Aomori

Introduction

Located in the Tōhoku region, Aomori serves as the capital city of Aomori Prefecture. You will find this core city at the heart of the Aomori metropolitan area.

Before you go

Before you arrive, you can consult the local tourist association's website to access a multilingual guide that will help you navigate your trip.

Getting there

You can reach the city by air via Aomori Airport, which hosts flights from several locations including Tokyo Haneda, Nagoya Centrair, Osaka Itami, Sapporo Chitose, Fukuoka, and Seoul Incheon. Once you land, a bus ride will connect you to the Aomori train station.

Train travel offers multiple options for your journey:

• From Tokyo, you can take the Hayabusa or Hayate Shinkansen trains to Shin-Aomori station, where regular trains shuttle you to the more centrally-located Aomori station.
• Alternatively, you can reach the city by highway bus from Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, or via several other points including Shinjuku and Tokyo Disneyland.
• If traveling from Sendai, daytime buses provide a connection to the city.

Getting around

You can find taxis readily available at the train station for your convenience. If you prefer taking a bus, head to the terminal located outside the station. An attendant at the city bus counter can provide specific instructions on which stop to use, the arrival times, and where to disembark; note that you pay for your fare upon exiting the bus.

The Nebutan-go shuttle bus serves as a convenient way to reach various tourist sites, including the Prefectural Art Museum and both Aomori and Shin-Aomori Stations. For local exploration, anything within the downtown Shinmachi area is easily accessible on foot. If you need further assistance with transportation or other inquiries, you can visit the information center located next to the train station.

Where to stay

You can find numerous hotels along Shinmachi, the main street extending from the train station. These accommodations are situated in close proximity to the station, with those located nearest to the transport hub being more premium. If you prefer a stay in the Honcho entertainment area, you can find clean rooms that are popular for meetings and weddings.

For a different experience, you can travel by train to Asamushi Onsen to stay at a traditional inn. These establishments offer both day plans and overnight stays that include meals and access to hot spring baths.

Food & drink

Savor a wide variety of local flavors in Aomori, where your palate can explore specialties including apples, scallops, and garlic. For a unique culinary experience, visit a seafood and vegetable market to create your own nokkedon sushi bowl by selecting various toppings from different vendors. If you prefer traditional local dishes, seek out a meal featuring sea urchins, scallops, and egg served in a dish resembling a large shell, or try the region's unique miso-curry-milk ramen at a small shop. For those seeking a break from Japanese cuisine, find an eclectic mix of international flavors and extensive drink menus nearby.

Explore the local beverage scene by sampling regional favorites such as cider—a sparkling apple wine—and Denshu, a famous local sake served in various izakayas and sushi restaurants. You can enjoy these drinks in the city center at a courtyard featuring several bars and taverns where you can sit outside during warm weather, or visit a nearby bar that offers standard fare alongside darts.

Explore the cultural heart of the town center where you can visit a distinctive red building to view Nebuta floats and exhibits. Nearby, the Aomori Bay Bridge spans a harbor inlet, while the nearby Hakkōda-maru Memorial Ship offers a look into regional maritime history and serves as a beer garden on summer nights. You can also find a memorial dedicated to a popular ballad near the ferry terminal or visit the triangular ASPAM building for an observation deck overlooking the city and harbor. For those seeking spiritual tranquility, Utou Shrine features peaceful gardens and ponds.

Head toward the southwest area to explore the Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art, which houses works by Yoshitomo Nara and Marc Chagall, or visit the nearby Sannai Maruyama site to see Jomon period reconstructions. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, travel to the hot springs resort town of Asamushi Onsen to enjoy its many inns or visit the local aquarium featuring dolphin shows. For a traditional experience, join the lively Nebuta Festival in August to see massive illuminated paper lanterns and costumed dancers parading through the streets. Alternatively, you can find a convenient hot spring bath just a short walk from the station if you need to relax after traveling.

• Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art
• Sannai Maruyama
• Nebuta House Wa Rasse
• Hakkōda-maru Memorial Ship
• Asamuri Aquarium
• Utou Shrine
• Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum of Art
• Machinaka Onsen
• Hakkōda Ropeway
• Moya Hills

Three days in Aomori

Day one, you arrive at Aomori Airport or via the Hayabusa and Hayate Shinkansen trains from Tokyo. You can begin your journey by exploring the local area around Aomori Stations before heading into the heart of the city.

Day two, you wander through the historic streets of Shinmachi and Honcho to experience the local atmosphere. You can visit the Prefectural Art Museum to view various works and immerse yourself in the culture of the region.

Day three, you travel further into the countryside to experience Asamushi Onsen or explore the surrounding area. You can savor Japanese cuisine as you conclude your time in Aomori Prefecture.

About this place

• Aomori