Your Next Stop Japan
Aomori
Hakkoda Ropeway
Famously known for it's Nebuta Matsuri and Apples, Aomori is actually so much more than that.
With historic sites, Towada-Hachimantai National Park, skiing, and a lot more Aomori is great destination for Travel
Select Attractions
Food
1. Nokke-Don
2. Apples
3. Kenoshiru
4. Ichigo-ni
5. Kakiyaki Miso
Aomori City 青森市
Access: The easiest way to get Aomori city is either by the Tohoku Bullet Train which will take you to Shin-Aomori Station and it is one station from there on the Ōu (奥羽本線) to Aomori station.
You could also fly to Aomori Airport and from there, there is a bus that will take you to the city.
Main attractions: Nebuta Museum, Nebuta Festival
Nebuta Festival ねぶた祭り
The Nebuta Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. The festival takes place in August and is known for its Nebuta procession, which consists of lit of Nebuta floats which are created from washi paper.
Hachinohe 八戸
Access: Hachinohe is accessible by taking the Tohoko Shinkansen from Tokyo, which takes just under 3 hours.
Main attractions: Kabushima Shrine, Tanesashi Coast
Hirosaki City 弘前市
Hirosaki City is the third-largest city in Aomori Prefecture, following Aomori City and Hachinohe. Situated in the southwestern part of Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural scenery. The city is famous for its beautifully preserved Hirosaki Castle, vibrant cherry blossom festivals, and the picturesque backdrop of Mount Iwaki.
Access: 40 minutes on the train from Aomori on the Ōu Line (奥羽本線).
Or about an hour bus ride from Aomori Airport.
Main attractions: Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle Park 弘前城
Access: Hirosaki Castle is a 15-minute bus ride from Hirosaki Sation.
View of Mt. Iwaki from Hirosaki Castle.
Mt. Iwaki 岩木山
Access: 40 minute bus ride from the Hirosaki Bus Terminal to Iwaki-san Shrine. You could also keep going and get off at Dake-Onsen and from there there is another bus that can take you to Iwaki-san 8th station.
Iwakiyama-jinjya
Mt. Iwaki
Mt. Iwaki Summit
Lake Jūniko 十二湖
Aomori is a fantastic destination for hiking with many lakes and trails. One place we absolutely recommend is Lake Jūniko located at the Western part of the prefecture. Jūniko (十二湖) which stands for 12 lakes in Japanese, actually consists of 33 ponds and lakes. Including the very famous and very blue 青池 (Aoike) or Blue Pond.
Access:
1. From Shin-Aomori (新青森), take the Ōu Line (奥羽本線) to Higashi-Noshiro Station (東能代駅).
2. From there, take the Gono Line (五能線) to Jūniko Station (十二湖駅).
3. From Jūniko Station, there are buses and cabs that will take you to Jūniko.
Recommendation
This area boasts some of the best star-gazing opportunities in Japan! We highly recommend spending the night here. Aone Shirakami Juniko offers several lodges for your stay, and they also provide transportation to Juniko.
Mt. Hakkoda 八甲田山
Mt. Hakkoda is a popular mountain for tourists, hikers, and skiers. It is located on the way to the famous Lake Towada.
Access: One hour bus from Aomori Station.
Main Attractions: Hakkoda Ropeway, Sukayu Onsen
Lake Towada 十和田湖
Lake Towada is a large crater lake located on the border of Akita and Aomori Prefecture. The lake is especially popular during the autumn period, offering a majestic view of the lake and autumn foliage.
Access: Public transportation to Lake Towada is only running from April to November. The easiest way to get there would be to take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Hachinohe and from there, there is a bus that will take you to Lake Towada. The bus ride is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
