11 Recommended Aomori Sightseeing Spots for Family Trips, with Culture and Nature Experiences

Aomori Prefecture’s highlights are spread across areas such as Tsugaru and the southern part of the prefecture.
Start by using the area around Aomori City as your base, then narrow down your destinations so you can fully enjoy each area’s appeal without spending too much time in transit.

Aomori offers a wide range of experiences, from cultural attractions such as Nebuta and Jomon archaeological sites to natural spots like Oirase Stream.
Deciding in advance which side to focus on will make it easier to plan your trip.

One characteristic of Aomori Prefecture is that crossing the prefecture can take a long time.
By considering travel by car and securing enough time in one area, families can move around comfortably and enjoy the trip at a relaxed pace.

This museum in front of Aomori Station lets you experience the power of the Nebuta Festival.
In the vast hall, which opens up to the second floor, multiple Nebuta floats measuring 9 m wide, 7 m deep, and 5 m tall are displayed, creating an impressive scene. Nebuta music plays throughout the museum, adding to the festival atmosphere.
Be sure to check out events such as live Nebuta music performances held three times a day.

A large settlement site registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2021.
Reconstructed large raised-floor buildings and pit dwellings stand throughout the site, giving visitors a sense of the scale of life at the time. You can also tour the inside of a large pit dwelling and see its size and structure up close.
There are also experiences such as exhibitions at the site’s guidance facility and making clay figurines in the hands-on workshop, offering a way to connect with Jomon culture.

An art museum located a 5-minute walk from the World Cultural Heritage Site Sannai Maruyama Site.
The museum displays works by Marc Chagall, one of the leading painters of the 20th century, as well as artists connected to Aomori such as Shiko Munakata and Yoshitomo Nara. Among them, Yoshitomo Nara’s 8.5 m three-dimensional work Aomori Dog is especially popular, with related merchandise often selling out.

An aquarium where you can enjoy exhibits recreating the sea of Mutsu Bay, along with a marine mammal area and more. Approx. 8,000 creatures from 300 species are on display, making the local sea and marine life feel close at hand.
If you want a special experience, the dolphin performance unique to Aomori, accompanied by the sounds of the Tsugaru shamisen and flute, instruments famous in Aomori Prefecture, is recommended. There is also a special area where you can enjoy the dolphin performance up close (tickets are sold only on the day), creating a memorable experience.

A spot known as the birthplace of nokkedon seafood bowls.
This market is known for serving nokkedon, where you can choose your own seafood toppings and pile on as much as you like. Fresh seafood landed in Mutsu Bay is the main draw, along with ingredients unique to the market.
The experience of building your own bowl while choosing ingredients naturally creates interaction, making it fun for families.

A spacious seaside park that, while located in the city, faces the ocean, which is rare even nationwide.
It is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot and attracts many visitors in spring. In summer, its wide sandy beach becomes a popular swimming area, especially for families.
The park also has a playground, animal houses, sports facilities, and more, allowing visitors to enjoy it in many different ways.

A castle site with a history as the residence of the Tsugaru clan.
The original keep was destroyed by fire after being struck by lightning in 1627, but the reconstructed keep from 1810, three turrets, and five castle gates still remain. These nine structures are designated as National Important Cultural Properties and convey the history of the Hirosaki Domain to the present day.
As you walk through the park, you can see these historic structures up close.

A 300 m-long wooden triple-arched taiko bridge spanning Fujimi Lake.
Known as Japan’s longest wooden triple-arched taiko bridge, it is also popular as a bridge said to bring blessings of longevity once you cross it. On windless days, the “Upside-down Fuji of Tsugaru,” when Mount Iwaki is reflected on the lake’s surface, is also famous.
With a nature park and shrine nearby, it is perfect for enjoying the scenery together as you cross the bridge.

Part of the Oirase River flowing out of Lake Towada, this stream runs Approx. 14 km from Nenokuchi on the lakeshore to Yakeyama and is a sightseeing destination awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide.
Walking trails are also maintained along the stream, and you can choose shorter sections to stroll, making it possible to enjoy nature at a comfortable pace.

A museum unique to this aviation town, home to Misawa Air Base, the only airfield in Japan used by the U.S. Air Force, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and a civilian airport.
With the theme of the sky and flight, the facility features aircraft and related exhibits. Flight simulators and devices that let visitors experience simulated space exploration make it enjoyable not only for children but also for adults.
Outdoors, there are full-scale displays of fighter jets and transport aircraft, along with boarding experiences, encouraging interest in the skies.

A market offering Hachinohe specialties, especially seafood landed at Hachinohe Port.
More than 60 shops line a sales floor of over 4,200 square meters, with lively calls echoing from all around. There is also a space where you can grill and enjoy seafood purchased inside the market on the spot, adding to the fun of eating as you explore.
Shops selling processed foods and local sake are also available, making it a good place to look for souvenirs.

A hotel located in central Aomori City, convenient for both sightseeing and business.
Guest rooms are equipped with Simmons beds, large desks, and other features for a comfortable stay. Children’s pajamas, slippers, and toothbrushes are also provided, and baby guards and baby cribs are available to borrow, making it reassuring for families.
At breakfast, you can also enjoy flavors unique to Aomori, such as senbei-jiru soup and scallop dishes.

A hot spring ryokan in Asamushi Onsen, which is easy to access from Aomori City.
Nambuya Kaisenkaku is proud of its panoramic bath, where you can enjoy Asamushi Onsen. In addition to an open-air bath overlooking Mutsu Bay, the inn offers ocean-side Japanese-style rooms, Japanese-Western rooms, and rooms with open-air baths, allowing you to relax while taking in the scenery.
Meals featuring Aomori local cuisine are another highlight.

A hot spring inn at the foot of the mountains overlooking the Tsugaru Plain.
With baths and cuisine full of apples, it feels almost like an apple theme park. Throughout the inn, you’ll find apple-themed touches such as baths with apples floating in them, welcome fruit, and a setup where apple juice comes out of a faucet.
Meals feature dishes made with Aomori ingredients, along with a wide variety of apple-based menu items.