Spots in Aomori Area

  • Oirase Stream
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    4.5
    1063 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Towadashi Okuse
    "Oirase Stream can be reached by a JR Bus service from JR Shin-Aomori Station; the journey takes around two hours. It is one of the most scenic places in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park; the river flows out from Lake Towada through the gorge for a distance of around 14 kilometers, from Nenokuchi to Yakeyama, with a road and a footpath all the way along, making it easy for visitors to experience the gorge's wonderful natural scenery. There are many ""must-see's"" in the area, including the Ashura Rapids, which are one of the Oirase Stream's best-known sights, and Choshi-otaki Waterfall, one of the most imposing waterfalls in the gorge. Visitors can see the new spring greenery in May-June, and view the autumn foliage in mid to late October; the winter scenery, when the ground is covered with snow, is also very beautiful."

    Generally speaking, the Oirase Stream is hard to access by public transport during winter due to road closure, but the winter sight is awesome which is something I realy wanted to see. So I joined...

  • Hirosaki Park
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    4.5
    573 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Hirosakishi Shimoshiroganechou 1
    This is a park in the center of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, established on the grounds of Hirosaki Castle. Many elements inside the park are designated as important cultural assets of Japan, and visitors can see remains of the feudal era including the castle tower, five castle gates and a watchtower. With a moat surrounded by Japan’s oldest Somei Yoshino cherry trees, it is known as one of the prefecture’s leading cherry blossom spots. Many visitors come for the spring cherry blossom festival, as well as the autumn leaves festival and winter snow lantern festival, with several events going on throughout the year.

    Hirosaki Park is a sad sight in winter, and early March is still winter here. The main attractions, including the botanical garden, are closed. Snow patches remain on the soggy ground and the...

  • Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse
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    4.0
    863 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Yasukata 1-1-1
    This museum in Aomori City’s Aomori Waterside Area opened in 2011 to introduce the history and charm of Aomori’s Nebuta Festival. Inside the building there is a hall containing four floats used in the festival and a “Nebuta Museum” corner where one can learn about the festival’s history. The food area where one can enjoy lunch while looking out over Aomori Harbor is also popular.

    This is a terrific museum. It is filled with colorful and unusual 3D paper lanterns floats used in the Festival of Lanterns parade in Aomori each year in August. Some of the floats are huge - up to...

  • Aomori Museum of Art
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    4.0
    396 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Yasuta Chikano 185
    Opened in 2006, this art museum primarily houses and displays local cultural art of Aomori City and Aomori Prefecture. It is characterized by its unique architecture whereby the building is combined with the adjoining Sannai-Maruyama Jomon Era ruins. In the center of the museum is the Aleko Hall, where one can see in one glance all 4 masterpieces of the master Marc Chagall's 4 backdrops from the ballet ''Aleko'' until March 2021 (proposed). A broad range of standard exhibit items include western art, Japanese style paintings, modern art, and works by local artists. Take the city bus from Aomori Station and disembark at Kenritsu Bijutukan-Mae bus stop.

    The museum is modern with a good collection of art by Yoshitomo Nara, and huge backdrops of the ballet Aleko by Chagall. Aomori-ken (Aomori Dog) is situated outside the museum building. Visitors...

  • Sannai Maruyama Site Center
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    4.0
    568 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Aomori-shi Sannai Maruyama 305

    Aomori is known for its heavy snowfall in winter, so visiting an archeological site out in the open is not the first thing that comes to mind at that time of year. However, I still had a great time...

  • Hakkoda Ropeway
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    4.0
    320 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Arakawa Kansuizawa 1-12
    This is a ropeway connecting Sanroku Station and Sanchou Kouen Station, with a one-way trip taking 10 minutes. From the gondola window and Sanchou Kouen Station one can see the magnificent Hakkouda mountain range in the colors of all four seasons, past Aomori City and out to Mustu Bay. In the area there is a walking course rich with ponds and alpine plants, popular with visitors who come to watch the leaves changing color in autumn. In winter it is favored as a ski resort.

    It was all snow at the mountain top. Yesterday was snowing. At the ticket booth, we were told of the strong wind but we went ahead with all others. After we arrived the tip with the ropeway, the...

  • Towada Art Center
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    4.5
    267 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Towadashi Nishinibanchou 10-9
    Located on Kanchogai-dori Avenue in Towada City, the Towada Art Center exhibits the artistic works of internationally-renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Ron Mueck. Intended to be a “facility for providing new experiences through art”, this center functions as a central pillar for the “Arts Towada Project” to make all of Kanchogai-dori Avenue function like a big art museum. It includes a café and activity spaces, offering chances to revitalize Towada City as an art town.

    We loved this little modern art museum. Unlike most of the modern art museums, where I couldnt understand or relate to most of the art work. The art work at the Towada Art Center was more...

  • Aomori Tourist Information Center, ASPAM
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    3.5
    508 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Yasukata 1-1-40
    Built as a place to promote Aomori’s local products in 1986, this facility also introduces guests to local industry and folk entertainment. The origin of the name ASPAM comes from the initials in a direct English translation of the facility’s Japanese name, which becomes Aomori, Sightseeing, Products, Mansion. From the observatory on the 13th floor visitors can enjoy a view of the urban center of Aomori, the Shimokita, Tsugaru, and Natsudomari peninsulas, Mutsu Bay, and the Aomori Bay Bridge. Be sure to take in the incredible 360-degree panoramic view.

    Just visited this building to get some souvenirs. It was very quiet and I ended up buying stuff in and close to the station! You could hear Nebuta festivals music in the building which was great!

  • Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkodamaru
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    4.0
    402 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Yanakawa 1-112-15
    A museum located five minutes on foot from Aomori Station. This museum ship houses displays on its service as a railway liner since it began operating in 1908 from when it carried numerous passengers and cargo to Hakodate until it ceased service in 1988. The Hakkodamaru, which served as a ferry for the longest period of time, is preserved almost as if it were still in service. On self-guided tours around the ship visitors can enter the bridge and descend into the engine room.

    Historical piece of structure located right beside the A-factory souvenir store. This port was heavily used before Shinkansen between Honshu and Hokkaido was built. From 1908 to 1988, Hakkoda Maru...

  • A-FACTORY
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    4.0
    362 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Yanakawa 1-4-2A-FACTORY
    This commercial facility opened in 2010 and is located three minutes on foot from JR Aomori Station. Inside the facilities is a collection of specialist shops, studios and restaurants that use local foodstuffs. Aside from sweets and food like gelato made from “Aomori Milk,” one can purchase souvenirs themed on tastes only available in Aomori. Inside the building there is also a cider studio with eight brewing tanks, with observation and tasting courses (paid) also available.

    Located nearby Aomori Station like 2 mins away. A factory is quite a huge place with restaurant, cafe and shopping for you to buy Aomori products. Ranging from T-shirts, soaps and food snd drinks...

  • Tachineputa no Yakata (Tachineputa Museum)
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    4.5
    246 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Goshogawarashi Omachi 506-10
    The Tachineputa Museum which stores and exhibits Tachineputa (standing floats) that are used in the Tachineputa Matsuri festival is also a place where visitors can see the creation process of the floats and have a go at traditional local Tsugaru crafts. Visitors can enjoy dining in the observation lounge, Harunire, overlooking the Tsugaru Basin, and enjoy taking a break at the open cafe, Plum. Various events such as the Goshogawara Nebuta music practice also take place here. The museum is located approximately 15 minutes from Goshowara Interchange on the Tsugaru Expressway.

    We came from Aomori to Goshogawara for the Stove Train and Tachineputa Museum. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 mins (varies between train schedules). The museum is 10-15mins easy and straight walk...

  • Tsugaruhan Neputa Mura
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    4.0
    218 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Hirosakishi Kamenokoumachi 61
    This is an experience-based tourist facility in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, themed on local culture including the Hirosaki Neputa festival and the Tsugaru region. The permanent exhibition features displays on Hirosaki Neputa and accompanying musical demonstrations. One can learn about local craftwork and have a production experience, and in the Tsugaru shamisen corner one can not only listen to a live performance but also try playing the shamisen under the guidance of a professional. There is also a free to enter shopping area offering locally-produced vegetables, apples and handicrafts.

    We visited as part of a visit to Hirosaki Castle (see my other review). Unfortunately the English presentation we were supposed to have, for some reason didnt happen. The explanations on the...

  • Osorezan Bodaiji Temple
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    4.5
    110 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Mutsushi Tanabu Ugo Toshiyama 3-2
    Osorezan, which was founded in 862 by Jikaku Taishi, is one of Japan’s three largest reizan (sacred mountains) which also include Hiezan and Koya-san. It prospered as a place for the Tendai sect of Shugendo (a Japanese mountain asceticism incorporating Shinto and Buddhist concepts). Sights to see include the arching bridge over what is supposed to represent the Sanzu no Kawa (which has to be crossed by all dead souls on their way to afterlife and is often compared to the River Styx of ancient Greek mythology), Jigokudani (Hell Valley), and the beautiful Sai no Kawara (Dry Bed of the River of Souls) that makes one think of the Sukhavati (Amitabha’s Pure Land).

    Having read a great deal about the history and cultural significance of this wonderful place I was determined to visit here. Hired a car from near our accommodation in Mutsu and very easy drive...

  • Guriland
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    5.0
    217 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Towada-shi Okuse Towadakohanutarube 123-1
    This is a boat touring adventure outfit along the TowadaRoadin Utarube, Towadakohan, Okuse, Towada City. The boats tour the nature preserve areas of Lake Towada where one can enjoy seeing the ItomukaCove,ancient ruins, and wildlife all from atop a powerboat.

    Room quality was not great but not many options to ride a jet boat. Room rate was not justified with the room quality though.

  • Misawa Aviation & Science Museum, Aomori
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    4.5
    176 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Misawashi Misawa Kitayama 158
    This is an aero science hall located in a corner of “Misawa Sky Park” neighboring Misawa airport. It was opened in August 2003 with the theme of “Aviation” and the “Sky.” On the first floor of the building, a YS-11, used as a Japan Air Commuter, is displayed unchanged since its time of active service. In addition, outside the Museum, a replica of Miss Veedol is on display in the Sky Park. Visitors can enjoy seeing, touching and learning about aviation history. The second floor is a science museum with hands-on exhibits, consisting of a corner where experiences and experiments can be done, and the third floor has an observation deck overlooking Misawa airfield.

    A beautiful museum with both outdoor and exhibition. My husband and I enjoyed especially Honda Jet, which is amazing. There are a lot of experiences you actually participate in.

  • Shayokan, Osamu Dazai Memorial Hall
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    4.0
    180 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Goshogawarashi Kanagichou Asahiyama 412-1
    Shayokan stands along Prefectural Route 2 in Asahiyama, Kanagi Town, Goshogawara City. The building, a stately wood residence built in 1907 before Osamu Dazai was born, is now a designated National Important Cultural Property. The museum makes use of the residence storehouse as an exhibition space, display some of Dazai’s favorite personal goods, manuscripts, letters, and his first edition books.

    I grew up in Aomori but it was my first visit to his birth place. I could imagine this place looked like a modern castle surrounded by rice fields, nothing to obscure the views from this third story...

  • Aquarium Asamushi
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    4.0
    163 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Asamushi Babayama 1-25
    About an 11-minute walk from Asamushi Onsen Station, this aquarium is at the northern tip of Honshu and overlooks Aomori Bay. With a large, free parking lot and the Asamushi hot springs nearby, it is convenient and accessible enough to draw in many visitors. The aquatic exhibits are crafted to mimic natural conditions closely. The “Waters of Mutsu Bay” is a tunnel-shaped tank that imitates Mutsu Bay, offering a view of farm-raised scallops and such. There are events and shows every season. The powerful and graceful performances of bottlenose dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins are interactive and particularly popular with visitors.

    Such a cool little aquarium the dolphin show was the coolest we’ve ever seen and they even made it holiday themed which was cute.

  • Aoni Onsen
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    4.0
    181 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Aomori Pref. Kuroishishi Okiura Aozora Takinoue 1 - 7
    A rustic and secluded hot spring bath facility and inn established in 1929 known as the Lamp Inn for its use of beautiful lanterns. The facility consists of a main building standing along a mountain stream in secluded Aoni Ravine, along with three detached buildings. There are guest rooms in the main building and the detached buildings are great for groups staying together, but the facility's baths can also be used by non-guests looking to stop by and enjoy a spa day trip.

    Simple, no frills, comfortable ryokan set in a very secluded beautiful narrow wooded valley with a rushing stream outside the windows. Be aware: the smell of paraffin from the lamps is...

  • Towada-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    138 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Towadashi Okuse Towadakohanyasumiya
    Along with Osore-zan (on the Shimokita Peninsula), Towada-jinja Shrine is believed to be a sacred ground in shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism incorporating Shinto and Buddhist concepts). As Tohoku’s leading power spot, it is also called “Uranaiba” since one’s fortune can be told here. Legend has it that if you make a wish and cast the “oyori-gami” paper that you received at the shrine into the lake, your wish will come true if the paper sinks down into the water.

    It was really cold during winter but we enjoyed the atmosphere! Go if you make your stop at Towada Lake!

  • Hirosaki Castle Tower
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Hirosakishi Shimoshiroganechou 1
    Hirosaki castle was completed in 1611. In 1627 the castle was struck by lightning and burnt from the fifth level of the keep to the ground. The castle stood without a tower for the following 200 years, but in 1810, the ninth lord of the Tsugaru Clan Yasuchika rebuilt a three-layered keep in the southwest corner of the grounds. It is called “Gosankai Yagura” and is the castle you can see today. It is now used as historical center exhibiting historical materials of the feudal era.

Aomori Areas

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Centuries-old stories of samurai at Kakunodate and the remains of millennia-old archaeological sites including the likes of Isedotai invite history buffs to delve into Aomori’s fascinating history. As the most northern prefecture on the Japanese mainland, Aomori enjoys a cooler climate, which makes it a welcome escape from the southern cities for combining castles, art galleries, and summer festivals with the great outdoors.

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