Aomori

Hirosaki Castle

Located in Aomori, this historic Edo-period site boasts a three-story keep, scenic moats, and lush gardens. Renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring, it transforms into a picturesque wonderland, offering visitors a serene and culturally rich experience with its preserved architecture and seasonal beauty.

Hirosaki Park

With 2,600 cherry trees, Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s three major cherry blossom spots. Many visitor locally and from other prefectures gather here to enjoy the picnic under the cherry trees. The lighting of trees at night are spectacular and cannot be missed.

Shirakami Sanchi

Shirakami Sanchi is located on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures and is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area includes the last virgin forest of Siebold’s beech which in the past covered most of northern area of Japan.

Hiking is popular in this area and Anmon falls is a must-see spot. Anmon falls are three beautiful waterfalls that are blended in with the different colors of nature, creating a breathtaking mystical atmosphere. The trail to Anmon Falls is closed from late November to late April due to winter season.

You will need to get on a bus from Hirosaki station and will take a bit over 2 hours to get to Shirakami Sanchi.

Aomori Prefectural Museum

Located approximately 15 minutes walk from Aomori station, Aomori Prefectural Art Museum (Aomori Kenritsu Bijutsukan) has eight permanent exhibition rooms and one special exhibition hall. You can learn the historical archaeological sites and artifacts of Aomori Prefecture. The collection of artifacts from the Jomon Period (BC10,000-BC400) is a must see.

There is also an experience zone for children to encourage an interest in the history and culture of Aomori.

Aomori Museum of Art

The museum opened in 2006 and exhibits contemporary artwork of Aomori creative artists.

The museum’s iconic symbol “The Aomori Dog” by Yoshimoto Nara is a concrete statue of a dog which measures 8.5 meters height. Many visitors purchase the piggy bank that has a shape of The Aomori Dog as a souvenir. The museum displays over 120 works from drawings to three-dimensional works by Yoshitomo Nara.

Auga Fish Market

Just a short walk from Aomori Station, Auga Fish Market is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Located in the basement of the Auga shopping complex, the market offers a variety of fresh, locally caught seafood, including tuna, scallops, and crab. Visitors can enjoy the unique “nokke-don” experience, creating a custom rice bowl with seafood toppings from the vendors. Its lively atmosphere and fresh flavors showcase the essence of Aomori’s fishing culture.

Seiryu-ji Temple

Seiryu-ji is one of the few new temples founded in Japan, been only built in 1982. There are two beautiful buildings to see at Seiryu-ji: Showa Daibutsu and Pagoda.

The Showa Daibutsu measures 21 meters in height, and is Japan’s tallest seated bronze statue of Buddha and is taller than the famous Daibutsu of Nara.

Pagoda in Seiryu-ji measures 39 meters and is the tallest wooden pagoda in the Tohoku region.

Seiryu-ji is located approximately 1 hour by train from Aomori station.

Jogakura Ohashi Bridge

Jogakura Ohashi Bridge connects Tsugaru and Nambu regions. It is the longest deck arch bridge in Japan, stretching for 360 meters.

The scenic view around Jogakura Bridge is fabulous with nature and view of Jogakura Keiryu streams. The best time to visit this area is in Autumn season, where you can enjoy the scene of mixed color of leaves creating beautiful foliage view.

It is accessible via train and will take approximately 1.5 hours from Aomori station.

Jogakura Onsen

The Jogakura Onsen is located within Jogakura Hotel and is a popular destination for visitors. This hot spring is an open air bath which allows you to enjoy the bath while in beautiful nature scene. It can be enjoyed throughout the year with each season having it’s own unique scenary.

The bath is all natural water and helps with nerve pains, muscle aches, joint pains and body coldness.

You can visit the Jogakura Hotel website here

Sannai Maruyama Site

It is one of Japan’s largest historical sites from Jomon period, believed to be from 4000 to 5500 years ago. The site was discovered in 1992 while excavating the area for construction. The site features several pit-houses and stilt-houses.

These historical architecture are designated as a National Special Historical Site of Japan.

It is located 15 minute bus ride from Aomori station.

Nebuta Wa Rasse

Nebuta Wa Rasse, located just a few minutes from Aomori Station, is a vibrant museum dedicated to the iconic Nebuta Matsuri, one of Japan’s most famous festivals. Visitors can marvel at the intricately crafted, illuminated floats used in the festival parades and learn about the history and techniques behind their creation through interactive exhibits. With live performances and immersive displays, Nebuta Wa Rasse offers a captivating glimpse into Aomori’s rich cultural heritage year-round.

Furukawa Fish Market

Furukawa Fish Market, also known as Aomori Gyosai Center, is a popular destination to experience fresh seafood in Aomori. In the market, you can enjoy Nokke-don which is a do-it-yourself rice bowl dish. Visitors can buy a bowl of rice, then choose the seafood toppings such as tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, sea urchins, and many more and create your own donburi rice bowl dish.

The market is located very close to Aomori station and will only take 5 minute walk.

Hachinohe

Hachinohe is a city located in the east coast of Aomori prefecture. It is the 2nd largest city in Aomori and has many places for visitors to enjoy.

Kabushima Shrine (蕪嶋神社) is one of the famous locations to visit, being a place to pray for relationships and matchmaking. This shinto shrine has been protected as a National Natural Monument of Japan since 1922.

Miroku Yokocho is the most popular spot with over 20 tiny bars located in small side street. You can enjoy Hachinohe-style ramen which is a simple yet delicious soy sauce flavoured ramen.

Visit Hachinohe official tourism site here

Aomori Nebuta Festival

The Aomori Nebuta Festival, held annually from August 2nd to 7th, is a vibrant celebration filled with dazzling illuminated floats, lively parades, and traditional music. The festival's stunning displays and energetic atmosphere make it one of Japan's most exciting and colorful summer events.