Travel Guide: Aomori
The port city is famous for giant lantern floats, ancient history, and scallops.
Cover photo: Nebuta lantern float depicting samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経), created by artist Ryuho Tatsuta (立田 龍宝), representing the Tohoku Electric Power Nebuta Fan Club (東北電力ねぶた愛好会), Aomori, Japan (2024). Photo by Danny With Love.
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Intro
Bordering the Sea of Japan, Tsugaru Strait, and Pacific Ocean, Aomori is the northernmost prefecture on Japan’s mainland Honshu. Due to its unique geography, capital Aomori City is called the snowiest city in the world — boasting an average yearly snowfall of 8 meters (26 feet). The area also offers prehistoric settlements, delicious scallops, and Japan’s most famous festival.
I visited Aomori Prefecture for the exciting summer season, stopping in both Hirosaki and Aomori City. It was an unforgettable experience; I found Aomori’s Nebuta Festival simply jaw-dropping. I also enjoyed exploring the Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site and Aomori Museum of Art. The small city is so rich with culture! Please read on for more information and travel tips.
History
Once a fishing village called Utou (善知鳥), Aomori City (青森市) was developed into a port town by the Tsugaru Clan in the 17th century. The name Aomori refers to the area’s lush nature, translating to “Green Forest.”
In 1871, the Tsugaru Domain and surroundings were combined into Aomori Prefecture (青森県) by the Meiji Government and the prefectural office was established in Aomori City.
Apple farming was introduced to the region in 1877 and the area’s economy remains predominantly agrarian. Aomori City suffered a major fire in 1910; it was again devastated by bombing in World War II. The Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) reached Aomori in 2010. Today, the city is home to some 275,000 people.
Nebuta Matsuri (Festival)
Aomori City’s top attraction is the spectacular Nebuta Festival, featuring parades of giant lantern floats, accompanied by music and dancing. Held from August 2nd to 7th, the event concludes with a marine procession on Aomori Bay and fireworks — reservations recommended.
According to national surveys, Nebuta Matsuri is Japan’s most famous festival! Visitors can also experience the festival year-round at the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse. For additional events, I suggest visiting nearby Hirosaki.
Jomon Period
Outside festival season, Aomori’s top attraction is the Sannai Maruyama Ruins — one of the nation’s largest prehistoric settlements, inhabited for a continuous 1,500 years during the ancient Jomon Period. The UNESCO World Heritage site includes a state-of-the-art museum, reconstructed buildings, and active excavation work.
Aomori Museum of Art
Additionally, I recommend a visit to the Aomori Museum of Art. The institution showcases work by local artists, including world-renowned Yoshitomo Nara (奈良 美智) — a native of Hirosaki. A major highlight is Nara’s Aomori-Ken, a titanic white dog reaching a height of 8.5 meters (29 feet). The museum also features paintings by Belarusian-French artist Marc Chagall.
Cuisine
Aomori Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of apples, as well as cassis (black currant). Of course, Aomori also offers excellent seafood — it’s especially famous for scallops. I recommend Maruo Shokudo for kaisendon and the Osanai Apple Shop for apple pie!
Transportation & Accommodation
Aomori City is about four hours from Tokyo by train. It’s also served by Aomori Airport. The city center is small and walkable, with most attractions easily accessible by bus. Hotels are centered around downtown. I recommend booking accommodations as early as possible for Nebuta Festival.
Top Attractions
Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse (Festival Gallery)
Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site (Jomon Museum) UNESCO
Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Center (Observation Deck)
Aomori Museum of Art (Modern & Contemporary)
A-Factory (Local Souvenir Shop)
Hakkoda Ropeway*
Aomori City Forestry Museum (Woodworking)*
Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkodamaru (Maritime Museum)*
Aomori Contemporary Art Centre*
Sukayu Onsen (Mixed-Gender Hot Springs)*
Utou Shrine
Asamushi Aquarium*
*I have not visited these attractions.
Additional Ideas
I highly recommend pairing a visit to Aomori City with Hirosaki, the prefecture’s historic center. Hokkaido’s southern city of Hakodate is also nearby — about two hours by train or four by ferry.
