Must-SeeSannai-Maruyama Site
A large Jōmon village from about 5,000 years ago, with rebuilt longhouses, a six-pillar tower and finds from the dig, on the World Heritage list.
Aomori
Honshu's northern port city, home of the summer Nebuta festival, the 5,000-year-old Jōmon village of Sannai-Maruyama and the road to Lake Towada.
- Best Time to Go
- Jun–Aug, Oct
Our full guide to Aomori is being written. It's on the Hokkaido and Tohoku list as Worth a Detour.
What to See
Must-See
Must-SeeLake Towada
A deep caldera lake ringed by beech forest, reached through the Oirase Gorge, whose stream of rapids and waterfalls glows with maples in autumn.
Worth a DetourHakkōda Mountains
Volcanic peaks reached by ropeway, with autumn color, deep powder for skiers and frost-covered 'snow monster' trees in winter.
Festivals, Events & Seasons
Worth a DetourAomori Nebuta Matsuri
August 2 to 7
Giant floats of warriors and gods, made of paper and lit from inside, parade through Aomori each night with drummers and dancing crowds.
Guide Coming Soon
Go Next
1–3 of 18
Worth a DetourHirosaki
Aomori
About 21 miles away
A small castle ringed by thousands of cherry trees, one of Japan's great blossom sights.
Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Worth a DetourHakodate
Hokkaido
About 65 miles away
A port city with a star-shaped fort, a famous morning market and a night view.
Guide Coming Soon
The Full Short List
Something wrong or out of date?