicious local cuisine. From fresh seafood to traditional Japanese dishes, these restaurants cater to all taste buds. Travelers can indulge in mouthwatering meals while experiencing the unique flavors of Aomori.

Plus, exploring the city is made easy with the local transportation options available. Whether it’s taking a scenic train ride along the coastline or hopping on a bus to visit different attractions, visitors can navigate the city effortlessly. The well-connected transportation network ensures that travelers can effortlessly explore all the recommended attractions that Aomori City has to offer.

Pricing Options and Inclusions

For travelers interested in exploring Aomori City, there are various pricing options and inclusions available for the Aomori City Light Walking Tour. Here are some key details to consider:

• Affordable pricing: The tour starts from £84.86, offering a budget-friendly option for travelers.
• Value for money: The tour includes visits to various attractions, allowing participants to make the most of their experience in Aomori City.
• Different packages: The tour offers different packages to cater to different preferences and interests, ensuring a customizable itinerary.
• Group discounts: Traveling with a group? The tour provides group discounts, making it a great choice for friends or families exploring Aomori City together.
• Flexible booking options: The tour offers flexible booking options, allowing travelers to choose the date and time that best suits their schedule.

With these pricing options and inclusions, the Aomori City Light Walking Tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the beauty and charm of Aomori City.

Assistance and Support for Travelers

Travelers can receive assistance and support during their Aomori City Light Walking Tour. If they’ve any questions or need help, they can turn to the Viator Help Center. This resource is available to provide quick support access, ensuring that travelers have the assistance they need throughout their tour.

Whether it’s directions to a specific attraction or information about the tour itself, the Viator Help Center is there to help. With just a few clicks, travelers can access the support they need, giving them peace of mind and allowing them to fully enjoy their experience in Aomori City.

Important Terms and Conditions

The important terms and conditions of the Aomori City Light Walking Tour provide travelers with crucial information regarding their booking and participation in the tour.

These terms and conditions include:

• Cancellation policy: The tour has a specific cancellation policy that travelers should be aware of before making their booking. It outlines the conditions under which cancellations can be made and any associated fees.
• Review authenticity checks: The tour operator performs authenticity checks on the reviews provided by previous travelers. This ensures that the reviews are genuine and trustworthy, giving potential participants confidence in their decision to book the tour.
• Legal information: The terms and conditions also include important legal information that travelers should be aware of. This may include liability disclaimers, privacy policies, and other legal obligations.
• Guidelines for bookings: The terms and conditions provide guidelines for making bookings, including any required information or documentation.
• Rights and responsibilities: The terms and conditions outline the rights and responsibilities of both the travelers and the tour operator, ensuring a clear understanding of each party’s obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the aomori city light walking tour.

The duration of the Aomori City Light Walking Tour is approximately 2 hours. This nighttime tour offers a unique experience as visitors explore the city’s vibrant and enchanting nighttime attractions. The tour highlights include stunning light displays and iconic landmarks.

Are Meals Included in the Tour Package?

Yes, meals are included in the Aomori City Light Walking Tour package. Travelers can enjoy a variety of local cuisine highlights, with vegetarian options available to cater to different dietary preferences.

Is Transportation Provided During the Tour?

Transportation options during the tour include various modes such as buses, taxis, or walking. The tour ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities, providing assistance and support. Travelers can easily explore Aomori City’s attractions without any transportation concerns.

Can I Customize the Itinerary of the Aomori City Light Walking Tour?

Yes, travelers can customize the itinerary of the Aomori City Light Walking Tour. They have the option to choose from various attractions and packages, allowing them to tailor the tour to their preferences and interests.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

Age restrictions and tour requirements vary depending on the activity. It’s important to check with the tour provider for specific details. They will be able to provide information on age limitations and any other requirements for participating in the tour.

To sum it up, the Aomori City Light Walking Tour offers an incredible opportunity to explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of this vibrant destination in northern Japan.

With its 5.0 overall rating and affordable pricing options, this tour is a must-try for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience.

So put on your walking shoes and get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Aomori City.

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Visit the northernmost tip of Honshu

Top attractions in aomori.

Hirosaki Castle

Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse

Inakadate Rice Art Fields

Hakkoda Ropeway

Around aomori.

Hachinohe promises expansive coastlines, fresh seafood at the morning markets or a unique nightlife at the yatai village. The people of Hachinohe are always friendly and welcoming to visitors...

A castle town turned small city, Hirosaki is bigger than the rural towns most frequent in outer Aomori, but smaller than the regional capital. You’ll have to go a fair way off the beaten track..

Aomori City

Aomori City is the capital of Aomori prefecture, and offers much to see and do, especially along the coastline with Aomori Bay. Aomori's Nebuta Warasse Museum invites visitors to learn about..

About Aomori

Aomori (青森県, Aomori-ken ) is filled with beautiful landscapes - the gorgeous Hakkoda Mountains, the pristine Oirase River and Lake Towada , and the pretty cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle in the springtime - and as a result, it is one of the top hiking destinations in Japan during the warmer seasons.

In addition to its scenic views, tourists can travel through time by visiting the Sannai-Maruyama Ruins , an archaeological site containing ruins from the prehistoric Jomon Period (14000 - 300 BC), as well as the aforementioned Hirosaki Castle, while munching on Aomori’s famous apples. Try to visit in early August if you can to witness the spectacular Nebuta Festival !

Aomori Essentials

• Aomori Food Guide

Aomori Top 10

• Recommended

Lake Towada Backpackers Hostel

A Night With Oirase Gorge's Frozen Waterfall Illumination

Ashino Park Sakura Festival

Nokkedon Fish Market

Summer Visions of Oirase Stream

Kayaking on Towada Lake

Four Great Tohoku Festivals

Aomori Airport

Aomori: Food Guide

Nebuta Aomori Festival

Towada City Spring Festival

Misawa Air Show

Yokohama's Nanohana Festival

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

American Day in Misawa

Tanbo Art in Aomori

Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival

Tanabu Festival

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THE 10 BEST Aomori Private Tours

Private tours in aomori.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Private Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Archaeology Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide

2. Aomori Custom Full Day Tour

3. Aomori Custom Part Day Tour

4. Full-Day Jomon World Heritage Site Tour in Northern Tsugaru Area

5. Port-Pick-Up: Aomori Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

6. Aomori CIty light walking Tour

7. Half-day JOMON World Cultural Heritage Sites Tour in Aomori City

8. Half-Day Hirosaki Castle and Samurai house Tour with Guide

9. Apple Picking and Hirosaki Full day Private Tour

10. Aomori Highlights Private Full Day Tour

11. Private Tour to Big Buddha and Nebuta Museum with Licensed Guide

12. 4-Hours Private Tour of Archaeological site and art Museum

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Private Cherry Blossom Tour in Hirosaki with a Local Guide

Sanriku Reconstruction National Park Trekking and Fisherman's Lunch Tour

Full-Day Jomon World Heritage Site Tour in Hirosaki Area

Shirakami Sanchi Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide

What travellers are saying.

• Aomori Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
• Half-Day Hirosaki Castle and Samurai house Tour with Guide
• Port-Pick-Up: Aomori Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
• Full-Day Jomon World Heritage Site Tour in Northern Tsugaru Area
• Aomori Custom Full Day Tour
• Japan Awaits
• Tomio Yokouchi
• 4 Seasons Tohoku Tour Guide Club
• YOKOSO Japan Tour
• Aomori City Walking Tour

The Capital in Northern Tohoku

Aomori is a prefecture capital located at the northernmost end of the Tohoku area facing Hokkaido, on Japan’s main island Honshu. Its port is renowned for delicious fishes and seafood and the city boasts an attractive historical heritage dating back to prehistorical times, as well as the famous Nebuta Matsuri summer festival. Surrounded by green lush wilderness in summer, it is one of the most snowy Japanese cities in winter.

The blue of the ocean and the green of the forested mountains surrounding the city perfectly reflect its name Aomori, which means " blue forest ". Recently raised to the status of prefecture capital (instead of Hirosaki), and yet still a human-scale city, Aomori is nevertheless in a remote location ruled by the ubiquitous nature and a relatively difficult climate , such as:

• Tough and very snowy winters; followed by,
• Humid summers; and,
• Cold winds all year round.

Aomori’s downtown is hugging a cove in Mutsu Bay and is leaning on the Hakkoda Mountains located in the northern part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park and accessible by cable car  🚙 . Almost entirely wiped out by WWII aerial bombing in July 1945, the city offers nowadays a rather flat urban landscape, mainly made of residential and industrial neighborhoods without any particular charm.

Located at the junction between Honshu and Hokkaido islands, Aomori became a transport hub to the north of Japan. Thus:

• Shin-Aomori Station has a direct connection to Tokyo in a little bit more than 3 hours by the Hayabusa Shinkansen , that also connects to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto via the underwater Seikan Tunnel;
• The local station connects Aomori to the prefecture’s cities, such as Hirosaki (Ou JR Line) and Hachinohe (with the private company Aoimori Tetsudo);
• The Tsugaru Kaikyo ferry   ⛴️ sails several times a day every day to Hakodate ; and,
• Aomori airport receives domestic flights from several large Japanese cities.

The city is also the gateway to several protected natural sites, such as:

• Shirakami-Sanchi that is home to East Asia’s oldest and largest beech forest;
• The rock formations Hotokegaura on the western side of Shimokita peninsula; and,
• The sacred mountain Osore-zan .

Regarding accommodations, hotels  🏨 can be found in the surroundings of the stations, and ryokan traditional inns in Asamushi Onsen   ♨️ thermal resort, the hot spring   🌸 closest to Aomori, in the east of the city center. Located along the bay, its beach   🏖 facility becomes a local seaside destination in summer .

An important historical and cultural heritage

Inhabited since the Jomon period, Aomori is one of the prehistorical cradles of the Japanese civilization and therefore is home to the archaeological site of Sannai Maruyama enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage since 2021.

The city is moreover fostering an important cultural heritage renowned throughout the archipelago. The flagship event is the yearly great Nebuta Matsuri festival that takes place each summer from August 2 to 7 , when traditional floats are exhibited in the streets in a wonderful and impressive procession at nightfall . The huge float structures are made of washi paper, lit-up from the inside, and pushed by the inhabitants clothed in the festive haneto garment. A great event in the Tohoku , this matsuri attracts on average 3 million visitors each year and all the accommodations in the area are fully booked up to 1 year in advance.

When visiting Aomori at another time of the year, we highly recommend dropping by its museums , including:

• The Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE , hosting a permanent exhibition of the Nebuta Matsuri. One can admire and watch closely the festival’s floats and listen to its traditional musics and songs;
• Aomori Museum of Art , with an interesting semi-buried architecture, dedicated to contemporary art with displays of artworks by Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985) or Wassily Kandinsky (1866 - 1944), and regional artists such as Gosei Abe (1910 - 1972) and trendy Yoshitomo Nara .

In the east of the city, Seiryu-ji temple is home to Showa Daibutsu , the largest sitting bronze Buddha in Japan. Interestingly, Aomori’s tourists information center is hosted in a peculiar building looking like a pyramid on the seaside, near the local station.

A rural and gourmet prefecture

Protected by Mutsu Bay, which is located between the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Sea of Japan in the west, the activity of the fishing port has been thriving for centuries and makes this place in the northernmost end of the Tohoku the ideal location to enjoy a delicious nokke-don . This local donburi consists of white rice generously topped with Aomori’s sea food , especially scallops, squid, urchin and Oma red tuna. In the city center, we particularly recommend the popular Furukawa Fish Market , also called Aomori Gyosai Center (青森魚菜センター).

Aomori prefecture is also a rural area, and is renowned in Japan for its apple production . The picking period covers September to November , and Aomori’s specialty fruit is then available in many delicious food and drinks, such as:

• Apple juice;
• Apple cider;
• Shikanai Senbei cakes; and,

Shopping centers like A-Factory , located next to the WA-RASSE Museum, and the Aomori Shunmi Kan connected to Shin-Aomori JR station, are 2 interesting places for shopping in Aomori and bring back nice omiyage souvenirs.

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Things to do in Aomori | Travel Guide

By Author Toni Broome

Posted on Published: October 4, 2017  - Last updated: April 12, 2024

Your guide to exploring the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, Japan. From the cities to the wilderness, lakes, waterfalls and wonderful onsen. We share our top things to do in Aomori together with where to eat, play & stay in this practical travel guide.

Located at the northern tip of Honshu, the largest island in Japan, Aomori prefectures is separated from Hokkaido by the Tsugaru Strait. To the east is the Pacific Ocean and to the west is the Sea of Japan. It’s hardly surprising then that this region has some of the freshest and most delicious seafood available. It’s also an idyllic spot to discover the natural beauty, culture and customs of northern Japan.

We’ve always loved getting out of the big cities and discovering the sights, hiking trails and nature within the Japanese inaka  or countryside.  Aomori has plenty of opportunity for all of this and for our other great love in Japan, the food.

Table of Contents

1. Walk, ride or drive through the patchwork of rice fields

2.  explore the bay area, 3.  dine on fresh local sushi overlooking the water, 4. a nebuta experience at wa-rasse museum, 5.  apples 3-ways at the a-factory, 6.  live music and local cuisine at ringo bako, 7.  soak your way to better health at sukayu onsen, 8.  nature at its best in all seasons, 9.  the towado lakeside, 10.  oirase gorge, 11.  thrills without spills with guriland, 12.  hachinohe port, 13.  hachinohe shuzo sake brewery, 14.  kabushima island and its black-tipped gulls, 15.  the hachinohe bouillabaisse festa, where to stay in aomori, getting to and around aomori, things to do in aomori prefecture.

In and around Aomori City

Late summer and early autumn in Japan is when the fields turn to gold.  The rice that has ripened through the summer is dried and golden in colour, ready for harvest.  This is an essential time to the economy in rural Japan.  It’s also very beautiful whether you are passing the rice fields by train, on the road or have a little more time to take it slowly, cycling or walking along the quieter back lanes beside field after field of golden grains.

Aomori City is located on Matsu Bay at the northern end of Honshu.   I always prefer to explore new places on foot when I get the chance, it helps me to get my bearings in a new city and get a feel for its pace.  The Aomori bay area is perfect for that,  it’s a relaxed space and a hub for tourism in the city.  You’ll find Aoimui Park right on the water and the unique triangular architecture of the Tourist Centre behind that.  If you have time head up to the observatory on the 13th floor for the views, I was told you can see as far as Hokkaido from here on a clear day.

Along a little further and you’ll come to the Wa-Rasse Nubuta Museum and the A-Factory that both listed below.  Then if you continue on under the Bay bridge there is a large yellow ship which is the Hakkoda Maru, a ship commissioned in 1964 to carry trains on the crossing from Aomori on Honshu to Hakodate in southern Hokkaido prior to the tunnel opening in 1988.    It’s now permanently moored at the wharf here and houses exhibits that explain its use and history as well as providing a different view and perspective on the bay.

My first seafood fix after arriving in Aomori was lunch at the restaurant that forms part of the Wa-Rasse Museum over-looking the bay.  With so much sea surrounding Aomori and the local economy depending heavily on fishing, I wasn’t surprised to find the seafood and fish available was both diverse and of excellent quality. 

What better way to start my northern foodie adventures than with a platter of nigiri sushi.  From creamy uni (sea urchin) to rich maguro (tuna), the salty ikura (salmon eggs) to silky ika (squid) and hotate (scallops) harvested right here in the bay, it was delicious and set me up for an afternoon exploring the city.

The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is a summer festival that takes place during the first week of August each year.  During the festival these elaborate giant lantern floats featuring characters from Japanese legend and history are paraded through the town.  The floats are handmade each year and a competition will choose the best of the best although they were all very impressive.  The floats are supported by substantial wooden frames for pulling them making them extremely heavy.  Many hands are required to move them through the city streets and if you’re in town for the festival you can participate in helping to pull a float or simply join in to watch the spectacle, listen to the music and enjoy festival food.

Although 3 million people now turn up to see the parade each year it’s not practical for everyone to be in town on the one week so Wa-Rasse has been established to enable visitors to enjoy the show all year through.  The floats from the previous years festival will be on display in the purpose-built warehouse that has been painted black with starlights to simulate the night sky as the Nebuta is an evening festival.

In addition to seeing the floats, you can learn about the event and see how the lanterns are made.  If you time your visit right you can also test out your rhythm with the festival dance or playing the taiko drums.

Read more:  Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri and the WA-RASSE Experience

Located adjacent to Aomori train station (not the shinkansen station) is the A-Factory, a tourism initiative of Japan Rail.  The large facility is located right on the bay and brings together a duty-free market of fresh and packaged local produce, restaurants and a cider factory.

While A-Factory features all types of local produce the Aomori apples have pride of place.  The region is well known for its apple production supplying over half of Japans crop and 90% of the export market.  There are up to 50 different varieties grown here with the internationally known Fuji being consistently popular and my personal favourite, the Japanese developed sweet and early fruiting Tsugaru.

At the top of the stairs to the first floor you’ll find another restaurant and from here you can take the cider tour or purchase your stored value card to obtain tasters of the 10 different ciders in the bar area from the purpose-built vending machine.  You can purchase your samples in 3 different sized serves from the 10 ciders on display.  I’d have said that I like my cider on the dry side but I took the opportunity to test out a few of the sweet fruity blends that were especially good in the early afternoon.

Ringo Bako translates to apple box in English and you can immediately see how this pub style restaurant got its name.  The structure of the tables and seating are made up of dozens of stacked apple boxes which are fortunately surprisingly comfortable as you will want to stay a while.  Make sure you are settled in for dinner by 7 pm when a local shamisen player will perform on stage.  Having previously viewed this traditional instrument as producing somewhat sombre music I was surprised at the passion and lively notes that were drawn from the strings by the woman in front of me.

It wouldn’t be the only surprise of the night, Ringo Bako’s specialty is local dishes from the area and our multi-course kaiseki style meal included several dishes that were new to me including raw horse sashimi.

There’s 300 years of history preserved in Sukayu Onsen, the oldest thermal bathhouse in Aomori.  It’s renowned for its healing alkaline waters and for its oversized sen-nin-buro, literally 1000 person bath.  It’s one of less than 500 konyoku still operating in Japan since mixed bathing began to disappear during the Meiji era and legislation now means that new ones are unable to open.  As you’ll see in the photo above 1000 people is an optimistic estimate or at least a more intimate experience than I like my onsen to be.

As with all onsen in Japan, swimsuits aren’t worn but men and women are expected to stay on their own side of the pool and the screen provides some privacy to female bathers entering the water.  There’s also a smaller women-only bath in another section of the facility.  I did learn later that there’s a heavy fabric garment something like a short apron that can be purchased by women and worn at this particular onsen although I didn’t see it used and I would suspect that it would detract from the relaxing onsen experience for many bathers.

Sukayu is located in the hills near ski facilities and popular hiking trails.  After an energetic day on the powder slope or hiking in the hills, the muscle rejuvenation and relaxation would be very welcome.

Lake Towada region

Japan focuses on and celebrates all its seasons.  Up here in the north of Japan winters are cold and produce a deep layer of snow, perfect if you like to ski but the shoulder seasons of spring and summer are to me the best time of the year.  We were lucky enough to be treated to a bit of early colour in late September, a bit too early really to expect a good show but an indication of just how spectacular these hillsides will be in another few week’s time.

This is at altitude in the hills but over the next month or so colour will travel down the hillsides painting the surrounding forests, lakeside and the dramatic Oirase Gorge in its brilliant hues of red, amber and gold

Lake Towada is the largest caldera lake on the Japanese island of Honshu.  The lake is situated on the southern border of Aomori Prefecture above Akita and is surrounded by the National Park forest creating a dramatic landscape with many opportunities for hiking, boat trips and in the season, autumn colour.  From the southern shore, there are two peninsulas that jut out into the lake, the township, Towada Shrine and the well-known maiden statue are located on the western peninsula which is a good place to explore.

Given the thermal activity nearby and the proliferation of onsen, I shouldn’t have been surprised to learn that the caldera is still an active volcano, its current form the result of an eruption 5,400 years ago.  While it’s Japan’s 12th largest lake its most striking feature is the brilliant turquoise blue colour it takes on as a result of its depth, which in parts is over 300 metres deep.  To really see the best of its colour you need to get out on the water.

Lake Towada feeds out to the Pacific Ocean along the Oirase River.  The creek begins at the lakes central eastern shore and for around 14 km follows a gentle meandering route scattered with picturesque waterfalls and cascades through the National Park.  This hiking trail is one I hope to return to soon with a few days to spare to really enjoy the nature around here.  If you’re able to time your visit for the autumn leaves it’s widely agreed to be one of the most picturesque spots for it in Japan.

The hiking path roughly follows the road which is at a similar elevation to the creek so it’s not a remote hike and is mostly flat making at least sections of it accessible to most people.  There are Japan Rail bus stops all the way along the road so you can start and stop your walk at many different points.

There’s a more sedate boat trip option to see Lake Towada in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park but why take the slow boat when there’s a thrilling RIB ride option?  A RIB is a Rigid-hull Inflatable Boat, they’re a style of boat favoured by the military for their speed and manoeuvrability. 

As I fastened my camouflage patterned waterproof poncho in place over my clothes I did wonder if this was perhaps not the best idea on a cool autumn afternoon with nothing handy to change into.  As I wobbled on the inflated side of the boat wondering if I’d land inside the boat as I intended or with an ungainly flop into the cold water I questioned my choices a second time.  A few moments later as we sped off into the distance, with a huge grin on my face, there was no doubt it was the perfect way to see the lake.

Guriland is located on the southern shores of Lake Towada in the bay created between the eastern peninsula and shoreline.

The crater lake is large at 61 km² so the RIB enables you to get around the points of interest fast and have some fun along the way.  The guides are skilled and professional in controlling the boat but they do like to have some fun with their guests, using the two boats they create a whirlpool as they whizzed around in a small circle creating some decent waves.  The boats are also relatively small and easily handled allowing them to be taken up narrow channels at the side of the lake and get in close to the edge.

Around Hachinohe City

Many will recall the footage from Hachinohe following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011 .  Huge fishing vessels were washed ashore amid devastating tales of loss and destruction.  It was made even more real to me the day before our visit to Hachinohe as I awoke at 5.22 am to find my hotel room being rocked by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake.  The noise and motion on the 9th floor weren’t insignificant but it was nothing of note to those who’d experienced the 9.0 magnitude quake and its aftermath.

As we drove through Hachinohe it had been 6.5 years since the Great Tohoku Earthquake and the port and daily life had returned to normal.  A young man from Hachinohe was travelling with us, back in 2011 he would have only been in his early teens and he tells us his memories of that day and those that followed.  He speaks without emotion as is the Japanese way but it’s impossible not to feel empathy and respect for what has been overcome.

If you’re a fan of sake or simply want to understand it a bit more after a few days of passing through the extensive rice fields of Aomori then the Hachinohe Sake Brewery has a shop and tasting that’s open to the public. 

Established in 1776 the current brick factory was built in the 1920s with bricks and trade skills imported from Scotland.  While you can’t tour the factory itself you can try a variety of their sakes inside the adjacent wooden building marked by the well-recognised sugidama or cedar ball hanging outside.

Located right on the port of Hachinohe it was a blessing that Kabushima Shinto Shrine, sitting atop the small knoll on the harbour wasn’t washed away in the tidal wave following the great Tohoku earthquake.  The shrine was established in 1269 to honour the black-tailed gulls that nest nearby but was sadly burned down in late 2015. 

It wasn’t the first time that fire had destroyed Kabushima, it was ravaged previously in 1780 and rebuilt the following year, from the look of the construction walls preventing access to the torii and stairs it will soon rise again.

The Bouillabaisse Festa takes place between the 1st of February and the 31st of March each year in Hachinohe. However, I was fortunate enough to enjoy the full experience of the latest menu at the Hachinohe Park Hotel restaurant out of season.  Bouillabaisse is a French-styled seafood soup that is given a local twist for the 2-month period of the festival.

Hachinohe is a fishing port on the Northern Pacific Ocean and boats returning to this port bring a diverse catch of fish and seafood.  The first rule of the competition is that the Bouillabaisse must contain at least 4 types of fish and seafood landed in the Hachinohe port.  The second rule is that it must be served two ways, first as the traditional broth-based soup with seafood and then as part of another dish.  The variation at the Park Hotel was with the Japanese Mitten Crab soup broth surrounding a mound of seafood risotto with a crispy and slightly chewy crust. Absolutely delicious.

There were 17 restaurants participating in this particular year and based on the standard of seafood and presentation it would be high on my list to try a few of the others if I was travelling in Aomori in the winter season.

Within the Aomori city and other cities in the prefecture, accommodation is largely targeted at business travellers.  Unless you are visiting Aomori City for the Nubata Festival in the first week of August accommodation should generally not be difficult to come by. 

On this visit I stayed at the Hotel Sunroute Aomori which was clean and offered larger than average rooms for the price, the view out to the bay was good and the included Japanese breakfast was excellent.

A big attraction of Aomori Prefecture is Lake Towada and the Oirase Gorge area.  If you enjoy nature I’d suggest at least a night based here and it’s somewhere we plan to get back to together next time to fully enjoy the walking trails and the onsen facilities. 

There are a few hotels in the area but I stayed at the Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel ,  although English was limited in the resort everyone was very helpful and friendly and we got by with no issues.  The rooms are gorgeous but the big attraction for me here is the 14 km, 14 waterfall, walking path from the hotel through to Lake Towada.  The JR bus stops at the hotel, lake and a number of stops in between so you can get the bus back at the end or adjust the length of the walk if you need to. 

To warm up or pamper yourself afterwards the hotel has an onsen on the property and also runs a bus (approx 5-minute trip) to another nearby onsen with a waterfall outlook.

Most visitors arrive in Aomori either through Aomori Airport or Shin-Aomori, the Shinkansen Station.

You can fly to Aomori from most major airports around Japan.  If you’re going to fly domestically in Japan it’s worth knowing that both JAL (Japan Airlines) and ANA (All Nippon Airlines) have a regular discounted flight deal in place to any airport in the country.  For some routes such as Tokyo to Aomori with JAL it can be as little as Y5400.

While we’re big fans of the train we have used these discount air tickets on occasion including our Sapporo Snow Festival trip.   If you plan to fly it’s worth getting in as soon as the discount flight booking period opens especially if it’s for a popular event as we did or at a busy travel time.

The bullet train or shinkansen now runs all the way past Shin-Aomori to Hakodate in Hokkaido and offers a very comfortable mode of travel plus you can stop off and explore different towns along the way. 

If you’re travelling to the northern island of Hokkaido or looking to use your Japan Rail Pass to explore another region of Japan, Aomori is a convenient stop on the Tohoku Line running north from Tokyo.  From Tokyo take the direct JR East Hayabusa shinkansen and the trip will take around 3 hours.

If you plan on travelling within the Tohoku region by train the JR East Pass (Tohoku Region) might be worth a look.  Unlike the standard JR Pass this is for a specific region but allows you to travel on any 5 days in a 14-day window so may provide some extra flexibility at a more affordable price depending on your plans.

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Please feel free to ask any questions, we’ll do our best to answer.  If you have an experience or special place to visit from the Tohoku Region we’d also love to hear about it in the comments below.

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Sunday 13th of January 2019

We are a group of four arriving at the Port of Aomori by cruise ship on April 24, 2019. We are specifically interested in visiting the Hirosaki Castle - it should be quite beautiful with cherry blossom. Unfortunately, I am having trouble locating a tour or transportation.

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?

Toni Broome

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.

Sunday 23rd of December 2018

Hi Toni We’re Aussies going to be on a cruise ship that berths in Aomori on April 30. There are 6 of us and we’re looking to hire a local guide to show us around for a few hours. Your website shows many interesting places to visit. Others have said that there’s nothing much to see here. So I was wondering if you know anyone who could take the 6 of us around to show us the sights. Thank you Margaret

Monday 24th of December 2018

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.

Ryan Biddulph

Monday 9th of October 2017

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.

• Rates / Contact
• Port of Aomori
• Port of Shimizu
• Kyushu Region
• Chugoku-Shikoku Region
• Kinki Region
• Chubu Region
• Kanto Region
• Tohoku Region
• Hokkaido Region

Excursions from the Port of Aomori

Of the 47 prefectures in Japan, Aomori is the second-most northern after Hokkaido. Located in the Tohoku Region , it gets a lot of snow in winter. Actually, the entire prefecture is designated as a Heavy Snow Area (or “Snow Country”) by the Japanese government, with some parts designated as a Special Heavy Snow Area.

The port of Aomori is ensconced comfortably in Mutsu Bay. Being surrounded by two large peninsulas, the port is not affected by the hash waves. So, cruise ships can enjoy a calm and peaceful stay there. There are two piers in the port, which can accept massive international cruise ships. While most of those ships come to dock at the Shin Chuo Pier (“New Central Pier”), some of them dock at the Okidate Pier.

What we need to note here is that these two piers are about 2.5 km apart. So, if you meet someone who is going to disembark from a cruise ship, please make sure beforehand which pier that ship is scheduled to use. Otherwise, you could end up all alone at the pier. In 2019, of the 18 international cruise ships that visited Aomori Port, 5 used the Okidate Pier.

Destinations within Walking Distance from the Pier

If your ship doesn’t stay long at the port, your free time on the shore might be limited and you can’t visit far destinations. But, even if you don’t go far, you can enjoy a lot of things in the waterfront area. Furthermore, the port of Aomori is very close to the downtown area of Aomori City, which is the capital of Aomori Prefecture. So, there are a lot of interesting attractions near the port.

ASPM (pronounced “Ah! Spam!”) is the Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center run by the Aomori Sightseeing Association. Its triangular exterior represents “A” for Aomori. This facility has one of the largest souvenir shops in the prefecture, as well as one of Japan’s largest 3D panorama screen theaters where you can enjoy Aomori’s beautiful four seasons and lively festivals. Also, the view from its 13th floor observatory is superb.

The Aomori Bay Bridge is a modern bridge spanning the port of Aomori. If you take a closer look at the bridge, you will find that Aomori’s As are also used in the design of its bridge piers and cables. You can climb up this bridge using the spiral stairway to enjoy the beautiful view of Mutsu Bay. The bridge is lit up beautifully at night.

The Hakkoda-maru moored at the port is a ship museum. She used to operate frequently as a means of transportation between the ports of Aomori and Hakodate in Hokkaido. She carried about 160 million passengers in total over a period of 80 years. With the completion of the Seikan Tunnel, Japan’s largest sea tunnel which connects Honshu and Hokkaido, in the late 1980s, the Hakkoda-maru was retired and turned into a museum. Now, for a fee of 500 yen, you can see its various rooms inside.

For most people in Japan, Aomori City is closely associated with the Aomori Nebuta Festival , which is held for six days in early August. In this festival, some 20 giant floats depicting historical or mythical figures parade through the city center of Aomori, accompanied by the sound of drums and flutes. And exotic-looking dancers called haneto ecstatically dance around the floats, shouting “ Rassera ! Rassera ! Rasse ! Rasse ! Rassera !” This year (2022) saw the Aomori Nebuta Festival conducted for the first time in three years after a two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus.

In the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse , which is located just a few minutes walk from the Shin Chuo Pier, you can learn about and actually “experience” the Aomori Nebuta Festival all year round. Several real Nebuta floats are displayed in the museum so that you can take a close look at them. If you want to master haneto dance, there are regular haneto dance performances in the museum, and dancers usually ask spectators to join them.

If you want to know what kind of food local people in Aomori eat daily, you might want to go to a fish market. There are at least two popular fish markets near the port of Aomori. One is the AUGA fish market , which occupies the whole ground floor of the nine-storied complex called AUGA. With some 80 shops crammed together, which include a couple of restaurants, a vibrant atmosphere reigns here.

The other is the Aomori Gyosai Center , which the locals commonly call the “Furukawa Market.” Their dish called the Nokke-don, a sort of kaisen-don (sliced raw seafood over boiled rice) of your own making, has become very popular recently with local people and tourists alike. So, now you sometimes need to wait in line to get a ticket for the dish.

Utou Shrine is about a13-minute walk from the Shin Chuo Pier (the international cruise terminal) in Aomori Port. This is a Shinto shrine that dates back some 1,200 years. It is believed that the city of Aomori originated from this place. Some people in Aomori visit this shrine not only to pray but also to relax, as this is a tranquil place in the city’s urbanized district, with a beautiful pond where carp are swimming.

If your cruise ship is going to stay until late in the evening (or stay overnight) at the port of Aomori, some of you may be interested in visiting a local bar or izakaya (a Japanese-style pub with a variety of food on the menu). Then, you don’t need to worry because the downtown area of Aomori City offers a lot of them.

But, in case you happen to be a person who wants to explore “out-of-the-ordinary” places, strolling around the Daisan Shinkougai area could be one of the options (although we don’t recommend it so strongly). It seems there are a couple of small-size bars still operating there. The words Daisan Shinkougai literally means “The Newly-developed District No.3” in Japanese. But obviously there is nothing “new” there (and don’t ask where are No.1 and No.2). On the contrary, it is as if something from the past just comes and stares into our souls.

Rough Map of Aomori

The rough map below shows where popular tourist destinations in Aomori Prefecture are located in relation to Aomori Port. Each letter of the alphabet on the map corresponds to the one that appears in the subsequent sentences.

Destinations within One Hour by Car from the Port

With its 18 different peaks, the Hakkoda Mountain range is one of the symbols of Aomori City. Being part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, it offers enjoyment of each of the four seasons, such as hiking in summer, colored-leaves viewing in autumn, and skiing and rime viewing in winter. From the port of Aomori, it takes about 40 minutes by car to reach the Hakkoda Ropeway cable car station (A) , which is one of the most popular attractions in the Hakkoda area. For details, please check out this exclusive page for Hakkoda Mountains on this website.

The Sannai Maruyama Site (B) is an approximately 15-minute drive southwest from Aomori Port. This is the ruins of a very large settlement during the mid Jomon Period. (The Jomon Period spanned roughly from 13,000 BCE to 900 BCE). There are a couple of impressive Jomon structures which were reconstructed based on the excavation findings. And in the museum, Jomon Jiyukan , you can see a number of artifacts excavated from the site. This archaeological site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2021. For more details of Sannai Maruyama, please check out this Jomon Period page on this website.

Seiryu-ji Temple (C) is about a 20-minute drive east from the port of Aomori. Located in a tranquil countryside, this Buddhist temple had been visited by some hundreds of international cruise ship passengers before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The temple’s Great Buddha ( Showa Daibutsu ) is the largest bronze seated Buddha statue in Japan. With a height of 21.35 meters, it exceeds in size its more well-known counterparts in Nara and Kamakura. The temple’s 39.35m five-storied pagoda is also impressive. Made of Aomori’s white cedar lumber, it is the largest wooden five-storied pagoda in Eastern Japan.

Hirosaki Castle (D) is a historically important castle in that many of its structures are not the reconstructions but the originals from the Edo Period (1603-1868). In particular, its main castle tower ( tenshu ) is the only existing Edo-Period castle tower in Northern Japan. From its honmaru (the castle’s main area), you can see a magnificent view of Mount Iwaki, the highest mountain in Aomori Prefecture.

The entire castle grounds are used as a park now (Hirosaki Castle Park). There are about 2,600 cherry trees planted in the park. These cherry trees are in full blossom from the end of April through the beginning of May, during which time over a million people come to visit the castle park. Usually, it takes about one hour by car from Aomori Port to Hisosaki Castle, but during the cherry blossom season, you might need to allow for some extra time because the roads might be congested.

Hirosaki City has its own Hirosaki Neputa Festival , which is somewhat similar to the Aomori Nebuta Festival but different in many points. Some 80 giant floats, many of which are fan-shaped, parade through the city from August 1 through August 7, with people shouting “ Yahhhh Ya Doughhhh ! Yahhhh Ya Doughhhhh !” These floats are so beautiful that they are sometimes described as “moving museums.”

Destinations within Two Hours by Car from the Port

The area that includes Lake Towada and Oirase Keiryu is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Northern Japan. Along with the Hakkoda Mountains, this area is part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It takes about 1.5 hours by car from Aomori Port to the Yasumiya stop along Lake Towada. So, the feasibility of your visit to this area would depend on how long your cruise ship stays at the port.

Lake Towada (E) is a large crater lake which lies at the altitude of 401 meters above sea level. With the depth of 326.8 meters (at the deepest point), it is the third deepest lake in Japan, and its deep blue surface color partly comes from this depth. The Yasumiya stop along the lake’s southern shore is, with a lot of shops and restaurants, the center of the sightseeing activities at Lake Towada, and excursion boats usually arrive and depart from this point. The boats cruise around the lake for 50 minutes, and they operate during the period from mid-April to mid-November. Also, a 10-minute walk from the excursion-boat pier will take you to the iconic Otome-no-Zo statue (“The Maiden Statue”), which is the last work by a famous poet and sculptor named Kotaro Takamura.

The Oirase River drains Lake Towada and exits into the Pacific Ocean. The upper reaches of the river, which spans about 14km, is called Oirase Keiryu (F) , or Oirase Mountain Stream. This area is designated as a Special Scenic Place as well as a national Natural Treasure. Very clear water is flowing in the stream, and there are a number of interesting spots (features) along the stream, such as Ashura Rapid, Choshi Falls, and Kumoi Falls. Some people try to hike the entire 14km trail while others visit a couple of these famous features only, using a taxi, rental car, or bus.

Shirakami Sanchi (G) , or Shirakami Mountains, is a vast mountainous area in the southwest part of Aomori Prefecture. (A part of Shirakami’s southern area belongs to Akita Prefecture.) Covered with the primitive forest of buna (Japanese Siebold’s beech), this area has long avoided human exploitation. In 1993, Sakami Sanchi became one of the first UNESO Natural World Heritage sites in Japan. Despite the distance from the port of Aomori (about a 90- to 120-minute drive), a lot of cruise ship passengers came to visit this area before the coronavirus pandemic.

Other Destinations

With a history of more than 1,200 years, Asamushi Onsen (H) , which is a 25-minute drive from the pier, is one of the most popular and prestigious hot spring resorts in Northern Japan. Even amidst the coronavirus pandemic, some nine onsen ryokan (inns with a hot spring facility) still operate as of September 2022, and some of them offer a “day-visit spa,” which doesn’t require overnight stays. The free ashiyu (hot-spring footbath) service in front of JR Asamushi Station is popular with tourists.

Takayama Inari Shrine (I) , which is about a 65-minute drive from the pier, is a Shinto shrine situated just 500 meters from the Sea of Japan. The kami (Shinto deities) enshrined in this shrine are believed to bring people a good harvest, marine safety, and business prosperity. This place is sometimes described as “another-worldly,” with its exotic path of torii gates, which reminds us of that famous shrine in Fushimi, Kyoto.

As with the cities of Aomori and Hirosaki, Goshogawara City in Western Aomori has its own unique festival called the Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival. Three giant floats at a height of more than 20 meters grandly parade through the city to the sound of drums and flutes, along with dancers calling out “ Yatte Mar-rei ! Yatte Mar-rei !” (“Go get’em! Go get’em!”). At the Tachineputa Museum (J) in Goshogawara City (about a 50-minute drive from the pier), you can enjoy this lively festival all year round.

Since its completion in 1994, Tsuru-No-Mai Bridge (K) has attracted a lot of visitors. Spanning 300 meters, it is the longest triple arched wooden bridge in Japan. The bridge is a photogenic spot with Mount Iwaki seen clearly in the background. Situated in Tsuruta Town in Western Aomori, it takes about one hour by car from Aomori Port to reach this place.

Location of Shin Chuo Pier in Aomori Port (English Map)

In April 2019, the International Cruise Terminal was completed at the Shin Chuo Pier in Aomori Port. Since then, CIQ procedure has become much simpler for international travelers. From the pier, it is a 5-minute drive to JR Aomori Station and about a 30-minute drive to Aomori Airport.

Other Photos

The conclusion is that we’d like you to enjoy your visit to Aomori. Other than the places introduced here, there are a lot of interesting destinations in Aomori. Furthermore, people in Aomori are very kind. They can be a little taciturn, but they know how to endure the long and cold winter months. Enjoy!

Photographs: taken at various locations in Aomori Prefecture, by T. Terada, unless otherwise noted.

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Where to go?

What to do, 20 things to do in aomori.

Source: Kat Sniffen

With a sterling reputation as one of Japan’s most beautiful prefectures, Aomori is certainly a place that avid travelers should consider visiting while navigating the sights and sounds of Japan. Even Aomori’s capital, Aomori City, is considered one of the most pleasant and idyllic towns to live in. A lot of the great places to see in Aomori are easily accessed, so if you’re traveling in a budget but still want to see some of the best sights that Japan has to offer, this is certainly the place to go.

1. Explore the Hakkuda-Maru

Source: foooomio

Hear the tales of the Hakkoda-Maru’s exemplary service and sacrifice while walking through the actual vessel at the Hakkoda Memorial Ship. A self-guided tour of the ship will lead you from the promenade deck-turned-museum, to a handful of preserved rooms and then to the deepest levels of the ship at the engine room. The on-board museum also features large dioramas and model ships to admire.

Information Name: Hakkuda Maru Memorial Ship Price: ¥500 Access: 5 minute walk from the Aomori Station Opening hour: 9:00-19:00 (Apr – Oct), 9:00 – 17:00 (Nov – Mar)

2. Enjoy the Famous Aomori Nebuta Festival

Source: tsuda

Let the view of humongous paper dolls decorating the Tohoku night sky amaze you at the world famous Aomori Nebuta Festival. Ranked as one of the four largest festivals of the Tohoku district, the Nebuta Matsuri has a sister festival held in the nearby town of Hirosaki called the Neputa Festival. Be sure to watch out for the main attraction of the festival, which involves a parade of large three dimensional warrior dolls.

3. Try Aomori’s Apples

Source: t-mizo

Crisp, juicy, and so tantalizingly sweet, Aomori’s apples are actually the prefectures biggest export product. This region of Japan has several varieties of apples, each of which deserve a taste. The biggest apple produced in Aomori is called the Sekaiichi, while yellow apples are called Orin or Kinsei. Another kind of apple grown in the prefecture is called Mutsu, while the popular Fuji apple can also be sourced from the area.

4. Visit the Nebuta Warasse

Source: Herry Lawford

Featuring a stunning architecture and design, the Nebuta Warasse is a must-see cultural center in the heart of Aomori that is dedicated to the Nebuta Festival. If you missed out on experiencing the actual festival, this is center is the best thing. Inside the Nebuta Warasse are five massive floats used the parade from the previous year as well video installations, photographs and paintings by famous Japanese artists. Happy exploring!

Information Name: Nebuta Warasse Price: ¥600 Access: 5 minute walk from the Aomori Station Opening hour: 9:00 – 19:00

5. Relax at Aoi Umi Park

Looking for a great view of Mutsu Bay? Head to the relaxing Aoi Umi Park situated next to the Aomori Park and take a leisurely walk around the area to get some stunning views of the magnificent bay. From the park, you can explore the Aomori La-Bridge and make your way to the Hakkoda-Maru Memorial Ship for even more fantastic views. Of course, you can also opt to simply stay in the park and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Information Name: Aoi Umi Park Address: 1-103-2 Yasukata, Aomori-shi 030-0803 Price: Free admission Access: 10 minute walk from the Aomori Station

6. Have A Sip of Sake

Source: Sarah_Ackerman

Did you know that Aomori is also known for it’s sake? A favored liquor in Japan, sake has a crisp and yet subtle flavor and can be enjoyed chilled or warmed. Some of the country’s best sake is produced in Aomori, so for those of you who are old enough to have a drink, be sure to head to a sake house to sample some of the prefecture’s finest products.

7. Enjoy the View at the ASPAM Observation Deck

Among one of the first things you should definitely do upon arrival at Aomori is to visit the city’s tourist center and make your way to the top of the massive building. At the top of the building’s pyramid-like structure, you’ll find the ASPAM Observation Deck, which delivers a awe-inspiring view of the city skyline. While the day view is stunning, be sure to come back in the evening to see the entire city illuminated in beautiful and colorful lights.

Information Name: ASPAM Building Address: 1-140 Yasukata, Aomori 030-0803 Access: 2 minute walk from the Aomori Station

8. Buy Aomori Cider

Just a quick walk from the Aomori Station is the A-Factory, a duty-free shopping center that features a built-in facility for the production of Aomori apple cider. With apples being the top export of Aomori, it’s only fitting to take home a bottle of their delicious locally produced cider. The sweet and refreshing taste alongside delicate bubbles will leave you wanting more. You can even watch the cider production live at the A-Factory.

Information Name: A-Factory Address: 1-4-2 Yanagikawa, Aomori-shi, Aomori Access: 3 minute walk from Aomori Station

9. Trek Up Hakkoda Mountain

Source: C.K. Tse

The howling peaks of Hakkoda Mountain are home to a surreal natural beauty, but also tragic tales of Japanese soldiers. Learn about the history of Hakkoda-san while challenging the volcanic ranges in the northern area of the mountain. For those traveling during the frosty winter months, the mountain becomes a hub for winter sports with avid skiers and snow boarders coming in from all over world.

10. Ride the Hakkoda Ropeway

Source: Mihai-Florin Apostu Oota

Described by CNN Travel as one of the 10 best ropeways to experience in Japan, the Hakkoda Ropeway gives travelers a taste of the mountains breathtaking scenery without having to brave the heart pumping descent down it’s steep mountain side. Tickets can be purchased for one way or round trip rides to this unforgettable mountain top experience.

Information Name: Hakkoda Ropeway Address: 1-12 Kansuizawa, Arakawa, Hakkoda-san Access: ¥1180 (One-way), ¥1850 (Round trip) Opening hour: 9:00 – 16:20

11. Relax at Sakuya Onsen

When you’re up in the mountains and the cold is starting to eat away at your soul, there’s nothing more heart warming than taking a dip in a hot spring. Sukayo Onsen has been operating for over 300 years and features the oldest timber building and facility in the entire Hakkoda area. If you want to spend a few days here, the guest rooms of the ryokan are comfortable and styled in the traditional Japanese way.

Information Name: Sakuya Onsen Address: 50 Sakayusawa Arakawayama Kokuyurin Arakawa-minami, Aomori-shi, Aomori-ken 030-0111 Price: ¥600 Access: Take the train to the Sukayu Onsen Mae Stop Opening hour: 7:00 – 17:30 Website: www.sukayu,jp/Tops/index

12. Visit the Asamushi Aquarium

From impressive dolphin shows to a kid-friendly petting area, the Asamushi Aquarium promises a fantastic experience for solo travelers and families alike. The aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals, 400 of them being rare species endemic to Aomori or from around the world. Be sure to stop by the aquarium’s main attraction, a massive salt water tank with a 15 meter long glass tunnel that gives the illusion of walking under the ocean.

Information Name: Asamushi Aquarium Address: 1-25 Babayama Asamushi, Aomori-shi, Aomori 039-3501 Price: ¥1020 (Adults), ¥500 (Students), Free (Child) Access: 10 minute walk from the Asamushi Onsen Station Opening hour: 9:00 – 17:00 Website: http://www.asamushi-aqua.com

13. Watch the Hachinohe Enburi Festival

Source: felicito rustique jr.

Just before the arrival of spring in the North, the citizens of the Hachinohe host the fascinating Enburi Festival to pray for a rich and bountiful harvest. Watch as dancers, musicians and singers gather around large bells called “kane” and perform various prayers and dances. See the eboshi hats of the dancers, which are shaped to look like the heads of horses, and various enburi dances. For the full experience, start your journey with the festival parade at the Shinra Jinja Shrine.

14. Eat Delicious Seafood

It’s an unarguable fact that Aomori is home to some of the best fresh and seasonal seafood that the entire country has to offer. As such, it would be a shame to be so close to world-class seafood and not enjoy it. Dozens of restaurants in Aomori offer delicious seafood bowls at inexpensive prices. Tuck into the fish raw to enjoy the freshness and overall quality of these marine products. Oishi!

15. Visit the Aomori Bay Bridge

Source: Robert Montgomery

Traveling as a couple? Head to Aomori’s popular dating spot and romantic lane at the Aomori Bay Bridge. With an impressive design and construction, the bridge offers one of the best views in Aomori City and features a recreational trail that’s easy to walk. It’s at this trail, called the Blue Sea Park, where the sea breeze is the best and view the brightest, that many local lovers come to profess their love for each other. Traveling solo? It’s still got a great view, so check it out!

Information Name: Aomori Bay Bridge Access: 5 minute walk from the Aomori Station

16. See the Seiryu-ji Temple

Relax and let your mind be at rest within the serenity of the Seiryu-ji Temple grounds. Despite being a relatively young temple, built in 1982, the Seiryu-ji Temple has grown into one of the prefecture’s most beloved temples. The temple is home to largest seated and bronze Buddha statue in the country, the Showa Daibutsu, which is a jaw dropping sight to behold all on its own. Additionally, the temple certainly provides a captivating landscape for people from all walks of life to relish.

Information Name: Seiryu-Ji Temple Address: Yamazaki-45-2 Kuwabara, Aomori 030-0935

17. Discover the Sannai Maruyama Site

Source: yisris

Transport yourself to the Jomon Era of Japan, roughly 2,000 – 10,000 years ago, and discover what life during this era was like. One of the more well known excavation sites of the country, the archaeological site has turned up an incredible collection of undamaged artifacts. You can even walk through reconstructed dwellings at the site.

Information Name: Sannai Maruyama Address: Sannai Maruyama 305, Aomori Access: Take a bus to the Menkyo Center stop Opening hour: 9:30 – 17:30 (Jun – Sep), 9:00 – 16:30 (Oct – May) Website: www.sannaimaruyama.pref.aomori.jp

18. Go to the Aomori Museum of Art

Admire a vast collection of art dedicated to artists from the Aomori Prefecture at the Aomori Museum of Art. Some of the artists features in the museum’s permanent collection include Yashimoto Nara, a pop icon of Japan, and Munakata Shiko, a master print maker. Other works showcased are those of Told Narita, the man behind a majority of the monsters showcased in the television show, Ultraman.

Information Name: Aomori Museum of Art Address: 185 Chikano, Yasuta, Aomori Price: ¥510 (Adult), ¥300 Child Access: Take a bus to the Menkyo Center stop Opening hour: 9:00 – 17:00 Website: www.aomori-museum.jp/en/index.html

19. Enjoy the Hiraski Neputa Matsuri

Source: Rosino

Head to the city of Hirosaki for the Neputa Matsuri which takes places annually between the 1st of August to the 7th. As one of Hirosaki’s four major festivals, the entire city comes ablaze in festival lights and lanterns as participants pull parade floats of Samurai paintings and figures through the streets with gusto. To match the fascinating sights, musicians join the parade with thumping beats of Neputa drums and flute tunes which performers dance along to. Does this festival seem familiar? That’s because it’s a closely related to the Nebuta Matsuri of Aomori.

20. Visit the Neputa Village

Not going to make it for the actual Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri? The second best thing to do if you still want to experience a bit of what the festival has to offer is to visit the Neputa Village. Dedicated to the city’s famous festival, Neputa Village is home to some of the intricately painted floats and screen used during the festival’s parade. As a bonus, some of Hirosaki’s specialty goods and handicrafts are also displayed.

Information Name: Neputa Village Price: ¥550 Access: 5 minute walk from the Bunka Center-mae Bus Stop Opening hour: 9:00 – 17:30

All in all, Aomori is and always will be a gorgeous prefecture of Japan. After experiencing the best that the prefecture has to offer, we have no doubt that you’ll want to come back for more. If you want to make this area one stop in a long journey, it makes a great jump off point to Hokkaido via ferry and to Hakodate via train.

Have a good trip and travel!

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