Aomori Hotels

If the name of Honshu’s northernmost prefecture sounds a lot like the Italian word for “love”, well, chalk it up as a happy coincidence. Despite the senseless destruction of the eponymous prefecture capital in World War Two, there is indeed a lot to love in Aomori. The city of more than 300,000 people is a lively gateway to not only the scenic tip of Honshu but the island of Hokkaido as well. Aomori is a prefecture with UNESCO World Heritage charm, inimitable cultural festivals and priceless national monuments.

In the city itself, it begins with terrific points of interest like Asamushi Onsen and Aquarium and the iconic Aomori Bay Bridge. On the doorstep of the prefecture capital, a litany of wonders unfurl, from Mount Osore and the Shimokita Peninsula to Lake Towada and Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Yagen Valley to the lush Shirakami-Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage Site. Without question, for culture, four seasons outdoor fun and photogenic scenery, Aomori is a must-see Honshu experience.

AOMORI'S'S TOP 10

AOMORI EVENTS

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is a key Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and one of 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held at Hirosaki Castle every year.

WHEN TO GO

The Tōhoku region of Honshu has a humid temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. Aomori city is at the midline of a humid continental and humid subtropical climate with average temperatures from 29.5 °F (−1 °C) in January to 73 °F (23 °C) in August.

The capital of Aomori Prefecture enjoys more annual snowfall than any other city in Japan. The average total of 305 in (775 mm) eclipses even Sapporo.

While summers lure considerable tourists, the most amenable months in Aomori may be May and October. The zeniths of the cherry blossom and fall seasons saturate the prefecture with remarkable scenery.

GETTING AROUND

Aomori Airport is a small but important hub in Honshu, with service to and from the likes of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya and Seoul.

Aomori city is the northernmost terminus of the Shinkansen and several bus lines. Total travel time from Tokyo is approximately 2.5 hours by train and 9.5 hours by bus.

The core of Aomori city is fairly easy to navigate on foot but a private car or taxi is necessary to see the entire prefecture. Visitors with a basic to mid-level grasp of Japanese will be able to explore Aomori autonomously by bus.