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Port of Aomori

 

Nestled in the gulf between two peninsulas to the east and west, Aomori is surrounded in the south by the World Heritage-listed ancient beech forest of Shirakami-sanchi. Historically it served as a source of rice and timber for the capital of Edo (now Tokyo), and as the 'Gateway to Hokkaido', it developed as a pivotal location in the transport of passengers and goods between Honshu and Hokkaido. It continues to play an important role in the Northern part of the Tohoku region as a center for transport and goods distribution.

2012-2013 Cruise Schedule >

Port of Aomori

 

Sightseeing highlights of surrounding area

  • Showa Daibutsu
    Showa Daibutsu
    Japan’s largest bronze seated Buddha. Traditional Shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine and zen meditation experiences are also on offer.
     
  • Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site
    Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site
    These 5000-4500 year old remains of a Jomon Period community are the largest in Japan, and are an exceptional national landmark that has changed our understanding of ancestors.
     
 
  • Lake Towada and the Oirase Mountain Stream
    Lake Towada pleasure cruise
    Formed in the basin of a volcanic crater, Lake Towada covers an area of over 60km² and boasts an extremely high level of water clarity. On a pleasure cruise of the lake, one can take in the depths of the clear blue waters and the breath-taking views of the Senjōmaku cliffs, the colours of the surrounding foliage changing with each season. The Oirase Mountain Stream also flows from this lake. Following heavy rainfall or the melting of the snow, the excess water creates a waterfall which interrupts the stream's gentle currents, making this an area of truly outstanding natural beauty.
     
  • Hirosaki Castle and Other Historic Buildings
    Hirosaki Castle
    It may be small, but as one of only twelve castles in Japan with a tower built prior to the Edo period, Hirosaki Castle has been designated as a major national cultural asset. It is also a famous place for cherry blossom: in the spring people come from all over Japan to see the over three thousand trees of Hirosaki park in their full glorious bloom.(Every spring three thousand trees burst into bloom, and people come from all over Japan to see it.) Also, in the surrounds of the castle, one can see many examples of traditional Japanese architecture, such as the Street of Buddhist temples and the five-storey Pagoda.
     
 

Culture

  • foods
    Oma Maguro (Oma Maguro tuna)
    Famous Oma Maguro tuna is caught by the traditional method of ippon-zuri ,( "one-line catching").They are at their most delicious when eaten fresh.
     
  • Local specialties
    Aomori Ringo (Aomori Apple)
    Aomori is one of Japan's leading apple-growing districts. As well as apples, apple juice and apple-based snacks are also sold as popular products.
     
 
  • Event
    Aomori Nebuta Festival (mid-August)
    With towering floats of heroic samurai warriors, energetic haneto dancers and the pulsating beat of traditional music all rolled into one, Nebuta is one of the most entrancing and exciting events in the Aomori calendar. Whether you don traditional yukata and join the parade, or simply cheer on from the sidelines, you will be able to experience the vitality and sheer energy of the festival, and see the importance it plays in the local culture of Aomori.
     
  • World Hritage Site
    Shirakami-Sanchi
    Shirakami-Sanchi is a virgin beech forest that is so unique in its sheer size and almost complete lack of human interference, that it has been registered as a UNESCO site of World Natural Heritage. As the area is so unspoilt, ancient ecosystems continue to thrive, and rare wildlife – such as the endangered black woodpecker – exist in abundance.
     
 

Excursion information

2 hour course Tour of Aomori city center (on foot)
4 hour course See the Aomori Nebuta fire festival at Nebuta-no-sato and Showa Daibutsu
6 hour course Experience Japanese culture while walking around the temples and castle of Hirosaki City

Passenger terminal information

Tourist information desk, Japanese cultural experience area, cultural products sales area temporarily established. Free rental of electric carts.

Welcome event performances of Nebuta-hayashi orchestra and Wadaiko drumming.

Facilities for the disabled

No facilities

Location

2 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori, 030-0803

Access

Nearest station Aomori Station (15 mins on foot, 5 mins by car)
Airport Aomori Airport (35 mins by bus, 30 mins by taxi)
Shinkansen JR Shin-Aomori Station (20 mins by taxi)

Tourist information center

Aomori City Tourist Information and Exchange Center
1-1-25 Shin-machi, Aomori City, Aomori, 030-0801
TEL : +81-17-723-4670

Reference website >

Japan Map >