Aomori Summer Trip: Food, Festivals, and Scenic Views
Source:
@Akatsuki Travel
10 places in Aomori featured in a youtube post by Akatsuki Travel, verified on Google Maps: Kabushima jinja Shrine, Minato Shokudō, Hasshoku Center, and 7 more.
Kabushima jinja Shrine
Shinto shrine
4.3
A picturesque shrine designated as a national natural monument and a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls. Visitors can seek blessings by going around the island three times before visiting the shrine, which is said to bring good luck. The shrine also offers unique amulets, including those reputed to raise stocks and fortunes shaped like black-tailed gulls.
Minato Shokudō
Seafood restaurant
4.4
A very popular and highly-rated restaurant in Hachinohe, known for its fresh seafood dishes, particularly the elegantly flavored Hirame zuke-don (flounder rice bowl). The restaurant opens early at 6:00 AM, making it a great spot for a seafood breakfast. Be aware that popular dishes like the Hirame and Engawa half and half bowls tend to sell out quickly.
Hasshoku Center
Market
4.1
A vibrant market where visitors can pick and choose their favorite fresh seafood from various stalls to create a personalized breakfast bowl. Offerings include shrimp, tsubugai (whelk), Hachinohe cuttlefish, and souse mackerel, among others. It's an excellent place to experience local seafood and find unique souvenirs like black garlic and various packaged seafood items.
Nagao Chuka Soba Aomori Ekimae
Ramen restaurant
3.8
A popular ramen restaurant known for its Niboshi Ramen (sardines broth ramen) with rich flavors. The restaurant offers different types of noodles (thick, medium, thin, curly) to customize your ramen experience. A unique feature is the free, self-service rice, perfect for finishing off the delicious broth.
Smile Hotel - Towada
Hotel
3.5
A hotel located in Towada, offering comfortable and well-equipped rooms with plenty of amenities. Although hotels in Aomori City can be expensive during the Nebuta Festival, this option in Towada provides a more affordable alternative at around 13,000 yen per night. The hotel's compact rooms are functional and provide a good base for exploring the region.
Ajino Sapporo Oonishi
Ramen restaurant
4.0
A popular restaurant renowned for its Miso Curry Milk Ramen, a unique Aomori specialty. The gentle miso curry soup paired with curly noodles offers a surprisingly mild yet flavorful experience. Be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak season or festival days, as lines can extend up to three floors.
Aomori Airport
Airport
3.9
Aomori Airport features an impressive LED ceiling showcasing vibrant Nebuta Festival floats, providing a taste of local culture upon arrival. There are also smaller Nebuta floats displayed in the airport, hinting at the region's famous festival. A convenient rental car terminal is just a short walk away, making it easy to pick up a car to explore the area.
Ashigezaki tenbōdai Observatory
Observation deck
4.3
This observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the vast blue ocean. It's an ideal spot to take in the natural beauty of Hachinohe, with rocky formations and crashing waves. A short walk up the stairs leads to the viewing platform, providing stunning photo opportunities.
Osorezan Bodaiji Temple
Buddhist temple
4.4
A significant Buddhist temple known for its strong ties to the afterlife and hell, with a legend that 'when people die, they go to Osorezan.' The temple complex features various statues and a worship course that spans around 3km. Visitors can also find a free hot spring within the grounds, though preparations are needed to enjoy it fully.
Hotoke-ga-ura Rock Formations
Scenic spot
4.5
This observatory provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the dramatic Hotokegaura rock formations and the coastline. The natural rock formations, carved by the sea and wind, resemble Buddha statues, giving the area a mystical and serene atmosphere. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers seeking stunning coastal scenery.