More about Aomori, Japan Points of Interest

• Hirosaki Castle -

  Sitting atop a stone wall, this 17th-century feudal castle features a tower with three elegant roofs, a moat and five gates, and is framed by over 2,500 enchanting cherry trees that blossom every spring.

• Seiryuu-ji Temple (Grand Buddha) -

  The 'Blue-Green Dragon Temple', Seiryuu-ji was built in 1982, and features Japan's tallest sitting bronze Buddha, which is beautifully illuminated during the yearly Festival of Ten Thousand Lights.

• Tsugaru-han Neputa-mura (Tsugaru Province Neputa Village) -

  Admire the extravagant Nebuta Festival parade floats and drums at this hands-on village, which boasts a charming Japanese garden, a crafts workshop and performances of traditional music.

• Tachineputa no Yakata -

  At 'The Hall of Standing Neputa,' you'll have the chance to view three of the renowned Nebuta floats on display. Each stands about 22 meters tall and weighs around 17 tons.

• Tsugaru Kanayama Kiln -

  Aomori is known for its copper-colored pottery, and here you'll find kilns, galleries and a variety of creations on display. A café and gardens also occupy the site.

• Hakkoda Mountains -

  This beautiful mountain range is made up of stratovolcanoes and lava domes. The scenery is a major draw for hikers, though skiers enjoy the heavy snowfall on the rolling slopes in winter.

• Seibi-en (Japanese Garden) -

  An impressive garden with bridges, waterfalls and ponds, this century-old site also includes a gold-leafed mausoleum dedicated to the Seito family, who commissioned the spectacular garden.

• Lake Towada -

  Tucked inside Towada-Hachimantai National Park, this spectacular massive crater lake is a wonderland of nature surrounded by undulating hills of ancient forest, and water so translucent you can see 32 feet below the surface.