Travel / Tourism 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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.
  • Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden
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    4.0
    132 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Hirosakishi Kamishiroganechou 8-1
    Kenichi Fujita, who was born in Hirosaki City and served as the first president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, invited gardeners from Tokyo to make the garden reminiscent of Edo while he established a separate residence in 1919. The total area is about 21,800 square meters in size, which is the second largest garden next to Hiraizumi Motsuji Temple Garden in the Tohoku district. It is divided into a high mountain area and a low ground area. You can enjoy iris and azalea flowers in the lowland area.

    When it comes to landscape gardening, the Japanese have no equals. This is a rather large garden, consisting of two levels. The upper level has a teahouse and a traditional Japanese home, which is...

  • Roadside Station Inakadate Yayoi no Sato
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    4.0
    103 Reviews
    Transportation
    Aomori Pref. Minamitsugaruguninakadatemura Takahi Yahata 10
    A roadside station standing along National Route 102 and located in Inakadate Village, Aomori Prefecture, a village famous for its rice paddy art which uses rice paddies like a giant canvas to create artistic works. The station's spacious, 7.5 hectare grounds are home to a farm-fresh center selling local specialty products and a restaurant where you can enjoy Yayoi udon noodles and other local dishes. There are also a variety of leisure facilities such as a park, playground, miniature golf course, and a petting zoo, and the station is a popular destination for families with children and people of all ages.

    Inakadate is a small rice farming village. In 1993 the village people came up with ideas of designing mural size of rice fields, which have been growing rice for over 2000 years, to boost the local...

  • Aomori Bank Memorial Hall (Former main branch of the 59th National Bank)
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    4.0
    138 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Hirosakishi Motonagamachi 26
    Located southeast of Hirosaki Castle, the Aomori Bank Memorial Hall is a designated National Important Cultural Property which was originally built in 1904 as the 59th National Bank. A Renaissance-esque Western-style building, with decorative tower at the top, called the “White Palace,” also serves as an observatory. The interior is decorated with old-fashioned gold patterned Japanese leather paper, very few examples of which survive today in Japan, and the windows incorporate features from Japanese earthen warehouse architecture as both an anti-burglary and fireproofing measure. The hall still retains vestiges of the mixture of Japanese and Western styles with which it was designed in the Meiji period.

    The building was formerly a bank and now used as a memorial museum. The architecture is European in style. Quite elegant. Displays focus on the development of Japanese coins/money from the samurai...

  • Tsugaru Railway
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    4.5
    121 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Goshogawara-shi Omachi 39
    This scenic railway in Okutsugaru is famous for its stove trains. The section from Goshogawara to Kanagi opened in 1930, and the entire line (20.7 kilometers) opened in November of the same year. Then, stove trains began running that December in the winter. The stove trains are in operation from December 1st to March 31st. During other periods, there are also wind chime and bell cricket trains.

    My husband and I got a short railroad ride between Tsugaru Goshogawara and Kanagi after visiting Shayokan where Dazai Osamu used to live. It was a freezing snowy day, the trains looked totally...

  • Seikan Tunnel Museum
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    4.0
    96 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Higashitsugarugunsotogahamamachi Minmayatatsuhama 99
    A museum which uses physical models, informational panels, and videos to document the Seikan Tunnel, the world's longest undersea tunnel at 53.85 kilometers. Visitors can get a taste of what the massive tunnel construction site once felt like in an exhibition space which consists of an actual portion of the original work pit.

    本州の果て竜飛岬にある青函トンネルに関するミュージアムです。一般の展示も青函トンネルの難工事ぶりが伝わってきて良いのですが、体験坑道はさらに良いです。ケーブルカーで地底に降りていく感覚は非日常的で非常に良かったですね。

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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