Aomori Top 20 Attractions: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Discover pristine nature, World Heritage sites, legendary festivals, and authentic Japanese culture in Japan's northern frontier.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Aomori Special?
- Top 20 Must-Visit Attractions
- 3 Essential Food Destinations
- 3 Recommended Accommodations
What Makes Aomori Special?
Aomori Prefecture is located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, Japan's main island, in the Tohoku region. Surrounded by ocean on three sides—the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Sea of Japan to the west, and the Tsugaru Strait to the north—and bordered by the World Natural Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi and Mt. Hakkoda mountains to the south, Aomori boasts abundant natural beauty.
The prefecture is also rich in historical sites that deeply connect with Japan's ancient past, along with numerous festivals showcasing traditional culture. These include the 800-year-old "Hachinohe Enburi" harvest prayer festival, the 280-year-old "Hachinohe Sansha Taisai," and the nearly 300-year-old "Aomori Nebuta Festival."
Best Time to Visit
Aomori experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique scenery and cuisine. For combining sightseeing with nature appreciation, April to May is ideal—the weather is warm and pleasant, allowing you to witness both winter and spring landscapes simultaneously. Mountain snow, green trees, flowers, and vast canola fields create a stunning visual symphony.
However, early August is highly recommended as this is when Aomori's most important traditional festival, the "Aomori Nebuta Festival," takes place. Witnessing this spectacular celebration is an unforgettable experience.
Seasonal Clothing Guide
- Spring (March-May): Heavy jacket or coat
- Summer (June-August): T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts
- Autumn (September-November): Sweaters, cardigans
- Winter (December-February): Heavy coats, wool suits, thick sweaters and jackets
Getting to Aomori
Aomori offers multiple transportation options. The prefecture has two airports: Aomori Airport and Misawa Airport. Flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Aomori Airport also serves international flights, making it accessible for overseas visitors.
Additionally, reaching Aomori by shinkansen (bullet train) or highway bus from within Japan is very convenient.
Transportation Within Aomori
The main transportation within Aomori Prefecture consists of trains and buses. There are 5 JR lines and 3 other railway lines. Combined with buses, you can easily reach major tourist attractions.
Top 20 Must-Visit Attractions
Visiting Aomori means experiencing sites steeped in ancient Japanese history and traditional culture, including Jomon period ruins and the nearly 300-year-old "Aomori Nebuta Festival."
After exploring Aomori's history and culture, discover the healing power of nature at World Natural Heritage Site "Shirakami Sanchi" and "Lake Towada." The prefecture is also dotted with famous hot springs of excellent quality and secret healing baths where you can soak away travel fatigue.
1. Aomori Nebuta Festival
The "Aomori Nebuta Festival" runs for 7 days from August 2-7 annually in Aomori City, attracting approximately 3 million visitors each year. This historic festival, believed to have originated in the Nara period, is one of the three major festivals of Tohoku.
The festival's highlight is the giant Nebuta floats featuring human figures. The largest reach 5 meters high, 9 meters wide, and 7 meters deep. These masterpieces are handcrafted by skilled artisans called "Nebuta-shi" specifically for the 7-day festival.
For a deeper festival experience, you can participate as a "Haneto" (dancer). Haneto are festival dancers who move along with the Nebuta parade while chanting "ra-se-ra."
For most Aomori residents, there's hardly anything more important than the Nebuta Festival. In Japan, there's a saying: "If you haven't seen the Nebuta Festival, you haven't truly visited Aomori."
Photo provided by: Aomori Tourism Association
2. Nebuta Museum WARASSE
If you can't attend the festival in August, visit the Nebuta Museum WARASSE instead. Located in front of Aomori Station, this museum exclusively displays exhibits from the Aomori Nebuta Festival held August 2-7.
The most spectacular highlight is the actual Nebuta floats that participated in the parade. The exhibition hall features a double-height space connecting the first and second floors, displaying several massive floats measuring 9 meters wide, 7 meters long, and 5 meters high—a truly impressive sight.
Festival music, drumbeats, and sound effects play throughout the museum, creating an immersive atmosphere as if you're at the actual festival. Daily live performances of Nebuta Festival music are held three times a day.
3. Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle served as the residence of the Tsugaru clan during the Edo period. Following the Meiji government's order to abolish castles, it was dismantled and later reopened as Hirosaki Park. Although the original castle tower burned down in 1627 after being struck by lightning, the tower rebuilt in 1810, along with three turrets and five gates, remain standing. These nine structures are designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Hirosaki Castle (Hirosaki Park) is also a premier cherry blossom viewing spot in the Tohoku region. The castle surrounded by cherry blossoms and the beautiful sight of fallen petals accumulated on the moat creating an obi (kimono belt)-like pattern make it an excellent photo location. The annual "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival" held from late April to early May attracts numerous tourists.
Photo provided by: ©Hirosaki City
4. Sannohe Castle
Sannohe Castle sits on a plateau with an elevation difference of approximately 90 meters. It's believed to have been the residence of the Sannohe Nanbu family from the late Muromachi period to the early Edo period.
Following the abolition of castle代 (representatives), Sannohe Castle became a ruin. However, it was maintained throughout the Edo period, preserving structures like stone walls, earthworks, and moat remains at defensive key points within the castle grounds, offering glimpses of its former glory.
The "Sannohe Castle Onko-kan" museum built in 1967 displays various samurai-related artifacts. The castle seal bearing the family crest "Muko-tsuru" (facing crane) makes an excellent souvenir.
5. Sannai-Maruyama Site
This large-scale village site was discovered in 1992 during preliminary surveys for a prefectural baseball stadium. Excavations uncovered numerous remains from the early to middle Jomon period, including pit dwellings, raised-floor buildings, burial sites, refuse heaps, and roads. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2021.
Additionally, large quantities of pottery, jade from other regions, and evidence of managed and cultivated chestnuts were excavated, transforming previous perceptions of Jomon culture.
This archaeological site spans approximately 40 hectares and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2021.
6. Shirakami Sanchi
Spanning the northwestern part of Akita Prefecture and southwestern Aomori Prefecture, Shirakami Sanchi is a collective term for a mountainous area covering approximately 130,000 hectares. The entire mountain range is covered with the world's largest virgin beech forest, remaining virtually untouched by humans since ancient times. It was registered as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1993.
The heritage area is divided into a "Core Area" with unique precious plant communities and minimal human impact, and a surrounding "Buffer Zone." Within the core area in Aomori Prefecture, there are trails and 27 designated routes for entry, but proper mountain entry procedures must be followed for designated routes.
Shirakami Sanchi preserves Asia's largest virgin beech forest—a precious World Heritage Site.
7. Juniko Lakes (Aoike Pond)
Among Shirakami Sanchi's many scenic locations, "Juniko" (Twelve Lakes) stands out. From April to November, no mountain entry procedures are required, making it an ideal first stop for experiencing Shirakami Sanchi's charms. Located in the western part of Shirakami Sanchi's beech forest, this group of 33 lakes and ponds is called "Twelve Lakes" because only 12 are visible from the mountain viewpoint.
Among the various ponds, don't miss "Aoike" (Blue Pond), which appears as if blue ink was poured into it, displaying a mysterious color. The water is so clear and transparent that you can see beech tree branches that sank to the bottom. The lake surface shimmers with a mystical cobalt blue.
Aoike, with its shimmering cobalt blue waters, is the most famous of the Twelve Lakes.
8. Mt. Hakkoda
A collective name for multiple mountains south of Aomori City, with Mt. Odake (1,585m) as the main peak, Mt. Hakkoda is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains.
Recommended are the well-maintained hiking trails offering close encounters with magnificent nature. Multiple routes are available—approximately 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 2.5 hours—allowing you to choose based on your fitness level. Activities include summer hiking and mountain climbing, autumn leaf viewing, winter-to-spring alpine skiing, and viewing the spectacular ice trees (juhyo) in winter.
Well-maintained hiking trails allow close encounters with magnificent nature and mountain climbing enjoyment.
9. Mt. Hakkoda Ice Trees (Juhyo)
Beyond the Mt. Hakkoda attractions mentioned above, the winter "Mt. Hakkoda Ice Trees" are a must-see spectacle. The best viewing period is February. When visiting this snow-covered mountain in winter, prepare thoroughly for cold weather. Additionally, riding the Mt. Hakkoda Ropeway to the summit offers 360-degree panoramic views of the vast ice tree landscape.
Surrounded by nature's creation of a magnificent, powerful silver-white world.
10. Lake Towada
Straddling Towada City in Aomori Prefecture and Akita Prefecture, Lake Towada is a caldera lake formed approximately 200,000 years ago by volcanic eruptions of Mt. Towada. Among Japanese lakes, it ranks 12th in area and 3rd in maximum depth at 327 meters. The Oirase Stream flowing from the lake is designated as a National Special Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument alongside the lake.
The Yasumiya area in the southern part of Lake Towada serves not only as the sightseeing boat boarding point but also as a district where accommodations, restaurants, and souvenir shops gather.
Experience the magnificent scenery created by nature and time.
11. Oirase Stream
The Oirase River flows from Lake Towada mentioned above. The gorge section flowing from Nenokuchi on the lakeside to Yakeyama, approximately 14 kilometers, is called Oirase Stream. In the dense forest, clear streams, waterfalls of various shapes, and rocks of all sizes are designated as National Special Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument alongside Lake Towada.
National Route 102 runs along the stream with multiple parking spaces and bus stops, allowing visitors to explore scenic spots by car or bus. You can easily enjoy natural beauty without special equipment. The cycling route is also popular. Walking trails along the stream are perfect for strolls during the fresh green or autumn foliage seasons.
Ashura-no-Nagare is Oirase Stream's most iconic spot.
12. Tsuruta-no-hashi Bridge
This 300-meter wooden triple-arch bridge spanning Lake Fujimi is a representative hidden gem of Aomori. Tsuruta-no-hashi is famous for the "Tsugaru Sakasa-Fuji" (Reverse Mt. Iwaki reflection on the lake) and was featured in JR East advertisements.
The bridge's Japanese name pronunciation "Nagaiki-bashi" sounds like "Long Life Bridge," leading to legends that crossing it extends one's life, gaining popularity. Additionally, nearby attractions include the "Japanese Crane Nature Park" and "Lake Fujimi Park," perfect for leisurely walks.
In winter, it transforms into a dreamlike silver world—truly spectacular.
13. Takayama Inari Shrine
Takayama Inari Shrine is one of Aomori Prefecture's most representative shrines, famous for prayers for bountiful harvests, maritime safety, and business prosperity. Its founding date is unclear, but it's believed to have been built by local powerful clans during the Kamakura to Muromachi periods.
The shrine's highlight is the path from the main hall to Shinmei-sha. Called "Sen-torii" (Thousand Torii Gates), approximately 2-meter-high torii gates line the winding path. These torii were donated by people whose wishes were granted, numbering over 200.
The thousand torii gates in the winter landscape create an otherworldly atmosphere.
14. Kabushima Shrine
Kabushima Shrine sits atop a hill at the top of stairs on Kabushima Island, one of Japan's leading black-tailed gull breeding grounds. The main deity, Ichikishimahime, is the same as Benzaiten of the Seven Lucky Gods, revered as a goddess who bestows wealth. Legend says that bird droppings falling on your head are like luck from heaven, bringing financial fortune.
From April to late July during black-tailed gull breeding season, approximately 30,000 gulls at peak times fly around the shrine, leaving almost no standing room. While bird droppings are considered good luck, they can soil clothes, so if you want to avoid them, use the free transparent umbrellas available at the foot of the mountain.
A shrine said to bring financial fortune, but during breeding season, beware of bird droppings.
15. Nakamachi Komise Street
Located in central Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, this old street is said to be Japan's only completely preserved wooden arcade street maintaining its feudal-era townscape. The distinctive feature is connected wooden arcades built using a technique called "gangi-zukuri," designed to ensure passage even during snowy weather.
Only "Nakamachi Komise Street" and parts of Niigata Prefecture still preserve this streetscape. It was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2005.
This wooden arcade completely preserves Edo period atmosphere, with traditional buildings including generational sake breweries and former wealthy merchant residences designated as Important Cultural Properties.
16. Tatehana Ganbeki Morning Market
This large-scale morning market held at Tatehana Fishing Port in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, operates only on Sunday mornings. While it's an ordinary fishing port on weekdays, at Sunday dawn it transforms into a massive market approximately 800 meters long with about 300 shops.
The market sells not only fresh fish and dried fish but everything from fresh vegetables and handmade prepared foods to handicrafts. Food stalls offer grilled shellfish skewers, senbei soup, mackerel croquettes, and more—perfect for eating while browsing. Despite the early morning hour, the aromas from shops are mouthwatering. The market typically operates from sunrise to around 9 AM every Sunday from March to December.
One of Japan's largest morning markets. Various street foods make it perfect for eating while browsing.
17. Aomori Museum of Art
The museum's greatest attraction is the stage backdrop paintings created by Marc Chagall (1887-1985), one of the 20th century's most representative painters, for the ballet "Aleko." Besides Chagall and other world-famous artists' works, it displays works by artists with deep connections to Aomori, including Munakata Shiko and Nara Yoshitomo. Nara's "Aomori-ken" (Aomori Dog) is particularly popular—an 8.5-meter-tall sculpture whose gentle, cute yet mysterious expression and appearance attracts countless visitors.
The white-walled exterior makes a striking impression.
18. Towada Art Center
Designed by renowned architect Ryue Nishizawa, this museum's distinctive feature is providing each artwork with an independent exhibition room, with rooms connected by glass corridors. Works by contemporary artists including Yayoi Kusama and Yoshitomo Nara can be viewed in both the museum and art plaza. The museum focuses not just on paintings but primarily sculptures, emphasizing integration between artworks and spaces.
Exterior of Towada Art Center designed by renowned architect Ryue Nishizawa.
19. Aomori Prefectural Misawa Aviation & Science Museum
Located in Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture, where Misawa Airbase is situated. Misawa Airbase is Japan's only aviation base jointly used by the U.S. Forces Japan, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and civil aviation.
The museum displays many actual aircraft and replicas to stimulate curiosity, including a replica of the "Miss Veedol," the first aircraft to fly nonstop across the Pacific from Japan to America, and a replica of the Wright Brothers' "Wright Flyer." It also features flight simulators and space exploration simulation experiences.
Displaying various aircraft types from latest to historical, both adults and children can enjoy.
20. Sukayu Onsen
An ancient hot spring that opened approximately 340 years ago. Despite its deep mountain location, it has been widely known since the Edo period and was registered as Japan's first National Health Resort Hot Spring in 1954. The spring quality is acidic sulfur spring, effective for promoting blood circulation and treating neuralgia.
The most famous feature of Sukayu Onsen is the all-hinoki (cypress) wood mixed-bathing large bath "Hinoki Sennin-buro" (Thousand-Person Bath). This large bath made from Aomori cypress wood measures approximately 160 tatami mats with 5 hot spring pools. It maintains the now-rare culture of mixed-gender bathing. Women who wish to avoid mixed bathing can use women-only time slots.
The image shows "Hinoki Sennin-buro," featuring the now-rare mixed-bathing culture.
3 Essential Food Destinations
Aomori is rich in seafood, making it essential to taste the freshest and highest-grade seafood ingredients when visiting.
Below we introduce Aomori's super-famous seafood meccas and recommended local bars.
1. Hasshoku Center
Hasshoku Center is a large-scale market representing Aomori Prefecture, centered on fresh fish and shellfish caught at Hachinohe Port, one of Japan's major fishing ports, gathering various specialty products from the Hachinohe region.
The market features conveyor belt sushi restaurants using only local fresh fish, facilities where you can charcoal-grill and eat freshly purchased seafood or meat from the market, and shops selling processed products and local specialty sake—also an excellent place for souvenir shopping.
Market sushi using the freshest, highest-grade ingredients is a must-eat.
2. Aomori Gyosai Center
Approximately a 5-minute walk from Aomori Station, Aomori Gyosai Center offers convenient access. This market is famous for its "Nokkedon" (custom seafood rice bowl) where you select seafood toppings and generously pile them on white rice.
Ingredients offered in the market are primarily fresh seafood just landed from Mutsu Bay. Besides seafood, the handmade tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and fish bone soup made by the stall owners' wives are also very popular.
The unique seafood rice bowl "Ganso Aomori Nokkedon" piled high with mouthwatering fresh ingredients.
3. Youshu Kissa Ouji
Located on "Nagayokochou Renlock Street," a dining and drinking district established in the late Showa 20s (1945-1954), this bar is beloved by Hachinohe locals and attracts many outside tourists wanting to experience nightlife. Marked by an impactful pink-lettered sign, opening the door reveals a deep interior space where the owner's family warmly welcomes first-time visitors in a homey atmosphere.
The bar's most praised feature is original cocktails named after Aomori place names and local performing arts—not only delicious but perfect for photos.
The cocktail "Michinoku Shiokaze Boardwalk" expressing sunrise and ocean.
3 Recommended Accommodations
Resource-rich Aomori has many excellent hotels and ryokan. However, for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you want not just comfortable lodging but accommodations that enhance your travel experience. Below are three carefully selected hot spring ryokan that best embody Aomori's characteristics.
1. Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya
A hot spring ryokan like an "Aomori theme park" where you can experience Aomori culture including festivals, local cuisine, and toji (hot spring therapy). The grounds include ponds, multiple old folk houses, and a lush natural park.
Particularly recommended are rooms with unique Aomori designs, decorated throughout living and sleeping areas with Nebuta Festival imagery. The nightly live performance venue "Michinoku Matsuriya" features energetic shows based on Aomori festivals. The park offers horse-drawn carriage tours and summer-limited pond fishing activities, plus various traditional craft experiences, allowing full immersion in Aomori culture during your stay.
The uniquely Aomori-designed room "Aomori Nebuta-no-Ma" lets you appreciate Nebuta imagery on sliding doors and ceilings, experiencing Aomori's traditional culture.
2. Kogane-zaki Furofushi Onsen
A hot spring ryokan at the foot of Shirakami Sanchi. The hot spring's name comes from the first discoverer's wish that "people bathing here for healing would never grow old or weak but remain healthy and long-lived." The outdoor hot spring just 1 meter from the ocean attracts countless admirers.
The reddish-brown hot spring rich in iron and salt has significant sterilizing effects, not only remarkably effective for wound healing and skin recovery but also beautifying skin with its smoothing and moisturizing effects. Particularly recommended is bathing in the outdoor spring while watching the sunset—the golden sky and sea merge into one, creating an extremely beautiful scene.
The outdoor hot spring right next to the ocean—the feeling of waves hitting your body is exhilarating.
3. Yachi Onsen - One of Japan's Three Secret Hot Springs
Aomori Prefecture's "Yachi Onsen," with a proud history of over 400 years, is counted among "Japan's Three Great Secret Hot Springs" alongside Tokushima Prefecture's "Iya Valley Onsen" and Hokkaido's "Niseko Onsen." This hot spring lodging preserving the atmosphere of ancient healing grounds sits at the foot of Mt. Hakkoda, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. The nearby vast Yachi Wetland and natural surroundings add to its appeal.
The main building, east building, and west building offer 36 guest rooms total, each with large windows for enjoying four-season scenery transformations.
Two hot springs: 38°C "Shita-yu" (Lower Bath) and 42°C "Kami-yu" (Upper Bath).
Conclusion
We've compiled 20 must-visit attractions in Aomori, plus recommended food destinations and accommodations. Aomori sightseeing allows you to understand Japanese history, experience traditional and modern Japanese culture, view representative Japanese natural landscapes, and relax in healing hot springs that wash away travel fatigue.
If you have sufficient time, consider taking a ferry across the Tsugaru Strait from Aomori to Hakodate in Hokkaido, enjoying this exotic port city and savoring cuisine融合 world cultures.
Source: Good Luck Trip Japan
Translated and formatted for international travelers
Last Updated: April 2026