Day1

Visit Aomori, rich in nature, history, and food!

Arrive at Aomori Airport

Get into a rental car and depart!
30 min. by car / 18km
Food

Kurayoshi

創作料理の店 蔵よし

In 1985, as a commemorative project for the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Kuroishi Junior Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest neputa and the world's largest taiko drum were built in Kuroishi Miyuki Park. The representative of Kurayoshi at that time created a limited time festival menu. That was the "World's Best Tenzaru". The menu became very popular and is still loved by many people today.
Data:Kurayoshi
Address/ Yoko, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, 036-0368
After lunch, head to Seibien
15 min. by car / 5km
To go & see

Seibien

盛美園

It is said that the garden was a great reference as part of the image of the mansion and the world in the movie "Arrietty the Borrower". It is one of the three most famous gardens created in the Meiji era. The Seibi-kan, a Western-style building with an eclectic mix of Japanese and Western styles, is a rare example of a building with different architectural styles on different floors for viewing the garden. The building retains its unique beauty in harmony with the Japanese garden, reminding us of the Meiji era of civilization and opening up of the world at the far end of Honshu. Hayao Miyazaki's autograph is also on display at the information desk!
Data:Seibien
Address/ 1 Saruga Ishibayashi, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, 036-0242
TEL/ 0172-57-2020
From Seibien to Hirosaki Castle
30 min. by car / 12km
To go & see

Hirosaki Castle

弘前城

Hirosaki Castle, the only surviving castle tower in the Tohoku region from the Edo period, is about 600m long from east to west and 1,000m long from north to south, and consists of six walls surrounded by triple moats and earthen mounds. The castle has a castle tower, three turrets, and five gates, all of which are designated as important cultural properties. The castle remains in its original form, and was designated as a national historic site in 1952. Currently, the castle has been moved to a different location due to the aging of the stone walls⁉ Have any castles been moved in Japan in the past? How unusual!
Data:Hirosaki Castle
Address/ 1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, 036-8356
TEL/ 0172-33-8739
Food

Apple pie

弘前アップルパイ

Aomori is all about apples! Hirosaki City is the largest producer of apples in Japan, and there are many sweets made with apples! The apple pies made with great care by each store are very popular among locals and tourists alike! There are many stores in this apple town, but if you are not sure which store to go to, please refer to the Apple Pie Guidebook! The stores listed are located in Hirosaki City, so if you want to enjoy real apples locally, you can’t miss it!
From Hirosaki castle to the hotel
1hour by car / 41km
Stay

Daiwaroynet Hotel Aomori

ダイワロイネットホテル青森

It is located along the Shinmachi shopping street, a 5-minute walk east of JR Aomori Station, where the Nebuta Festival is held in the summer and the Snowman Road in the winter, allowing you to enjoy seasonal events up close. It is a 5-minute walk to Aomori Bay Area, and a 4-minute walk to Aomori Prefectural Tourism and Product Center ASPAM. Rooms on the upper floors of the hotel on the ocean side offer a panoramic view of Aomori Bay.
Data:Daiwaroynet Hotel Aomori
Address/ 1-11-16 Shinmachi, Aomori-shi, Aomori 030-0801
TEL/ 017-732-7380

Day2

Let's go to Tsugaru region to enjoy the great nature of Aomori!

Departure from the hotel!

From the hotel to Aoike
2hour 35 min. by car / 120km
To go & see

Aoike

青池

Shirakami Sanchi is the first place in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (natural heritage). It is also one of the stages of Princess Mononoke. This mysterious pond is one of the 33 lakes and marshes called the Twelve Lake in the area and is very popular. It was named Aoike (blue pond) because it looks breathtakingly beautiful and blue like cobalt blue when illuminated by the sun. The pond is about 9 meters deep, and you can see dead beech trees lying and fish swimming in the water. Why it looks blue is still unknown.
Data:Aoike
Address/ Moriyama, Fukaura-cho, Nishitsugaru-gun, Aomori 038-2205, Japan
TEL/ 0173-74-2111 (Fukaura Town Tourism Division)
From Aoike to Nihon Canyon
10 min.by car / 3km
To go & see

Nihon Canyon

日本キャニオン

The Grand Canyon of Japan is located in the Tsugaru National Park area, but is not part of the World Heritage Area, so it is surprisingly unknown to many people. In 1953, when the Twelve Lake was designated as a Prefectural Natural Park, Mamoru Kishi, an explorer who was a member of the National Park Council, visited the site and compared it to the Grand Canyon in the U.S. and said, "What a baby canyon!” That's how it came to be called the Japan Canyon. The Japan Canyon from the bottom of the valley, surrounded by white tuff cliffs, is a powerful sight!
Data: Japan Canyon
Address/ Matsukami, Fukaura-cho, Nishitsugaru-gun, Aomori 038-2206
TEL/ 0173-74-2111 (Fukaura Town Tourism Division)
Move to Fukaura Area
1hour by car / 43 km
Food

Maguro Steak

マグロステーキ丼

The Fukaura area, located at the foot of the Shirakami Mountains, a World Heritage Site, has the largest catch of tuna in Aomori Prefecture! Fukaura's tuna, which migrates north to the Tsugaru Straits from spring to summer, is called summer tuna, while the nationally famous tuna from Oma, which is landed in the Tsugaru Straits, is called winter tuna. The summer tuna from Fukaura is slightly smaller than the winter tuna, but it is well known for its fatty, moist, lean meat and excellent taste. To support the summer tuna, the locals are offering a meal of Fukaura tuna steak rice bowl.
After lunch, head to the beautiful bridge
35 min. by car / 30km
To go & see

Tsuru no Maibashi

鶴の舞橋

The longest wooden triple drum bridge in Japan with a total length of over 300 meters. Completed in 1994, the bridge connects the two shores of Lake Tsugaru Fujimi, which beautifully reflects the majestic shadow of Mt. Iwaki on the surface of the lake, and is loved by many people as a symbol of Tsuruta Town with its warmth of wood and gentle arch. The bridge was named after the large number of cranes that used to fly over it. The bridge, which looks like a dancing crane, is also considered a power spot for good luck and longevity, as the long wooden bridge can be read as a bridge for long life. If you cross the bridge, you can live a long life⁉︎
Data:Tsuru no Maibashi
Address/ Osawa, Mawarizeki, Tsurutamchi, Kitatsugaru-gun, Aomori 038-3542
TEL/ 0173-22-2111
Back to the hotel
1 hour by car / 40km

Daiwaroynet Hotel Aomori(The 2nd night)

Day3

Explore the Aomori Waterfront Area!

Departure from the hotel!

From the hotel to Sannai MAruyama Site
20min. by car / 5km
To go & see

Sannai Maruyama Site

縄文集落跡地

The Sannai Maruyama Site is one of the largest Jomon settlement sites in Japan. The remains of a village that actually existed about 5,900 to 4,200 years ago have been found. The vast ruins are still being excavated, and there have been many discoveries that have overturned the conventional wisdom of the Jomon period, such as the fact that people lived in this area for over 1,500 years and used the bounty of nature to maintain a rich diet. The site is dotted with ruins and reconstructed buildings that you can enter, making it one of the best places to visit in Aomori! You can also buy sweets made from chestnuts, as chestnuts were cultivated there in the past.
Data: Jomon Settlement Site
Address/ 305 Maruyama, Sannai, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
TEL/ 017-766-8282
From the Jomon site to NEbuta Museum
15 min. by car / 6km
To go & see

Nebuta Museum WA RASSE

ねぶたの家 ワ・ラッセ

The summer festival of Aomori is the Nebuta! The colorful Nebuta, which fascinates people with its various forms depending on the creator, can be seen outside of summer as well! Nebuta no Ie WALASSE introduces the history and appeal of the festival and allows visitors to experience all that Nebuta has to offer. A large Nebuta that was actually used in the festival is displayed in a vast space that extends to the second floor. Surrounded by real Nebuta while shamisen, flute and Nebuta music plays in the background, you can immerse yourself in the world of the festival. The "Nebuta Museum" on the second floor introduces the origins and history of the festival. You can also learn about production techniques, styles, and changes in the subject matter. Be sure to check out the touchable nebuta and the nebuta masks that show the characteristics of the creators! There are also stores and restaurants where you can buy Nebuta goods and other Aomori crafts and products!
Data:Nebuta Museum WA RASSE
Address/ 1-1-1, Yasukata, Aomori-shi, Aomori 030-0803
TEL/ 017-752-1311
From the museum to the fish center
10min. by walk / 500m
Food

Nokkedon

青森のっけ丼

Aomori Fish and Vegetable Center is famous as the birthplace of the original "Aomori Nokke-don". After getting a ticket, you can freely go around the stores and choose the amount of ingredients you like and have them put on your warm rice! There are so many different kinds of fresh seafood, local specialties, and it's hard to decide which one to eat! You'll be amazed at how much there is! If you go in the morning, you can get freshly fried squid menchi, one of Aomori's local dishes! In addition to sashimi, there is also a butcher store where you can have your meat grilled right in front of you! Don't forget that you can also buy souvenirs!
Data: Aomori Fish and Vegetable Center
Address/ 1-11-16, Furukawa, Aomori-shi, Aomori 030-0862, Japan
TEL/ 017-763-0085
From the fish center to Aomori Port
10 min. by walk / 500m
To go & see

Aomori Port

青森港

The large park adjacent to Aomori Port is called Blue Sea Park, and on a good day, Aomori Bay and the blue sky come together to create a truly blue sea park! It is also a popular park for local residents to relax. There are benches where you can take your time to look at the sea, and if the weather is good, you can see far into the distance. Nearby, there is an eye-catching triangular building. This is the "ASPAM" tourist and product center. It is a 76-meter high, 15-story building in the shape of the letter "A".The triangle was actually inspired by the "A" in Aomori. It serves as an information base for the culture, tourism, and products of Aomori Prefecture. From the observatory, you can see not only Aomori Port, but also the cityscape of Aomori City and even Mt. Hakkoda in the distance.
Data:Aomori Port
住所/ 2-1, Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori 030-0803
TEL/ 017-734-4101
From the port to the hotel
10 min. by walk / 500m

Daiwaroynet Hotel Aomori(The 3rd night)

Day4

Return home after enjoying the Auga Fresh Market where the locals go.

Depart from the hotel!

Head to the market
10min. by walk / 500m

Festival City Auga

アウガ新鮮市場

青森駅から徒歩約2分!地下にこんな隠れた市場があるとは!
早朝5時から営業しているアウガには約70店舗の鮮魚・乾物・野菜などを扱う店舗や新鮮素材が味わえる飲食店が並ぶ「新鮮市場」があります。海産物を中心にたくさんのお店が並んでいるので、目移り必須。朝から飲食店を食べ歩きするのも楽しいし、その後はお土産探しも出来るし。近くの青森魚菜センターは観光客が多め、アウガ新鮮市場は地元のお客さんが多め。青森のローカルな日常が見えたり、パンフレットに載ってない情報なども聞けるかも!?早朝散歩とともに市場に立ち寄ってみてはいかがでしょう?
Data:Auga Fresh Market
Address/ 1-3-7 Shinmachi, Aomori City, 030-0801
TEL/ 017-718-0151
Arrive at Aomori Airport → Haneda Airport

1 hour 25 min by air

旅行代金(概算)

Tour Fee
Per Person
Peak Season (1 room for 2 people)  115,000JPY~
Off season (1 room for 2 people) 58,300JPY~
Includes
Round trip Airfare(Haneda - Aomori)、Rent-a-Car, 3nights accommodation without breakfast Tax

Sights Information

Fukaura Sunset (Benten Island)

There are two Benten Islands in Aomori Prefecture, and this one is located in Fukaura Okazaki, Fukaura-cho, Nishitsugaru-gun, and is the most famous sunset point in Fukaura. There is a hill nearby, and the view of the sunset from there is sure to fascinate you! Benzaiten is one of the seven gods of good fortune, and is worshipped as the guardian deity of lands closely related to water, such as coasts, ports, islands, rivers, and ponds. Benten Island was designated as a Fukaura-cho designated monument in 1974.

Oirase Stream

The Oirase River, which flows out of Lake Towada, is about 14 km long and has been designated as a special scenic beauty and natural monument by the government,
There are many places to see. Along the river, there are roads and trails where you can enjoy the clear water and waterfalls without having to go deep into the forest after getting off the car. If you are driving, park at the parking lot on the way and take a walk around the area! The best route for a brisk walk is from Yakeyama to Konokuchi on the shore of Lake Towada! It takes about 5 hours of slow walking.

Lake Towada

Lake Towada, which straddles both Aomori and Akita prefectures and is located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, is famous as a scenic spot in the north. The middle lake, sandwiched between the Mikura and Nakayama peninsulas, is 327 meters deep at its deepest point, making it the third deepest lake in Japan. On the eastern shore is the Oirase River, which is the only source of water from Lake Towada, and the Oirase Geyu stretches about 14 km to the northeast. "The Oirase Stream extends about 14 km to the northeast, and is designated as a special scenic beauty and natural monument of cultural assets as "Lake Towada and the Oirase Stream.

Hotokegaura

Located in the Shimokita Peninsula in the northernmost part of Honshu, the unexplored area of "Hotokegaura" is designated as a national natural monument and a place of scenic beauty. White green tuff rocks stretch for about 2km, and each rock is named after a Buddha. The main features are the oddly shaped rocks and the emerald green seashore! There is a free parking lot for access, and from there it takes about 20 minutes one way by stairs. The distance and difference in elevation is more than you think! You need to be prepared for that! The best way is to take a cruise ship and enjoy the natural art that can only be seen from the sea! You can also go ashore and explore!

Takayama Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto is famous for its 1,000 torii gates, but in Aomori Prefecture, there is Takayama Inari Shrine, which has countless torii gates. The shrine is known as a guardian deity for a good harvest, safety at sea, and prosperity in business, and is visited by many people from far and wide for its various benefits such as family safety, healing from illness, and protection on the road. The shrine is located on a hill, so you can enjoy the view of the Sea of Japan. The multiple torii gates are very impressive and worth a visit. It's also a very photogenic spot!

Miso Curry Milk Ramen

Miso Curry Milk Ramen is a famous B-grade gourmet dish in Aomori. Anyway, what does it taste like? The taste was so popular that people became addicted to it after trying it, and now it is produced as a souvenir, like cup noodles. There are five stores in Aomori City where you can enjoy the taste of the original ramen. Please try it first!

Tsugaru Clan Neputa Village

This is a hands-on sightseeing facility based on the theme of the Hirosaki Neputa in Hirosaki City. You can see a demonstration of neputa music and listen to a live Tsugaru shamisen performance. Inside the facility, you can see the Japanese garden "Yokien", which is a registered monument of Japan, and the tea house "Youkian", which is one of the few tea houses in the snow country in the Tohoku region. Here, you can see various exhibits such as a large 10-meter-high Neputa, a life-size Neputa where you can see the inner framework, Neputa paintings, and a goldfish Neputa. There is also a corner where vegetables, apples, and rice are sold directly from the farm, and crafts are sold.

Senjoujiki Coast

This is a rocky beach that was formed by the uplift of the ground caused by an earthquake more than 200 years ago. It is said that the name came from the fact that the lord of the Tsugaru clan at that time was so curious about the beach that he laid out a thousand tatami mats and held a banquet there. The rocky beach juts out into the Sea of Japan, and you can walk freely on it, and when you reach the edge of the waves, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the ocean in front of you. The 12 km-long coastline of uniquely shaped rocks is a sight to behold!

Oma's Tuna

The natural tuna caught off the coast of Oma, one of the most famous places in Aomori Prefecture, is also known as the black diamond. The Tsugaru Strait, which Oma Town faces, is rich in high quality plankton, allowing for the harvesting of a premium brand of tuna! When shipped, tuna weighing more than 30 kilograms are marked with the "Oma Tuna" sticker on their cheeks to signify the brand! Around Omazaki, there are stores where you can eat tuna and souvenir stores, and there is a free public parking lot, so you can take your time looking around!

Ichigo-ni

Ichigo-ni, a typical local dish of Hachinohe City and the surrounding Sanriku Coast in Aomori Prefecture, is a soup made with sea urchin and abalone, and has been used as an offering to guests since ancient times. The name comes from the fact that the sea urchin served in a bowl looked like wild strawberries. In 2007, Senbei-jiru and Ichigo-ni were selected as one of the best 100 local dishes in Aomori.