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
Shin-Chuo Wharf, used only by passenger ships, is a 10-minute walk from the dock to town.
Aomori International Passenger Terminal is in the heart of Aomori City, making downtown easy for cruise passengers to explore. Downtown attractions are generally within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
Aomori, capital of Aomori Prefecture in Japan, stands on Mutsu Bay at the northern tip of Honshu.
As with many outlying prefectural capitals, the city itself has relatively little to see.
Aspam Center is a large triangular building, easily recognised from the train station or bridge, and the tourism centre for Aomori prefecture. It has a Japanese-only film about the prefecture and an observation deck overlooking the harbour and city, for an extra charge.
Cross Aomori Bay Bridge for broad views across the bay and city skyline; it is especially attractive when illuminated in the evening.
Getting around
The downtown main street and its surroundings are easy to cover on foot.
Aomori train station is a 15-minute walk from the dock.
Nearby places
Asamushi Onsen (Asamushi Spa) is a short train ride from Aomori. This coastal hot-spring resort has interesting nearby rock formations and scenery considerably better than the city centre. About one train an hour leaves Aomori Station; do NOT take an express, as many expresses do not stop at Asamushi Onsen.
An infrequent Japan Rail bus links Aomori with Hachinohe via Sukayu Onsen and Lake Towada, leaving the terminal outside Aomori Station from stop 8, for example at 10:10am and noon. This scenic 45-person-capacity service has recorded commentary in Japan and English, offers day trips to the Hakkoda Mountains, and is about an hour from Aomori. Hike from Sukaya Onsen or the local cable car, both served by the bus. The final bus for Aomori leaves the onsen at 16:58, with the cable car at 17:08. Lake Towada is also a worthwhile stop on the…
Hirosaki Castle, in the city of Hirosaki, is another worthwhile destination and is known for its beautiful Cherry Blossoms. From JR Hirosaki Station, take the Dotemachi Loop Bus west for 15 minutes.
Food and shopping
Regional specialities include Tsugaru-nuri lacquerware, kogin-zashi embroidery, sakiori weaving and goods made from hiba cypress wood.
Money
Japan uses the yen: notes come in ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000, while coins are ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1.
ATMs in Japan are increasingly useful, and most permit withdrawals from overseas accounts; post offices also have ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted by most shops and restaurants in large urban areas, but sufficient cash is advisable in rural areas. Japan remains strongly cash-based, and some shops, hotels and restaurants—regardless of location—refuse credit cards.
Do not tip, as it is considered rude.