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Before you go
Your trip to Aomori.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Aomori – Aomori Destination Aomori and Hirosaki Capital
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Aomori (AOJ) 15 km
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Estação de Aomori 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
The Tohoku shinkansen reaches Shin-Aomori Station in about 3 hours 10 minutes from Tokyo; local trains then take about 5 minutes to Aomori’s central station. Aomori Airport is about 15 km from the center, with bus connections. The shinkansen also links Shin-Aomori with Hakodate in Hokkaido.
How many days
One day covers the Wa Rasse museum, Sannai-Maruyama, and the art museum. Reserve a second day for the Oirase Stream and Lake Towada, by bus or car, and a third day for Hirosaki.
When to go
From June to September the days are mild, with Nebuta in early August. October brings autumn colors in the Hakkoda Mountains and Oirase. Winter, from December to March, brings heavy snow in the city and mountains, with the Hakkoda’s frozen tree “snow monsters.” April and May are cool.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Within the city, no car is needed: the Wa Rasse museum is next to the station, and buses go to Sannai-Maruyama and the art museum. For the Oirase Stream and Lake Towada, JR runs a seasonal bus; a car gives freedom to stop along the stream, but mountain roads may close in winter.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Aomori
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Morning
Sannai-Maruyama
Take the bus from the station to the Sannai-Maruyama site and walk among the reconstructed Jomon houses and the large wooden tower of the village, with the Jiyukan museum.
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Afternoon
Aomori Prefectural Art Museum
Cross over to the prefectural art museum beside the site, featuring Yoshitomo Nara’s giant dog and Marc Chagall’s stage panels.
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Late afternoon
Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse
Return to the center and see up close the illuminated festival floats at Wa Rasse, next to the station, with the sound of the drums.
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Evening
Fish at the port
Dine on Mutsu Bay seafood, like scallops, near the station, and walk along the waterfront to Aomori Bay Bridge.
2 days in Aomori
Day 1
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Morning
Nebuta Museum and market
Visit Wa Rasse early and have coffee at Furukawa Market, where you assemble a rice bowl with fish chosen from the stalls.
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Afternoon
Sannai-Maruyama and the art museum
Take a bus to the Jomon village of Sannai-Maruyama and to the art museum next door.
Day 2
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All day
Oirase Stream and Lake Towada
Take the JR bus that crosses the Hakkoda mountains and get off at Yakeyama to walk along Oirase Stream. Finish at Lake Towada, with the boat between Nenokuchi and Yasumiya.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Aomori outside the Nebuta season?
See the festival floats at the Wa Rasse museum, visit the Jomon village of Sannai-Maruyama and the prefectural art museum, eat seafood at Furukawa Market and head to Oirase Stream and Lake Towada.
What’s the difference between Shin-Aomori Station and Aomori Station?
Shin-Aomori receives the bullet train and is west of the center; Aomori Station is the central one, next to the port and the Wa Rasse museum. Local trains connect the two in about 5 minutes.
Does it snow a lot in Aomori?
Yes. Aomori is among the cities with the most snow in Japan, usually from December to March. Streets are cleared, but bring appropriate footwear and winter clothing.
What is the nokkedon at Furukawa Market?
It’s a rice bowl assembled by the customer: you buy a block of coupons and exchange each for slices of fish and seafood at the market stalls. It’s served in the morning until midday.
How long does it take from Aomori to Lake Towada?
By JR bus, about 3 hours to the lake, passing the Hakkoda mountains and Oirase Stream, with limited departures. By car, about 2 hours without stops.
Beyond the guide
