Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture

Aomori Tourist Information Center

The Tourist Information Center:
your ally to find hidden gems in Tohoku and Aomori

2023.3.15

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Aomori Prefecture is in the northernmost part of Japan’s main island of Honshu. The area is famous for one of Japan‘s most celebrated festivals, the Nebuta Festival; one of the largest production volumes of apples in Japan; and the World Heritage Sites of Shirakami-Sanchi and the Jomon Prehistoric Sites.

  • The Aomori Tourist Information Center is inside Shin-Aomori Station, which is also a Shinkansen stop and the gateway to the region.

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    Aomori Tourist Information Center
  • Helping travelers get from A to B (and C too)

    Venturing into undiscovered territory is the true joy of travel, isn’t it? The convenience of public transportation in Aomori’s surrounding region of Tohoku cannot match that of Tokyo, but because of this, the natural wonders of breathtaking mountains and seas, as well as the area’s unique traditional culture is yours to discover. The information center has created its own original English timetables for trains and buses, providing efficient directions from Shin-Aomori Station to various locations. For example, the Nebuta festival in August is famous, but did you know this festival is actually held in a few places at the same time? Visiting all of them is tough, but the information center will show you the best way to see all three major venues known as “Aomori’s Three Great Nebuta Festivals.”

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    Aomori Nebuta Festival
    Photo provided by Aomori Tourism and Convention Association
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    The brochure corner
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    The brochures are available in many different languages
  • Enjoy the world’s snowiest city safely

    Aomori has the greatest snowfall worldwide among cities with a population over 100,000. In February 2022, 140 cm of snow was recorded. While Aomori’s white winter is quite a sight, it can also pose problems for those unaccustomed to such weather. At the information center, get some tips on places where inexperienced people can have fun safely, or ski resorts ideal even for beginners. The view from the center is itself an attraction so some travelers stop by to enjoy the pure white snowy scene.

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    A snow view from the window of the center
  • Get to know the unique traditions of Aomori

    Aomori’s traditional glassware, “Tsugaru Vidro,” is widely acclaimed. The colorful glass is perfect for souvenirs such as plates and glasses, with factory tours offered at a facility near the information center. The Tsugaru-shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument and its music, has been played in the region since ancient times. There are at least four izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) in the area where you can listen to Tsugaru-shamisen music and experience Aomori music over a meal. Unique regional dialects are also a lot of fun. Some staff members in the information center were born in Aomori so maybe you’d like to learn some words and phrases of the local tongue of “Tsugaru-ben”?

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    Tsugaru Vidro
    Photo by PIXTA
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    Tsugaru-shamisen
    Photo by PIXTA
  • Carefully supporting customers across regions

    Have you ever forgotten something while traveling? Dealing with such problems in a foreign country and language is intimidating. But please feel at ease making such inquiries at this information center. Since the center is at the station, many people ask about lost items, so an original questionnaire was created to make it as easy as possible to discern the details of the situation. You will find strong support until your lost item is back in your hands. In one instance, a traveler from Taiwan forgot his bag on the Shinkansen and it went all the way to Tokyo Station, but with the help of the staff, it was returned safely to his hotel. The Taiwanese visitor was so moved that he came back to the information center the following year to thank them again.

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    A scene at the counter
  • Aomori is a land of natural splendor, from Lake Towada to the Shirakami-sanchi Mountain district. Just a short train ride from Shin-Aomori Station, and the view of the sprawling countryside opens up before you. The appeal of this region lies in this scenery found only in such pastoral settings not to be found in big cities like Osaka or Tokyo. As one of the center’s staff also said, “This is a place of peace with nothing to interrupt your thoughts.” At this information center, come discover how the inconvenience of rural areas can reveal a charm unique to the region. Learn to enjoy the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, Aomori, and open up a world of discovery and serenity in the countryside of Japan.

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    Hirosaki Park in spring
    Photo by PIXTA
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    Lake Towada in fall
    Photo by PIXTA

*The information herein is as of January 2023.

Facility information

  • Hours of Operation
  • 8:30–19:00 (Dec. 31–Jan. 18:30–17:00)
  • Holidays
  • Open 365 days
  • Address
  • 〒038-0003 JR Shin-Aomori Station 2F, 140-2 Takama, Ishie, Aomori City, Aomori
  • Access
  • Located inside JR Shin-Aomori Station
  • TEL
  • 017-752-6311