I am considering a trip in September somewhere “off the beaten path,” so I’ve chosen northern Japan as a way to go. I’ve realized that compared to the south, there’s comparatively not too much information around Aomori. Are these places worthwhile to visit Aomori or is there a better destination in Japan during Sept?
Day 1
* Arrive in Aomori in the morning
* A-Factory in the afternoon
* Try miso curry milk ramen for dinner (recommendations?)
Day 2
* Furukawa Fish Market for Lunch
* Hirosaki Park/Castle
Day 3
* Hakkoda Ropeway
Day 4
* Go to Lake Towada
* Check-in Oirase Keiyru Hotel
Day 5
* Hike Oirase Gorge and explore Lake Towada
Day 6
* Leave Aomori
Anything to add or remove? Thanks.
9 comments
I would move the fish market to Day 1 (it’s very quick to see) so you can spend all of Day 2 in Hirosaki if you like. Hakkoda Ropeway is only worth it during foliage (which you’ll miss in September) / snow season IMO so you could compress the trip by a day.
Edit: Forgot to mention the Nebuta museum in Aomori. If you decide you really like this, there are Neputa museums in Hirosaki and Goshogawara too and they sell a joint ticket.
As I’ve just been to Aomori, here are some thoughts: A-Factory is no big deal. Nice for a few minutes to browse or have a snack. Must do is next door at the Nebuta Warasse. This is a museum of the festival with some stunning floats. I did the Furukawa Fish Market for breakfast (sashimi on rice). So good! The Sannai Maruyama Special Historical Site , a 30 minute bus ride from town is an incredible place to learn about Japan’s pre-history. So glad that I went. I also enjoyed a short walk through the Seikan Ferry Museum. Of course, eat everything apple there.
Hirosaki was an entire day trip for me from Aomori. I thought it was nice but not a must do. The castle is original although small. The park is good and would be stunning in cherry blossom season.
This trip report might give you some ideas. I didn’t make it to Lake Towada/Oirase though but it’s on my future bucket list.
– [Aomori/Akita: Cherry Blossoms and Samurai History using the 5-day JR East Tohoku Pass](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/nahtfk/chasing_cherry_blossoms_in_aomori_and_samurai/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
What are your dates for Aomori? Would you consider the Misawa Air fest on Sept 10? If so, see you there!
If you can find a guided day trip tour out of Aomori or feel comfortable renting a car and driving, Osorezan, is just a really special place. My first trip, I went via public transit, which I would not recommend, but we just went via rental car and it’s a great place to visit.
I’ve skipped the Towada City Art Museum 3x now, and I regret it each time, because I’d like to see it.
If you are going to Mount Hakkoda, how about visiting Sukayu Onsen? The historic baths are a fresh bathing experience even for Japanese.
Roughly speaking, September can be a bit of a challenge to enjoy Aomori as the summer festivals are over, but it is still too early for the autumn colours.
On the flip side, it is quiet, which could be good for city walking and hiking.
Personally, I really like the Tohoku region, including Aomori, as a destination. Compared to the Kansai region, there are fewer tourist attractions and the traveller’s taste is tested, but I hope you enjoy it!
Takayama Inari Shrine and he Tsuru no Maihashi where highlights of my trips around Aomori this spring
Towada Art Museum and Aomori Art Museum.
The first one is small but it has nice artwork outside. The second one is larger and has cool artwork by Yoshimoto Nara. It also offers some interesting exhibitions (E.g. Marc Chagall full room, Hideaki Anno – Evangelion’s creator)