The northern tip of Honshu: Aomori City’s Nebuta, Hirosaki’s castle and blossoms, and the Towada-Oirase lake and stream.
Aomori rewards a slower pace. Pair a city stay with one nature day; the Tohoku Shinkansen reaches Shin-Aomori from Tokyo.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesThe Nebuta Festival in early August fills the streets with huge illuminated floats. Outside festival time, Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse by the station shows the floats year-round, and the market near the station serves seafood bowls.
Festival-week rooms sell out early; compare Hirosaki or Hachinohe if Aomori City is full.
Read this area guide →Hirosaki Park surrounds one of Japan’s twelve original castle keeps and is known for its cherry blossoms in late April and early May. The town is at the heart of Japan’s apple country, with cafés and French-style restaurants.
Blossom season is busy; stay overnight to see the park early in the morning.
Read this area guide →The Oirase Gorge path follows a stream of rapids and waterfalls for about 14 km down from Lake Towada. Walk a section, then take a boat on the lake. Autumn colours peak in late October.
Buses run from Aomori and Hachinohe; services are reduced in winter, so check timetables first.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Visit Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse by Aomori Station.
Build your own seafood bowl at the station market.
Train to Hirosaki for the castle park.
Apple sweets or a French-style dinner in Hirosaki.
Try scallops, seafood bowls, Hirosaki apple pie and Hachinohe’s senbei-jiru soup.
Stay near Aomori or Shin-Aomori stations for rail access, or in Hirosaki for a town atmosphere. Hot-spring inns are an option near Towada.
The Tohoku Shinkansen reaches Shin-Aomori. Local JR trains link Aomori and Hirosaki; Towada and Oirase need a bus or car.
