- Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM - Situated in Mutsu Bay, Aomori city maintains its Edo Period grid layout, despite significant bombing during World War II. Many of Aomori’s attractions are modern structures, including several notable architectural highlights: the Wa Rasse and A-Factory near Aomori Station, Aomori Bay Bridge, and the Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center (ASPAM).
- Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse - Wa Rasse is an arts and cultural center dedicated to Aomori’s renowned Nebuta Festival. The museum showcases five floats from the previous year’s festival, along with video installations, sounds, photographs, and introductions to notable Nebuta artists throughout history.
- Aomori Prefectural Kyodokan - The Aomori Prefectural Folk Museum (Tel: 017 777 1585) boasts an extensive collection of Jomon period pottery, miniature reconstructions of Jomon huts, and tools from this early period of Japanese history. The study of this era was transformed by the discovery and excavation of the Sannai Maruyama Site and the Komakino stone circles in Aomori, located southwest of the city near the Aomori Museum of Art.
- Aomori Contemporary Art Center - The Aomori Contemporary Art Center (ACAC), located on the grounds of Aomori Public College, was designed by the internationally renowned architect Tadao Ando. The building and its water feature blend seamlessly with the surrounding woodland. The center hosts frequent exhibitions by both Japanese and international contemporary artists. Buses to the university campus are available from Aomori Station.
- Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum of Art - The Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum of Art (Tel: 017 777 4567) displays the woodblock prints of Aomori native Munakata Shiko (1903-1975), often referred to as the “Vincent van Gogh of Aomori.” The museum features his masterpiece “Ten Great Disciples of Buddha,” as well as his oil paintings, illustrated books, and calligraphy. To reach the museum by public transport, take a Yokouchi Kanjo-sen bus from Aomori Station.
- Aomori Museum of Art - The Aomori Museum of Art (Tel: 017 777 4567) is situated near the Jomon-period Sannai Maruyama archaeological site. The white cubic building, designed by architect Jun Aoki, is intended to harmonize with its historical surroundings. The museum hosts various permanent and temporary exhibitions, including works by Shiko Munakata, Marc Chagall, and Paul Klee. The large white dog sculpture by Yoshitomo Nara at the museum has become an iconic symbol of Aomori. To visit, take a bus bound for the Driving License Center and get off at Kenritsu Bijitsukan-mae (20 minutes).
- Sannai-Maruyama Site - The Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site features the reconstructed foundations of a Jomon era settlement. Discovered in 1992, the site was declared a special national historic landmark in 2000, protecting it from overdevelopment and preserving its historical significance. Visitors can explore the expansive grounds, observing the various huts and settlements, as well as the prominent six-pillared structure at the main site.
- Private transportation
- Licensed Local English-speaking Guide
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
- Other personal expenses
- Entrance fee (for yourself)
- Lunch
- Travel and Tour of Hirosaki (available for extra fees)
This tour is designed for the travelers who visit Aomori by cruise ship. We will pick you up at Aomori Port or hotels near the port.
Aomori is known for its abundant nature, apple production, and its summertime Nebuta festivals – considered the best of all the summer Tohoku festivals. Beneath the surface, Aomori has a surprising number of attractions to offer, encompassing history, culture, art, and cuisine – as well as a number of seasonal highlights that will surely keep visitors wanting to return.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that’s best for you!
*This tour does not go to Hirosaki.
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: If you wish to visit Hirosaki, please contact us for additional costs and details.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
