Making the most of Aomori
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The dock is only a 10-minute walk to town from The Shin-Chuo Wharf which is used just for passenger ships.
The Aomori International Passenger Terminal is situated right in the heart of Aomori City, making it very convenient for cruise passengers to explore the downtown area. It's typically within walking distance or a short taxi ride to downtown attractions.
Aomori the capital of Aomori Prefecture, Japan, is located on Mutsu Bay, at the northern tip of Honshu.
As with most outlying prefectural capitals, there isn't much to see in the city itself.
Aspam Center. A large triangular building that can be easily spotted from the train station or the bridge, this is the tourism center for all of Aomori prefecture. It includes a movie about the prefecture (Japanese only) and an observation deck with views of the harbor and city (extra charge).
Take a stroll across the Aomori Bay Bridge, especially beautiful in the evening when it's illuminated. The bridge offers panoramic views of the bay and the city skyline.
Getting around
Anywhere on or around the downtown main street is easily accessible by foot.
The train station is a 15-minute walk from the dock.
Nearby places
A short train ride from Aomori is a place called Asamushi Onsen (Asamushi Spa). It is a hot spring resort on the coast that has some interesting rock formations nearby. The scenery there is significantly better than in the city center. There is about one train every hour from Aomori Station (be careful NOT to take an express by the way - many of expresses do not stop at Asamushi Onsen).
The route from Aomori city to Hachinohe via Sukayu Onsen and Lake Towada is accessible via an infrequent Japan Rail bus (leaving e.g. 10:10am, noon) which leaves from the terminal (stop 8) outside Aomori Station. This is a picturesque route in a 45-person-capacity bus with a recorded tour commentary in Japan and English, and which also allows day trips to the Hakkoda Mountains. This area is an hour away by bus from Aomori, and can be hiked via Sukaya Onsen or from the local cable car, which the bus also stops at. The last bus for Aomori leaves from the onsen at 16:58 (cable car 17:08). Lake Towada is also a worthwhile stopping point on the…
Hirosaki Castle, located in the city of Hirosaki, is another destination worth exploring. Known for its beautiful Cherry Blossoms, it can be reached in 15 minutes by taking a bus ride west of JR Hirosaki Station by the Dotemachi Loop Bus
Food and shopping
Regional specialties include Tsugaru-nuri lacquerware, kogin-zashi embroidery, sakiori weaving, and products made from hiba cypress wood.
Money
The currency in Japan is the yen. It comes in denominations of ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 notes, as well as ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1 coins.
ATMs in Japan are becoming more useful, and most can be used to withdraw funds from overseas accounts. Post offices also offer ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted at a majority of stores and restaurants in large urban areas, but if you plan on spending any time in rural areas, be sure to carry sufficient cash. Japan is still very much a cash society and some stores, hotels and restaurants-regardless of location-refuse credit cards.
Don't tip, as it's considered rude!