Aomori is a city in the Tohoku Region of northern Japan, on the island of Honshu. It serves as a gateway to the north of the country, and visitors arriving from the south often pass through it on the way to the wider region's landscapes and traditions.
The Nebuta Festival
Aomori is best known for the Nebuta Festival, when giant illuminated floats are paraded through the streets. The floats are lit from within and carried past crowds, and the festival gives the city much of its character each summer. If you plan a visit around it, the streets are lively, so it is worth arriving with time to find a good viewing spot.
Culture and the surrounding area
The city is rooted in rich cultural traditions, and the festival is one of the clearest places to see them in action. Beyond the summer parade, Aomori makes a good base for exploring the northern part of the country, where the regional customs and pace of life differ from those of Tokyo or Kyoto.
What to consider
- Plan your trip around the Nebuta Festival if you want to see the illuminated floats.
- Allow time to explore the city as a gateway to northern Japan rather than a stop of a few minutes.
- Look ahead for transport and accommodation, especially during festival weeks.