When I mentioned to people that I was visiting Aomori, some hadn’t heard of it and others seemed surprised that I’d chosen there, rather than the more common regions for first time visitors to Japan. However I’m always keen to visit lesser known destinations as they are so often the areas that I come back from trips with the best memories!
Venture north to the tip of Honshu and you’ll discover Aomori Prefecture, a region brimming with volcanic landscapes, incredible hiking trails, vibrant festivals, and some of the freshest seafood in Japan. My recent trip blew past every expectation, and if you’re crafting an Aomori itinerary, this region offers enough magic to fill several unforgettable days.
Below are some detailed suggestions from my journey – complete with cultural stops, scenic walks, delicious meals, and all the incredible things to do in Aomori that made this trip so memorable.
Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse: Where Festival Magic Lives Year-Round
Aomori is famous across Japan for the Nebuta Festival, a summer celebration featuring enormous illuminated floats depicting warriors, gods, and mythical creatures. Outside festival season, the best way to experience this artistry is at the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse.
Inside, you’ll be stood in awe before four full-size Nebuta floats. These massive structures are made of washi paper stretched over bamboo and wire frames. Their size, detail, and craftsmanship are unbelievable. Gentle lighting recreates the festival atmosphere, while interactive exhibits explain how artisans construct and animate each float.
If cultural arts and traditions are part of your things to do in Aomori, this museum is a must.
Dinner With Tsugaru Shamisen: Tsugaru Joppari Gyoya Sakaba Aomori Honcho-ten
My first meal in Aomori was at Tsugaru Joppari Gyoya Sakaba Aomori Honcho-ten. Yes, a rather long name indeed! It’s an izakaya (a Japanese inn) famous not only for its hearty local dishes but also for its nightly Tsugaru shamisen performances. The shamisen is a three-stringed Japanese instrument, but the Tsugaru style, originating from this very region, is known for its intensity, speed, and improvisation.
It took my friends and I a long time to actually go inside the restaurant as we were quite taken by the beautiful facade. The top of the building is guarded by brightly lit Nebuta characters whilstthe doorway is raised off the floor and tiny, meaning if you’re tall like me, you’ll have to bend over to enter through the curtain and wooden door – it all feels a little bit Narnia…how fun!
Inside you have the option of a communal dining area downstairs with its dimly lit ambience or upstairs Zashiki style (floor seating).
If you’re looking to add nightlife to your Aomori itinerary, or are looking for fun, atmospheric things to do in Aomori, this izakaya experience is absolutely perfect.
Jigokunuma Pond: A Volcanic Cauldron of Colour and Mist
Jigokunuma Pond, is a stunning volcanic pool where hot spring waters gather in what was once the site of a volcanic eruption. It’s nicknamed “Jigoku” (“Hell” in Japanese) due to its distinctive sulfuric smell.
I visited in autumn and the colours of the trees and plants around the pond were incredible – bright yellows, reds and deep oranges! Late afternoon is absolutely the best time to visit as just before dusk the steam (and mist) swirling around the pool looks very atmospheric.
The colour of the water appears to change depending on the light and cloud cover, from bright green to deep blue. The Hakkoda mountain range can be seen beyond the lake on a clear day – the pond being formed from a previous eruption at Mount Hakkoda.
We stopped for a while to take in the scenery and capture some photos – it is on the way from Aomori to Oirase Stream, so it’s definitely worth stopping on the way.
If you’re planning an Aomori itinerary, especially one centred around nature, Jigokunuma Pond should sit right at the top of your list.
Kabushima Shrine: History, Fishermen, and a Goddess of Fortune
I really enjoyed visiting Kabushima Shinto Shrine, originally built in 1269 by local fishermen seeking safety and bountiful harvests from the sea. The shrine is dedicated to Benzaiten, a deity associated with good fortune.
The shrine’s coastal setting adds an extra layer of beauty as the waves crash around it and thousands of seabirds circle overhead. We were advised to walk three times around the shrine to bring us luck on our journey.
Walking the Oirase Gorge: Waterfalls, Moss, and River Magic
One of the absolute highlights of my Aomori itinerary was hiking through the spectacular Oirase Gorge. Stretching 14km from Lake Towada, this lush river valley is widely considered one of the most beautiful in all of Japan. I can confirm that it absolutely lives up to that reputation.
The path winds through dense forest and past moss-covered rocks. You can follow the stream and it’s an incredibly peaceful walk. Along the way you’ll encounter numerous waterfalls including Soryu, the delicate Tomoshirag and the white flowing Shirakinu, amongst others. For anyone who loves nature walks, this is one of the must-do things to do in Aomori, an unforgettable immersion in northern Japan’s countryside.
It’s not particularly difficult walking although there are some ups and downs along the way so make sure to wear proper hiking boots. Autumn is a really lovely time of year in Oirase Gorge, with the bright yellows and red leaves on the trees. Apart from around the visitor centre, the trail wasn’t too busy and there were some nice places to stop and have a picnic along the way.
Jogakura Ohashi Bridge: One of Aomori’s Most Majestic Views
One of the most iconic sights in Aomori is Jogakura Ohashi Bridge, a 360m long arch bridge that connects the Tsugaru and Nanbu regions. The engineering itself is impressive, but the real treasure lies in the sweeping views. From the bridge you can see towards the Jyogakura-Keiryu Streams and across the neighbouring valleys within Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
If you visit during Autumn, the foliage explodes into crimson and gold with the bridge offers a breathtaking vantage point. It’s east to park up and walk across the bridge, making it easy addition to any Aomori itinerary, and one of the scenic things to do in Aomori if you want effortless but spectacular views.
Seafood breakfast at Hachinohe City Seafood Market
A seafood breakfast was one of the first things on my Aomori itinerary. Every perfect trip involves good food, and Aomori certainly delivers on that front, especially when it comes to seafood. Hachinohe City Seafood Market has dozens of vendors, selling some of the best sashimi I’ve ever tried and visiting was definitely one of the tastiest things to do in Aomori.
If you’re not used to travelling in Asia, then a fish based breakfast might seem unusual, but everything was divine! I had a fairly simple spread of tuna sashimi (less than £2) paired with crunchy pickled cucumber, warm miso soup, and steamed rice. The freshness and tastiness of this simple meal showed why northern Japan has such a strong culinary reputation.
The market opened in 1953 and is known of the ‘kitchen of the city’ and its surrounding towns and villages.
Open – 3:00 AM-2:00 PM (Fishmongers and sashimi shops close before noon)
38-1 Aza Kubo, Oaza Minatomachi, Hachinohe
Michinoku Coastal Trail: A Taste of Japan’s Great Long-Distance Route
The north of Japan has some brilliant hiking trails, including some of the country’s famous ultra long distance ones. The Michinoku Coastal Trail spans over 1000km along Japan’s Pacific coast. Hiking the entire route takes weeks, and I would have loved to experience this but I was able to carve out some time to sample a small portion. Those short days were more than enough to understand why hikers rave about this trail.
I walked along coastal cliffs, through fishing villages, past quiet beaches, and across forest paths. The scenery constantly shifted, the air smelled of pine and salt, and I met fellow hikers who had stories from all over the world. Many had booked self guided tours and had their luggage transported from hotel to hotel whilst they walked.
If you’re looking to include outdoor adventure in your Aomori itinerary then make sure to add some of the Michinoku trail to your list!
Onsen Bliss: Waking Up in a Winter Wonderland at Hakkoda Hotel Jogakura
One of the joys of northern Japan is staying in an onsen hotel, usually a traditional ryokan or lodge that provides access to natural hot spring baths. During my stay, I checked into Hakkoda Hotel Jogakura, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing parts of my trip.
Close to Jogakura Ohashi bridge, Hokkoda Hotel Jogakura felt wonderfully traditional, with its wooden features and cosy feel. I enjoyed the set menu in the restaurant, which included Wagyu steak (that you grilled yourself) as well as sashimi. After an enjoyable hot spring experience I woke up I the morning to a lovely sight: the surrounding forest blanketed in fresh snow.
Breakfast was varied and I enjoyed the Japanese options including a warm miso soup and pickled vegetables, enjoyed by the window as I watched the snow fall. This magical moment reinforced how essential an onsen stay is to any Aomori itinerary, and why it’s one of the most restorative things to do in Aomori.
Final Thoughts: Building Your Own Aomori Adventure
Aomori is a region that rewards slow travel and deep exploration. From volcanic pools and dramatic gorges to cultural performances, seafood markets, and snowy hot springs, every corner of the prefecture offers something special. My own Aomori itinerary ended up being a highlight of my time in Japan, despite it being a region that isn’t always on one’s radar.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a longer adventure, there are enough diverse things to do in Aomori to satisfy nature lovers, food enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a quieter, more soulful side of Japan.
