Aomori, the northernmost city on Japan’s main island of Honshu, offers a mix of vibrant culture, striking nature, and seasonal beauty. It’s best known for the Nebuta Matsuri, one of Japan’s most spectacular summer festivals, featuring huge illuminated floats and energetic parades. Art and history lovers can explore the Aomori Museum of Art, the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, and the nearby Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site, which reveals Japan’s Jomon-era past.
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy day trips to Lake Towada and the Oirase Gorge, famed for their waterfalls and hiking trails, or relax in the Asamushi Onsen hot springs by the sea. In winter, the nearby Hakkoda Mountains offer excellent skiing and snowshoeing.