Aomori

Aomori City is the capital city of Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost city on the island of Honshu, Japan. Aomori is famous for its apple production and the Port of Aomori is the gateway to Hokkaido by sea. In August every year, Aomori hosts the Nebuta Festival featuring lanterns and is known as one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region of Japan.

Nebuta Festival and Lanterns

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of the most important summer festivals in the Tohoku region of Japan. Every year in early August, dozens of giant colorful lantern floats pass through the streets, accompanied by dancers, to bring the festival to a climax. Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE is a must-see tourist attraction next to Aomori Station, where you can learn about the history of the festival and the lantern floats.

Port of Aomori

The port of Aomori is a gateway in the northern part of Japan’s Honshu Island, and the Seikan Ferries (青函連絡船) between Aomori and Hakodate in Hokkaido, have been in service since 1908 on the Tsugaru Strait for 80 years. Today, Aomori Port has become a tourist landmark in the city, with a seaside park and the Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM, a collection of Aomori’s local products. The former Seikan Ferry Hakkodamaru (八甲田丸) is now open to the public as a memorial ship and is permanently docked at the Aomori Port Pier.