History / Culture / Tour Spots in Aomori Area

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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.
  • 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...

  • 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。

  • Takayama Inari-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    41 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Tsugarushi Ushigatachou Washinosawa 147-1
    A magical Shinto shrine dedicated to large harvests, maritime safety, and business prosperity which has attracted worshipers since ancient times. In addition to locals, people from far and wide come to visit the shrine. The shrine has a beautiful Japanese garden in which seasonal flowers bloom. The shrine's 1,000 torii, countless red torii gates arranged one after another to form a tunnel, gives the shrine a mystical atmosphere.

    We went during the week and even though the cherry blossoms were out in places like Hirosaki that wasnt the case here so maybe that is why we had the place to ourselves. The gardens by the Torri...

  • Oirase Stream Museum
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    3.5
    32 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Aomori Pref. Towadashi Okuse Tochikubo 183
    The Oirase Stream Museum is a roadside station-like facility located on the Towada Highway. It has a coffee shop and snack area, a souvenir shop, and an area where you can learn all about the natural splendor of Towada Hachimantai. Electric bikes are available to rent and can be used to explore the surrounding area.

    奥入瀬渓流館の窓口も親切で、手作りできる苔玉や、苔ソフトクリーム、そして、あら、りんごの店舗が入っていて、イートインスペースがあり、アップルパイは美味しかった。

  • Utou-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    73 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Aomorishi Yasukata 2-7-18
    A Shinto shrine dedicated to the Munakata Sanjo-shin, the three female children of Amaterasu the sun goddess; the shrine is located on ground considered the birthplace of Aomori City. The shrine provides worshippers with safe journeys. The shrine's popular omamori charms are decorated with a cute depiction of rhinoceros auklets, birds which are called utou in Japanese.

    A small Shinto shrine tucked away just off the main street. A tranquil garden and beautiful pond. Was well worth seeking out on a hot afternoon while waiting for the Nebuta parade to start.

  • Korekawa Jomon Kan, Korekawa Archaeological Institution
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    4.0
    43 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Hachinoheshi Korekawa Yokoyama 1
    A museum adjoining the Korekawa Site, a Jomon period archeological site which was designated a National Historic Site in 1957. The museum collects and displays archeological artifacts excavated in Hachinohe City. The museum uses informational panels and videos to present the city's Jomon period sites and contains exhibits features artifacts primarily from the Korekawa Site as well as a National Treasure-designated Dogu earthenware figure with its hands clasped in prayer. The museum also periodically holds special exhibitions focusing on a variety of themes relating to Japan's ancient Jomon period. The Kore Cafe museum shop and cafe sells goods such as replicas of the aforementioned Dogu figure and also serves light meals.

    We left Asamushi Onsen for our next destination, Korekawa Archaeological Institute Museum in Hachinohe City, which was slightly less than a two hours’ drive to the east coast. There were two reasons...

  • Catholic Hirosaki Church
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    4.0
    66 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Hirosakishi Hyakkokumachikouji 20
    Located around five minutes’ walk to the east of Hirosaki Park, Catholic Hirosaki Church was built in 1910. It was constructed in the Romanesque style, with a spire, and with prominent pillars at the left and right corners of the front face. The oak-wood altar that faces the door at the far end of the interior was a gift from the Church of St. Thomas in Amsterdam; the altar was made in 1866, and won an award for its design at an exhibition held in Antwerp, Belgium.

    ミサのない時は、いつでも教会内に入り、見学やお祈りが出来ます。 弘前公園の近くにあるので、行きやすいですし、外見を見るだけでも、行く価値はあります。

  • Tsugaru-jamisen Hall
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    4.0
    66 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Goshogawarashi Kanagichou Asahiyama 189-3
    A facility located in Kanagi-cho, Goshogawara City, said to be the birthplace of the tsugaru-jamisen, a shamisen instrument and style of music. The facility displays numerous tsugaru-jamisen and other stringed instruments as well as materials relating to tsugaru-jamisen folk songs and local history. Visitors can enjoy live tsugaru-jamisen performances daily in the facility's multipurpose hall.

    金木が津軽三味線発祥の地だったんだ。現在の津軽三味線は、安政4年生まれの秋元仁太郎(仁太坊)がルーツになるとのこと。撥で強く弦を叩く奏法を編み出しそれを弟子たちに伝えて広めたらしい。この仁太坊も疱瘡で失明したことから、三味線の道を歩み始めたらしい。 この三味線会館では、毎日、津軽三味線の生演奏を聴かせてくれる。せっかく訪問したのなら、展示だけではなくこの生演奏を聴いた方がお得。私が訪問したとき...

  • Hirosaki Church, United Church of Christ in Japan
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    4.0
    65 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Hirosakishi Mototeramachi 48
    A church built by the Hirosaki Methodist Church in 1906. Located close to Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, the wooden building’s gothic style architecture with two towers is an extremely rare example constructed during the Meiji period. A variety of traditional crafts were used in the decorate of the church as well. The pulpit and communion table are painted Tsugaru-nuri lacquer, and the donation baskets are traditional woven vine work. Visitors are permitted, but not when staff are not present or during church events.

    I had seen the 1/10th scale building and bumped into it in the middle of my walk-about. I did not enter for it isnt my faith and i was heading somewhere else. It is is large enough to see.

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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