Aomori, Japan
Description
The capital of the Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, Aomori derives much of its beauty from the apple orchards and cherry blossoms that encompass its landscape and the snow-covered Hakkoda Mountains that look on from a distance. Throughout its history, the city has been stricken with misfortune time and time again - in 1910, a fire destroyed Aomori, and during World War II, the city was left in ruins following an air raid - yet it always prevails.
Aomori is perhaps best known for its renowned Nebuta Festival, an elaborate yearly event in which participants illuminate giant paper representations of samurai warriors, animals, and popular cartoon characters while parading them through the streets.
Points of Interest
- Hirosaki Castle
- Seiryuu-ji Temple (Grand Buddha)
- Tsugaru-han Neputa-mura (Tsugaru Province Neputa Village)
- Tachineputa no Yakata
- Tsugaru Kanayama Kiln
- Hakkoda Mountains
- Seibi-en (Japanese Garden)
- Lake Towada
More about Aomori, Japan Points of Interest
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Hirosaki Castle -
Sitting atop a stone wall, this 17th-century feudal castle features a tower with three elegant roofs, a moat and five gates, and is framed by over 2,500 enchanting cherry trees that blossom every spring.
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Seiryuu-ji Temple (Grand Buddha) -
The 'Blue-Green Dragon Temple', Seiryuu-ji was built in 1982, and features Japan's tallest sitting bronze Buddha, which is beautifully illuminated during the yearly Festival of Ten Thousand Lights.
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Tsugaru-han Neputa-mura (Tsugaru Province Neputa Village) -
Admire the extravagant Nebuta Festival parade floats and drums at this hands-on village, which boasts a charming Japanese garden, a crafts workshop and performances of traditional music.
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Tachineputa no Yakata -
At 'The Hall of Standing Neputa,' you'll have the chance to view three of the renowned Nebuta floats on display. Each stands about 22 meters tall and weighs around 17 tons.
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Tsugaru Kanayama Kiln -
Aomori is known for its copper-colored pottery, and here you'll find kilns, galleries and a variety of creations on display. A café and gardens also occupy the site.
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Hakkoda Mountains -
This beautiful mountain range is made up of stratovolcanoes and lava domes. The scenery is a major draw for hikers, though skiers enjoy the heavy snowfall on the rolling slopes in winter.
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Seibi-en (Japanese Garden) -
An impressive garden with bridges, waterfalls and ponds, this century-old site also includes a gold-leafed mausoleum dedicated to the Seito family, who commissioned the spectacular garden.
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Lake Towada -
Tucked inside Towada-Hachimantai National Park, this spectacular massive crater lake is a wonderland of nature surrounded by undulating hills of ancient forest, and water so translucent you can see 32 feet below the surface.
Best of Aomori
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $224.95
Hirosaki Castle Park, Neputa Festival Floats & Garden
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
From $219.95
Mt. Hakkoda Aerial Tram & Lake Towada Cruise
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
From $239.95
奥入瀬と十和田湖遊覧クルーズ(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
From $209.95
Highlights of Aomori
Moderate Activity
From $139.95
ねぶたの家ワ・ラッセと三内丸山遺跡(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
Moderate Activity
From $94.95
Hirosaki Castle Park & Neputa Festival Exhibition Hall
Strenuous Activity
From $164.95
弘前公園と津軽藩ねぷた村(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
Strenuous Activity
From $134.95
Tsugaru Kanayama Kiln and Tachineputa no Yakata Floats
Moderate Activity
From $139.95
津軽金山焼と立佞武多の館(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
Moderate Activity
From $109.95
Sukayu Hot Spring Onsen Experience
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $184.95
酸ヶ湯温泉(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
From $174.95
Trekking in Shirakami Mountains
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
From $214.95
白神山地トレッキング(日本語ガイド)(Guided in Japanese)
Strenuous Activity, Includes meal
From $214.95