Aomori Prefecture is a well-known destination in Japan that offers stunning natural landscapes and a wealth of seasonal attractions. Whether you're seeking the excitement of the city or the tranquility of nature, Aomori has something for everyone, including families, excursionists, and foodies.

One of the main draws of Aomori is its delicious cuisine, which revolves, in part, around seafood. Depending on the season, visitors can also experience a variety of festivals, activities, and breathtaking natural scenery featuring colorful flowers and foliage.

Aomori is a year-round wonderland to get the perfect balance of urban and natural attractions!

The Shinkansen bullet train is the recommended way to travel from Tokyo to Aomori Prefecture.
・From Tokyo Station, take the Hayabusa Shinkansen operated by the JR Tohoku Shinkansen directly to Shin-Aomori Station (around 3.5 hours; around 17,700 yen; covered under the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Tohoku Area Pass).
・From there, you can transfer to a local train to reach Aomori Station, Hirosaki, and other destinations.

Bus (either highway bus or night bus) is the cheapest option to get from Tokyo Station to Aomori, costing between 3,000 and 15,000 yen depending on route, carrier, and time of day. The trip takes around 10.5 to 11 hours.

Aomori, Hirosaki, and Hachinohe are the main gateways to Aomori Prefecture. Flying is the fastest and easiest way to reach Aomori Prefecture, with a flight duration of just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Tokyo. There are two airports serving the prefecture: Misawa Airport for the Nanbu area and Aomori Airport for the Tsugaru area. You can browse and book domestic flights here.

The train is the easiest way of moving between major cities in Aomori, such as Aomori City and Hirosaki.

Exploring cities in Aomori, buildings and activities tend to be somewhat more spread out than those around Tokyo. While they are still very walkable, a stroll will take more time. For instance, it is around a 30-minute walk from Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Park.

Bus and taxi services are available within larger cities in Aomori. If you plan on visiting Oirase and the Lake Towada area, you can also catch a bus from Hirosaki and Aomori City.

Car rental
Driving is one of the easiest ways to get around Aomori Prefecture and see a wealth of sights that are trickier to access via public transport. Renting a car is highly recommended if you're visiting sights in more outlying areas, like the stunning Takayama Inari Shrine, as you aren't restricted by public transit schedules.

When visiting Aomori, you’re likely to find exactly what you’re looking for in one of these areas.

Aomori City is a great choice if you want to be at the center of the action. With plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions, it's a convenient base for exploring the wider prefecture.

Aomori City also offers easy access to the Nebuta Festival, one of Japan's most famous festivals, which takes place every August. This area is ideal for families and urban adventurers who want to experience the city's vibrant energy.

Just a short drive from the city center, the Hakkoda Mountains offer world-class powder snow and historic hot springs, making this area a dual-threat for urban convenience and alpine adventure.

Getting to Aomori City from Tokyo
The easiest way to get to Aomori City from Tokyo is by taking the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station, then transferring to the JR Ou Line for Aomori Station. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Hakkoda Hotel
Why we love it: A luxurious log-cabin resort nestled in the Hakkoda mountains. Famous for its majestic natural surroundings, French cuisine, and easy access to world-class powder snow.

Art Hotel Aomori
Why we love it: Offers stunning views of Aomori Bay and the mountains, with a highly-rated breakfast buffet featuring local fresh seafood.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Aomori
Why we love it: Exceptionally clean and modern, located right in the city center. The perfect, hassle-free base for attending the Nebuta Festival or exploring downtown.

Hirosaki City is a charming castle town located in southwestern Aomori Prefecture, known for its well-preserved castle, traditional festivals, and local delicacies.

The top attractions include Hirosaki Castle and Park, especially during cherry blossom season in April when more than 2,500 cherry trees burst into bloom. There is also the Neputa Village Museum, which showcases the region's traditional festivals and crafts such as colorful floats, lanterns, and Tsugaru-jamisen (a type of Japanese stringed instrument).

If you're a foodie, you might enjoy the local specialties like Tsugaru ramen, apples, and locally-made apple cider.

Hirosaki is a great place to experience Japan's traditional side in a charming castle town setting. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or traveling with your partner, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this beautiful area!

Getting to Hirosaki from Tokyo
The easiest way to get to Hirosaki from Tokyo is by taking the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station, then transferring to the JR Ou Line for Hirosaki Station. The journey takes just under 4.5 hours, depending on the train schedule.

Dormy Inn Hirosaki
Why we love it: A favorite among international travelers! Features a fantastic natural hot spring bath and complimentary midnight ramen—an unbeatable cultural experience.

Historical Ryokan SENYUKAN
Why we love it: Located in the neighboring hot spring town of Owani (just a 10-minute train ride from Hirosaki), you can step back in time at this authentic, historic ryokan. Offers beautiful tatami rooms, a peaceful indoor garden, and warm local hospitality.

Aomori Winery Hotel
Why we love it: Perched on a hill in neighboring Owani, this unique concept hotel overlooks the Tsugaru plain. Guests can enjoy sweeping views, hot springs, and excellent local Aomori wine.

Hachinohe City is a bustling port town located on the eastern coast of Aomori Prefecture. It's known for its fresh seafood, traditional festivals, and historic landmarks.

The top attractions include the Hachinohe Fish Market, Kabushima Shrine, and the Hachinohe Enburi Festival, which features lively performances and colorful costumes.

As for food, you can try out local delicacies like Sanriku oysters, squid, and scallops.

This area is ideal for foodies and beachgoers who want to experience Japan's seaside culture.

Getting to Hachinohe from Tokyo
Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen (Hayabusa) directly from Tokyo Station to Hachinohe Station. The seamless journey takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes (around 16,500 yen), and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Tohoku Area Pass.

Dormy Inn Hon-Hachinohe
Why we love it: Combines modern comfort with traditional relaxing hot springs. Conveniently located near Hachinohe’s lively downtown area, perfect for foodie explorations.

Hachinohe Park Hotel
Why we love it: A classic, reliable hotel with spacious rooms and free parking, making it an excellent hub for those renting a car to explore the rugged Tanesashi Coast.

Comfort Hotel Hachinohe
Why we love it: Located just a 4-minute walk from JR Hachinohe Station. It is highly rated by international travelers for its incredible value, offering clean, soundproofed rooms, free bicycle rentals, and a complimentary healthy buffet breakfast featuring local specialties.

The Lake Towada area is a scenic region located in the northern part of Aomori Prefecture, known for its beautiful lake, stunning autumn foliage, and picturesque hiking trails.

Some of its top attractions include Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge, and the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Here, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and skiing.

The Lake Towada area is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a serene retreat.

Getting there
FThe most convenient and popular way for international travelers is taking the JR Bus "Mizuumi-go" directly from Aomori Station or Shin-Aomori Station to Lake Towada (Yasumiya). The scenic ride takes about 3 hours and is fully covered by the all-Japan JR Pass. > Please note that some transportation services may have reduced schedules or closures during the winter months.

Towada Prince Hotel
Why we love it: A classic resort nestled right on the serene shores of Lake Towada. Wake up to breathtaking lake views and unwind in their beautiful open-air hot spring bath surrounded by nature.

Towada Hotel
Why we love it: A historic masterpiece built by master shrine carpenters using precious Akita cedar. Perched on a hill overlooking the lake, it offers an elegant, traditional blend of Japanese craftsmanship and western comfort that international guests love.

Tsuta Onsen Ryokan
Why we love it: Located just north of the gorge, this legendary hot spring inn oozes historic charm and Taisho-era romance. It’s highly rated by global travelers for its rare "buna" (beechwood) baths where spring water wells up directly from the floorboards, and its proximity to the breathtaking Tsutanuma Pond.

No matter which season you choose to visit, you'll be able to experience the warm hospitality and delicious cuisine of Aomori as well as the unique attractions that each season has to offer.

・Fall: Considered by many to be the best season to visit Aomori due to the stunning autumn foliage that transforms the region's forests and mountains into a kaleidoscope of colors.
・Spring: A great alternative for those who enjoy cherry blossoms, which bloom in late April in Aomori.
・Summer: Ideal for those who don't want to miss the vibrant Japanese festivals, including the Nebuta Festival in Aomori City and the Neputa Festival in Hirosaki City.
・Winter: The best season for winter sports enthusiasts, as you can go skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the region's many mountain resorts. It's also a great time to visit the hot springs and enjoy traditional winter cuisine.