Aomori
Aomori( thanh sâm ), the capital ofAomori Prefecture,Japan,is on Mutsu Bay, at the northern tip ofHonshu.
Understand
[edit]Tourist information site
[edit]The local tourist association has amultilingual guide site.
Get in
[edit]
By plane
[edit]- 1Aomori Airport(AOJIATA).It is served by Japan Airlines (JAL), ANA, FDA (Fuji Dream Airlines), and Korean Air. JAL flights arrive fromTokyoHaneda Airport,NagoyaCentrair Airport,OsakaItami Airport,SapporoChitose Airport, and Fukuoka Airport. ANA flights arrive fromOsakaItami Airport andSapporoChitose Airport. FDA flights arrive fromNagoyaKomaki Airport. Korean Air flights arrive fromSeoulIncheon Airport.
Buses connect the airport to the Aomori train station for¥700.The bus ride lasts 35minutes.
By train
[edit]
FromTokyo,Tohoku ShinkansenHayabusa(はやぶさ) andHayate(はやて) trains run toShin-Aomori station( tân thanh sâm ) on the way towardsHakodateinHokkaido.From Shin-Aomori, regular trains shuttle passengers over to the more centrally-locatedAomori station( thanh sâm ). Ticketed passengers are permitted to shuttle between these two stations in the non-reserved car of any train, even if a limited express train heading towards Aomori departs first. Expect the total journey to take 3½ to 4 hours, depending on the transfer and wait times at Shin-Aomori. Note that it may be faster to take a bus between Shin-Aomori and the city center (Aomori station or even closer to your accommodation) because the trains aren't necessarily timed to the Shinkansen.
The regular one-way fare from Tokyo to Aomori is ¥17,350 on theHayabusa- slightly cheaper for theHayate- and so for foreign tourists the better deal for the round-trip is to purchase aJR East Rail Pass - Tohoku Area(¥19,000 for advance purchase), which can be used on any 5 days within a 14-day period.
If your travel plans include other parts of the country, the better option will be the national Japan Rail Pass. If your plans only include travel around Tohoku and Hokkaido, consider theJR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass,which is slightly cheaper than the national pass (¥26,000 for advance purchase) and covers travel from Tokyo to Aomori, Hakodate and Sapporo. It can be used on any 6 days within a 14-day period.
Note that the Green Car version of the national Japan Rail Pass is valid for Green Cars on theHayateandHayabusa,but any version of the pass will cover just the basic fare for the business class seating on theHayabusa,known as Gran Class. Passengers (including Japan Rail Pass holders) using "Gran Class" will be pampered with an all-leather seat resembling business class on an airplane, a personal on-call cabin attendant, light meals and complimentary alcoholic beverages. If you use Gran Class with a Japan Rail Pass, you must pay the Shinkansen express charge and the Gran Class surcharge (¥16,960 from Tokyo). Without a Japan Rail Pass, Gran Class costs ¥27,110 between Tokyo and Aomori.
By bus
[edit]Aomori, at the northernmost point of Honshu, is the terminating point for several highway buses.
FromTokyoStation, JR Bus Tohoku'sLa Foretservice runs once per night, reaching Aomori in 9 1/2hours at a cost of ¥9,000 each way on Fridays, Saturdays and the day before holidays, and ¥8,500 on all other days. Konan Bus'Tsugaruruns over the same route; their bus costs ¥7,500 each way, or ¥9,000 during peak travel periods.
From Ueno Station in Tokyo, Konan Bus runs discounted bus services to Aomori: a daytime service calledSky(¥5,000) and two night services calledPanda(¥4,500; ¥5,000 during peak travel periods). These buses take longer to Aomori - about 11hours each way - due to an additional stop made inHirosaki.
Willer Expressoperates several buses from Tokyo Station,Tokyo Disneylandand Shinjuku to Aomori with prices starting from about ¥5,000. Bookings can be made online in English.
Four bus operators jointly runBlue Citydaytime buses betweenSendaiand Aomori (5hours, ¥5,700). There are more runs during the summer months than the rest of the year.
By boat
[edit]Seikan FerryandTsugaru Kaikyo Ferryoperate ferry services from Aomori to the port ofHakodatewith multiple departures daily. Trips take 3 hr 45 min. One way fares are cheapest on the Seikan Ferry, ¥1600 for a carpet space. The Tsugaru Kaikyo's Blue Dolphin ferry offers several classes of service, from standard carpet space (¥2220 one-way) up to a suite with two beds and an in-room shower and toilet (¥4940 one-way) and a luxurious suite that adds a living room (¥12,340 one-way). During peak travel periods, these fares are higher.
Tsugaru Kaikyo offers online booking of all of their ferry services in English through a third party. Fares are paid in euros and reservations are confirmed within 48 hours of booking. They also offer checked baggage service for an extra fee.
Cars and motorcycles can also be carried on some of these ferries.
Get around
[edit]Taxisare always available from the train station.
Buses:Go to the bus terminal outside the train station and tell the attendant at the city bus counter where you'd like to go. He or she will tell you which number bus stop to wait at, what time the bus will come, and where to get off. On city buses, you'll pay when you get off the bus.
TheNebutan-goshuttle bus runs clockwise and counter-clockwise circles stopping at both Aomori and Shin-Aomori Stations, the Prefectural Art Museum, and other tourist sites about once an hour during the morning and afternoon. ¥200 per ride; a one-day pass is ¥500.
Anything in the downtown Shinmachi area is easily accessible by foot.
- 1Information center(Next to the train station).In this well-staffed center you can make enquiries about the city, accommodation and transportation.
See
[edit]Town Center
[edit]- 1Nebuta House Wa Rasse(ねぶたの gia ワ・ラッセ),1 Chome-1-1 Yasukata(turn left out of Aomori Station),☏+81 17-752-1311.The distinctive red building houses exhibits about the Nebuta, including several floats, if you're unable to make it during festival season.¥600 for adults.
- 2Aomori Bay Bridge(Thanh sâm ベイブリッジ Aomori Bei Buridji).This bridge spans a short harbor inlet near Aomori Station and the former ferry port.
- 3Hakkōda-maru Memorial Ship(Bát giáp điền hoàn)(left from the train station towards the giant boat).The ferry which connected Hokkaido and Aomori prior to the building of the Seikan Submarine Tunnel is now a somewhat run down museum, but worth checking out if you're interested in regional history, trains, or boats. The rear part of the deck of the ferry serves as a beer garden on summer nights.
- Tsugaru Kaikyō Fuyu-Geshiki(Tân khinh hải hiệp ・ đông cảnh sắc).This memorial alongside the ferry terminal looks like it might honor some historical event or local hero, but it's actually dedicated to a song. Meaning "Tsugaru Strait winter scenery", the 1977 hit ballad is an all-time karaoke favorite.
- 4ASPAM (Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center)(アスパム).A large triangular building that can be easily spotted from the train station or the bridge, this is the tourism center for all of Aomori prefecture. It includes a movie about the prefecture (Japanese only) and an observation deck with views of the harbor and city (extra charge).
- 5Aomori Prefectural Museum(Thanh sâm huyện lập mỹ thuật quán).Exhibits about the natural and cultural history of Aomori prefecture.
- 6Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum of Art(Đống phương chí công ký niệm quán),2-1-2 Matsubara(15 minutes by car from Aomori Station),☏+81 177774567.09:30-17:00.Shiko Munakata is famous for his woodblock prints, displayed in this very small gallery along with some of his paintings and calligraphy. Closed Mondays except for national holidays and during Nebuta.¥500.
- 7Utou Shrine(Thiện tri điểu thần xã)(15-minute walk from Aomori Station).There are nice gardens and ponds tucked away behind the main shrine. There's also a "power spot" -- it's said if you wash your coins in a certain fountain there, you'll be free from money troubles.
South West
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- 8Sannai Maruyama(Tam nội hoàn sơn)(next to the Aomori Museum of Art).A historical site dedicated to the Jomon people, as many Jomon artifacts and construction remains have been uncovered here. The special significance of this site is that there are two types of constructions that indicate a change from a nomadic to a sedentary way of life. The site has reconstructions of buildings from the Jomon area. As the Jomon diet seems to have included chestnuts, don't miss the chestnut ice cream cones in the gift shop.free.
- 9Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art(Thanh sâm huyện lập mỹ thuật quán),185 Chikano, Yasuta(From the JR Aomori train station 10-15minutes by car or taxi, 20-30minutes by bus bound for "SANNAI MARUYAMA ISEKI"),☏+81 17-783-3000.Jun-Sep: 09:00 - 18:00; Oct-May: 09:30 - 17:00.A well maintained museum with a permanent collection featuring Marc Chagall's backdrops forAleko,large collections by Aomori natives Yoshitomo Nara, Shiko Munakata, and other artists from Aomori and abroad. The Sannai Maruyama site is within walking distance.¥500.
Asamushi Onsen
[edit]A hot springs resort town on Mutsu bay with a large number of inns. At many of the inns and hotels, you can pay a small fee to use the bath even if you're not staying overnight.
- 10Asamushi Aquarium(Thiển trùng thủy tộc quán asamushi suizokukan).A nice aquarium that features a dolphin show and a transparent underwater tunnel.
Do
[edit]
- Aomori Nebuta Festival(Thanh sâm ねぶた tế り aomori nebuta matsuri).August 2–7.This is not only Aomori's but one of Japan's most famous festivals. The town suddenly becomes very lively, with many street stalls. The main feature is the evening parade with huge illuminated paper lanterns featuring scenes from famous kabuki plays and famous Japanese legends being pulled through the streets while costumed dancers dance around them. It was thought to have originated as a Tanabata Festival with small lanterns and gradually grew over time. Althought today the floats are lit by incandescent lightbulbs, it's still called a "fire festival" because the lanterns were originally lit by candles. The night parades run from August 2-6, and on the final day, August 7, there is a daytime parade that concludes with an extensive fireworks display while some of the Nebuta lanterns float around the bay on boats. Everybody can join the parade, as long as they wear the festival costume. To rent the costume, enquire at the tourist center next to the train station..
- 1Machinaka Onsen(まちなか ôn tuyền machinaka onsen)(turn right leaving Aomori Station and walk 2 blocks to Route 7; turn left; the onsen will be on the left about a block later).If you're tired, weary, and want a bath without going all the way to Asamushi Onsen, you can enjoy a hot spring bath just a few minutes walk from Aomori Station. The small bath outside is nice.
- 2Hakkoda Ropeway(Bát giáp điền ロープウェー hakkōda rōpuwē),1 - 12, Kansuizawa, Arakawa,☏+81177380343.The ropeway operates year round for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and anyone who just wants to see the view from the Hakkoda Mountains. You can snowboard until May here.¥1850 for round trip; ¥1180 for one way (adult).
- 3Moya Hills(モヤヒルズ)(30-45 minutes from the city center by car).Ski resort close to the city. Roller luge, camping, and special events in the summer.
Buy
[edit]
Regional specialties includeTsugaru-nurilacquerware,kogin-zashiembroidery,sakioriweaving, and products made fromhibacypress wood.
- 1ASPAM(leaving Aomori Station, go straight down Shinmachi; turn left onto Aspam Dori at the fourth traffic light. ASPAM is at the end of the street).For loading up on regional souvenirs, head toASPAM,the unusual-looking triangular building located just behind the bridge on the harbor. It contains an exhibition hall for promoting tourism and local products.
- 2A-FACTORY(1 minute walk north of Aomori Station).For edible souvenirs and local food products, stop by A-FACTORY next to Aomori Station. There are several take-out cafes and places to sit and eat on the boardwalk overlooking the bay. Sparkling apple wine called "cidre" is also made, sold, and served here (non-alcoholic cidre is also available). The restaurant upstairs specializes in dishes featuring French buckwheat crepes and local ingredients.
Eat
[edit]
Aomori's list of food specialties is extensive, but the headliners include apples, scallops, and garlic.
- 1Aomori Gyosai Center(Thanh sâm ngư thái センター),1-11-16 Furukawa(go straight when you leave Aomori Station; turn right after Auga Department Store. Turn left on the next main street, Niko Niko Dori (Smile Street). Turn right on the first side street; the market has a big red sign that says thanh sâm ngư thái センター).07:00-16:00, closed Tuesdays..If you're looking for a unique lunch featuring lots of fresh, local seafood, try making your ownnokkedonsushi bowl at this seafood and vegetable market. First, buy tickets from the counter with the tỉnh flag. Get a bowl of rice, and then trade your tickets for the toppings of your choice from vendors throughout the market. You can eat and help yourself to tea at picnic tables throughout the market.from about ¥1000 depending on your selections.
- 2Osanai(おさない)(100 m away from the train station).A small restaurant that serves local meals at a reasonable price. Try the scallops (hotate), or the local dish made of soup with seafood containing sea urchins, scallops and egg, and served on a plate that resembles a large scallop shell.
- 3Gusto Aomori Shinmachi branch(ガスト thanh sâm tân đinh điếm),Shinmachi(450 m from Aomori Station, across the street from Hyper Hotel and the Passage courtyard).07:00-14:00.A chain diner to comfort the weary foreign travelers with late hours, a relaxed atmosphere, a self-serve soft-drink bar, and familiar menu items, all with pictures. The chain has another branch near Higashi-Aomori station.
- 4Aji no Sapporo Asari(Vị の trát hoảng thiển lợi),Shinmachi, 1 Chome(go straight from the station and turn left at the Alaska Hotel).Once of Aomori's more unusual specialties is "miso-curry-milk ramen." You can try it at this tiny ramen shop next to the Alaska Hotel.
- 5Saigon(サイゴン)(straight from the station, right at the 4th light; Saigon is about a block down on the right).If you want a break from Japanese food, Saigon has a crazy potpourri of "ethnic" food from Asia, the Americas, and beyond. The menu has lots of pictures. There's an extensive drink menu with "all you can drink" (nomihodai) options available.
- 6Maron(マロン),Yasukata, 2 Chome−6−7(straight from the station, left at the 5th light (Kencho Dori); on the left; across the street from Utou Shrine),☏+81 17-722-4575.11:00-21:30.Casual cafe with decorated with old clocks and other antique knick-knacks. Morning set, lunch items and sweets available.¥500-1500.
- 7Smile and Spoon Kitchen Studio(スマイル＆スプーンキッチンスタジオ),Thanh liễu 2 đinh mục 2-16(30 minute walk from Aomori Station; next to Aomori Baptist Church),☏+81 17-773-2535.Right around the corner from Hotel Aomori. This little cafe has a daily lunch special and a "trip around the world" lunch from a new country each week.about ¥1000.
Drink
[edit]Local specialties arecidre(シードル, sparkling apple wine) andDenshu( điền tửu ), Aomori's famoussake.Denshu is served in someizakayaand sushi restaurants. The main entertainment district is Honchō ( bổn đinh ). To get there, walk straight down Shinmachi "Amenity Street" for about 15 minutes. Once you cross Yanagi-machi Dōri (a big street with a median strip), you're in Honchō. However, there's plenty to drink in the city center:
- 1Passage Hiroba(パサージュ quảng tràng)(5min walk from the train).Passage Hiroba is a courtyard on the right side of the main street. There are several bars, taverns, and eateries. You can drink outside during warm weather.
- 2Cafe BERRY BERRY(straight from Aomori station, right at fourth light; on the right about two blocks down).Standard bar fare plus darts.
Sleep
[edit]Numerous hotels dot Shinmachi, the main street that stretches out from the train station. These hotels generally increase in price the closer you get to the train station.
- 1Hotel Sunroute Aomori(2 blocks from Aomori Station).For drinks, try Hana-no-ya, the sumo-themed tavern in the basement. If you opt for breakfast, you can enjoy a view of the Mutsu Bay while trying lots of prefectural specialties like Hachinohe'ssenbeisoup, or miso, egg, and scallop cooked in a scallop shell.Single rooms from ¥4000.
- 2Toyoko Inn Aomori Ekimae(in front of Aomori Station).Singles from ¥4800.
- Super Hotel Aomori.Singles from ¥4980.
- 3Apple Palace Aomori(アップルパレス thanh sâm).This hotel has anonsen.Singles from ¥7875.
- 4Hotel Aomori,1 Chome-1-23 Tsutsumimachi(in the Honcho entertainment area).Considered one of the nicer hotels in Aomori and popular for weddings and meetings. Single rooms are small but clean.Singles from ¥7300.
- 5Tsubaki-kan(Xuân quán),〒039-3501 thanh sâm huyện thanh sâm thị đại tự thiển trùng tự nội dã 14(30 minutes by train from Aomori Station, 6 minute walk from Asamushionsen Station),☏+81177523341.One of many traditional inns in Asamushi Onsen. There are options for day plans and overnight stays with meals and access to the hot spring bath.from ¥10,000 per person for overnight stays including meals.
Connect
[edit]The city tourist information center is located next to the bus station on the left as you exit the train station; they have good brochures and maps in English.
- 2Auga(across the street from Aomori Station).There's a computer corner called Ai Plaza on the fourth floor of the Auga department store. You can use computers for up to one hour and print up to 5 pages. There's a library on floors 6-8.
- 3Starbucks(in the Aomori Station building. Another is a 15-minute walk from Shin-Aomori Station).You can use free wifi at the Starbucks on the second floor of Lovina next to the station. You may have to register or sign in with a social media account to connect.
Go next
[edit]- Hirosaki,the "Kyoto of the North", is 45minutes away by train.
- TheShimokita Peninsula,one of the most remote but also one of the most beautiful places in Japan, is a few hours away by train.
- Towada-Hachimantai National Parkfor day trips or overnight stays at onsen ryokan. Hike in theHakkoda Mountainsfrom trails accessible fromSukayu Onsenor the local cable car, both of which have stops about an hour away from Aomori on a stunning Japan Rail bus ride (covered by JR Pass). Less strenuous hiking along the Oirase Stream and waterfalls, or a visit toLake Towadaare also possible on the same route, 2-3 hours from Aomori.
- Hakodate,Hokkaido is two hours away by train.
- Inakadate
- Goshogawara
- Kuroishi
- Shichinohe
- Misawa
| Routes through Aomori |
Hakodate-Hokuto←in to ← |
N S |
→Hachinohe→Tokyo |
| END← | N S |
→Hirosaki→Akita |
| END← | N S |
→Asamushi Onsen →Misawa→Morioka |
| END← | N S |
→Owani-Hirosaki→Morioka→Sendai→Tokyo |
| END← | N S |
→Noheji→Towada→Ninohe |
| END← | N S |
→Fujisaki→Hirosaki |
| ↑← | N S |
→Noheji→Towada→Hachinohe |
| Goshogawara← | W E |
→END |
| Sotogahama←Yomogita← | N S |
→END |