First time in Aomori, Japan? Here's a beginner's guide!

This guide will help you explore Aomori! Transportation Guide 1. External transportation: From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen for about 3 hours to reach Aomori 🚄; from Sapporo, Hokkaido, the Super Hokuto Limited Express or the Hokkaido Shinkansen takes about 5 hours. If you choose to fly ✈️, the flight time from Haneda Airport to Aomori Airport is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. 2. Internal transportation: Public transportation in Aomori Prefecture is mainly by JR buses, which connect major attractions and cities 🚌. For example, from Aomori Station to Oirase Stream or Lake Towada, you can take the JR Tohoku Bus (みずうみ号/おいらせ号). Attraction Recommendations 1. Central and Southern Areas: - Oirase Stream: A year-round hiking destination 🚶 with picturesque scenery along the way, featuring several waterfalls and viewing platforms 🌊. - Lake Towada: A caldera lake with different scenery in each season, especially the autumn leaves 🍁 and winter snow ❄️. - Mt. Hakkoda: A winter skiing destination 🎿 with spectacular ice trees; in summer, you can go hiking 🏔️. 2. Tsugaru Area: - Hirosaki Castle: An Edo period building, especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season 🌸. - Nebuta House WA·RASSE: Displays the lanterns and history of the Aomori Nebuta Festival 🎇. - Gono Line: A sightseeing train line 🚃 with beautiful scenery along the way, especially during the autumn foliage season 🍁. 3. Sanpachi Area: - Osorezan: A World Natural Heritage site, a Buddhist sacred site with the theme of "hell" and "paradise" ⛩️. - Shimokita Peninsula Hotokegaura: Strange rock formations and clear sea water 🌊, perfect for coastal walks and photography 📷. Food Recommendations 1. Seafood: Aomori is one of Japan's largest tuna producing areas, so tuna dishes are a must-try 🐟. In addition, there are fresh sea urchins, salmon roe, and other seafood rice bowls 🍱. 2. Apple Desserts: Aomori is famous for its apples 🍎, and apple pies, apple ice cream, and other desserts are not to be missed 🍦. 3. Local specialties: Try Aomori's unique "けの汁 hot pot," a soup pot dish made with local ingredients 🍲. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Aomori City: Asamushi Sakura Kanko Hotel, Aomori Daiwa Roynet Hotel, etc., with convenient transportation 🚇 and close to shopping areas 🛍️. 2. Hirosaki City: Dormy Inn Hirosaki, ART Hirosaki City Hotel, etc., suitable for cherry blossom viewing 🌸 or participating in the Nebuta Festival 🎊. 3. Near attractions: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel, located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, offers a variety of outdoor activities 🏕️ and specialty cuisine 🍱. Aomori Prefecture attracts countless visitors with its unique natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine 🎉. Whether you are a nature lover, a cultural explorer, or a foodie, you will find your own travel experience here. Come to Aomori and start an unforgettable journey 🚀!