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Day 2: Discovering Aomori's Vibrant Bay Area and the Nebuta Festival

Embark on a 15-minute walk from Aomori Station to Aomori Port, a historical gateway connecting Aomori to Hakodate in Hokkaido via the Seikan Ferry across the Tsugaru Strait. This coastal area, known as the Aomori Bay Area, is a vibrant hub adorned with famous landmarks pulsating with energy and excitement, making it a must-see destination for any traveler.

Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse

Aomori is known in Japan for its bountiful apple harvests, being the largest producer nationwide. However, do you know about its most iconic annual event – the Nebuta Festival? Boasting towering floats that are five meters high, seven meters deep, and nine meters wide, the Nebuta Festival is an explosion of energy, colors, and music rooted in rich history. Discover these impressive floats modeled after ancient warlords, gods, historical figures, and kabuki characters showing excellent craftsmanship and dedication.

Upon arrival to the Bay Area, one cannot help but notice the striking and modern aesthetic of Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse, proudly standing at the forefront. Covered in a fiery red metal mesh resembling a ribbon, it exudes a sense of fluid motion and energy that echoes the vibrant spirit of the famous Nebuta Festival. Surprisingly, it was designed by Dutch architects, creating a bond of international influence while grounded in local traditions.

In contrast, the interior is enveloped in black from floor to ceiling, accentuated by the traditional yet colorful Nebuta masterpieces, allowing visitors to focus their senses on its art and designs.

Make your way to the second floor and stroll along the passageway leading to the Aomori Nebuta Tunnel. Here, you can learn all about this Nationally Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, held annually in August. The tunnel includes an interactive design corner where you can create your Nebuta face digitally.

Beyond the tunnel is the Nebuta Hall, displaying real five meters Nebuta floats in all its glory. At the hall's front, a screening of the Nebuta Festival with English subtitles sets the festival mood.

You can touch the cutout Nebuta displays to feel their texture and closely examine the materials and craftsmanship. Live performances are also held, allowing you to immerse yourself in the festive mood by learning basic taiko drumming, hand cymbal rhythms, and the festival's "haneto" dancing. Lastly, there are shops brimming with novelty goods, Aomori souvenirs, and a restaurant where you can dine if you get hungry.

Aomori Gyosai Center

After enjoying the Nebuta culture and participating in the haneto dance, you might work up an appetite. Satisfy your hunger with the freshest seafood Aomori offers and create the nokkedon (sashimi rice bowl) of your dreams.

At the Aomori Gyosai Center, also known as Furukawa Market, you can choose your seafood toppings for your rice bowl.

Here's how to create your nokkedon:
1. Purchase meal tickets at their main reception.
2. Exchange one ticket for a bowl of rice.
3. Use the remaining tickets to choose your desired toppings from the vendor stalls in the market.

This customizable and interactive dining experience offers a unique way to sample Aomori's seafood. Plus, you can meet and chat with local vendors to learn more about the neighborhood.

Bay Area Walk

Accompanied by soothing waves and a refreshing sea breeze, the bay area offers scenic views of the Shimokita Peninsula and the Tsugaru Peninsula, including a vantage point of the Aomori La Bridge. The bridge has a pedestrian walkway that lets you view and illuminates at night, enhancing its allure. Numerous shops boast of the culture and apple products Aomori is famous for.

Drop by the Aomori Prefectural Center for Industry and Tourism, ASPAM and buy some apple confectioneries and fresh seafood products to bring to your loved ones. There is also a 360-degree theater that allows you to see the different facades of Aomori in all four seasons and an observation deck at the top of the A-shaped building that gives you a full view of the city's skyline and seacoast.

Afterward, head to A-FACTORY, have a freshly brewed coffee, and pair it with a baked apple pastry. It also has numerous shops, crafts, vegetables, and fruits straight from local farmers.

Day 3: Unveiling Morioka's Charms and Hiraizumi’s Spiritual Heritage
Day 1: Exploring Aomori's Artistic and Ancient Gems