8 Things to Do in Aomori Japan: Sightseeing, Onsens, and More

Tokyo gets the spotlight, Kyoto gets the praise—but Aomori? Aomori is Japan’s best-kept secret. Perched quietly at the top of Honshu, Aomori Prefecture is a wild blend of nature, tradition, and the wonderfully unexpected. Think lush forests, steaming onsens, quirky art in rice paddies, and some of the best seafood you will ever taste. Here are eight of the best things to do in Aomori Japan that prove this hidden gem is anything but sleepy.

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Marvel at Hirosaki Castle Through the Seasons

Step into a living postcard at Hirosaki Castle, one of the last remaining Edo-period castles in Japan and the crown jewel of Aomori’s historic charm. Located in Hirosaki Park, the castle’s three-story keep is framed by a moat and over 2,600 cherry trees, making it the ultimate springtime destination during the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in April. In autumn, the trees ignite in fiery reds and golds, setting a stunning backdrop for the castle’s timeless architecture.

Winter brings a rare phenomenon known as “yuki no sakura,” or snow blossoms, when frost and snow blanket the bare cherry branches. The trees in the park are illuminated with soft pink lights, creating a dreamy scene. This enchanting spectacle reaches its peak during the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival, where snow sculptures and glowing lanterns transform the grounds into a fairytale landscape. Beyond the blooms and snow, the castle grounds also feature a preserved samurai residence, traditional gates, and a serene Japanese garden.

Soak in Aomori’s Soul-Soothing Hot Springs

Among the best things to do in Aomori is to take the plunge, literally, into one of its many stunning onsens (hot springs). Here are some unmissable spots:

Sukayu Onsen (Hakkōda Mountains): Home to the famous 1,000-person “Senjin-buro,” this rustic bathhouse is especially atmospheric in winter.

Yagen Onsen (Shimokita Peninsula): Hidden in a forest gorge, its riverside rotenburo offers a spiritual soak near the mysterious Mount Osore.

Asamushi Onsen (Aomori Bay): Known as the “Atami of Tohoku,” this seaside resort mixes tradition with convenience.

Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen (Sea of Japan): Here, you can soak in an open-air tub while watching the sun melt into the horizon.

Explore Lake Towada & Hike the Oirase Gorge

Craving fresh air and postcard-worthy views? Lake Towada is a massive caldera lake on the Aomori-Akita border perfect for cruising, canoeing, or lakeside lazing. Just downstream, the Oirase Gorge Trail offers a fairytale hike through lush forests and waterfalls, particularly stunning in fall. While you are in the area, make a spiritual stop at Towada Shrine, tucked away in the forest, or explore contemporary creativity at the Towada Art Center, where world-class art meets small-town charm.

Chase Adventure in the Hakkōda Mountains

Winter warriors and hiking lovers, rejoice! The Hakkōda Mountains are a backcountry dream, offering deep powder snow, frost-covered “snow monsters,” and panoramic views from the Hakkōda Ropeway. When the snow melts, the landscape transforms into a hiker’s haven, with volcanic trails, alpine marshlands, and tranquil mountain ponds like Suiren-numa.

Sail with Dolphins and Discover Hidden Coasts

Mutsu Bay is your gateway to quiet fishing villages, seafood markets, and even dolphin sightings. Yes, wild Pacific white-sided dolphins frolic here in the warmer months—and dolphin-watching cruises are an absolute treat.

Craving something wilder? Venture west to the Tsugaru Straits, where sea cliffs, swirling currents, and fierce winds bring raw coastal drama to life, especially around Cape Shirakami.

And don’t miss the Seikan Tunnel Museum, where you’ll discover how Honshu connects to Hokkaido via the world’s longest undersea railway tunnel—an engineering marvel you never knew you needed to visit.

Feel the Beat of Aomori at Nebuta Festival

There are festivals, and then there’s Nebuta Matsuri. Held every August in Aomori City, this electric celebration features massive glowing floats shaped like warriors and mythical creatures.

Accompanied by pounding drums and frenzied flutes, dancers called haneto fill the streets. Join in by renting a costume—or visit the Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE any time of year to get a taste of the action.

Wander the Aomori Museum of Art

Get your dose of creativity at the Aomori Museum of Art, a contemporary space showcasing global artists and local legends alike, including hometown hero Yoshitomo Nara. His towering sculpture, “Aomori Dog,” is a must-see centerpiece. The museum also hosts performances, film screenings, and rotating exhibits, making it a true cultural lighthouse in northern Japan.

Source: AOMORI GOKAN

See the World’s Largest Living Canvas in Inakadate

Leave it to Aomori to turn rice farming into an art form. Every summer, Inakadate Village unveils jaw-dropping rice paddy art, using different colored rice strains to create images the size of football fields.

Source: Inakadate Village

Themes range from Hokusai prints to Star Wars characters—changing annually and best viewed from observation towers. In winter, they keep the creativity going with rice husk snow art.

Aomori is more than a destination, it’s an experience that lingers. One moment you are soaking in a seaside onsen, the next you are swept up in a parade of glowing giants. So pack your curiosity, Aomori is ready to surprise you in the best possible way.

Don’t miss our other travel guides for more incredible destinations across Japan. Click here to explore.