Aomori
Aomori, Japan, is a captivating port city at the northernmost tip of Japan's main island, Honshu. It is a city that beautifully balances a rich natural landscape with a modern, urban feel. Aomori is famous for its incredible Nebuta Festival, a magnificent fire festival with massive lantern floats, and its abundant fresh seafood and apples. For a cruiser, Aomori is a fantastic destination that allows you to step off the ship and into a city where you can easily explore on your own, with a variety of attractions all within easy reach.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will likely dock at the Okidate Wharf, which is conveniently located in the heart of Aomori City. This is a huge advantage, as you can walk right off the ship and onto a pier that leads to the city's waterfront promenade. The downtown area and many of the main attractions are just a short walk from where the ships dock, so shuttle buses are often not necessary.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Port of Aomori's cruise passenger wharf is a clean and safe open-air setup. While there is no large, permanent terminal building at the main docks, you'll find a variety of small shops, kiosks, and vendors right on the waterfront.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The port area itself is modern and includes a passenger terminal and several attractions within a five-minute walk, such as the A-Factory market and the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse. There are restrooms available in the port area and in the nearby buildings. Free Wi-Fi is available in some cafes and restaurants in town, but it may be slow on a busy day. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the pier, and you are immediately surrounded by the city's charming downtown.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Japanese. While you will find that English is spoken in the main tourist areas and at the cruise terminal, it is not as universally spoken as in some other countries. It is highly recommended to have a few basic Japanese phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Konnichiwa (kon-ni-chi-wa) - Hello
Arigatou (a-ri-ga-to) - Thank you
Sumimasen (su-mi-ma-sen) - Excuse me
Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (ei-go o ha-na-se-ma-su ka) - Do you speak English?
💰 Money
The official currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). U.S. Dollars and other foreign currencies are not accepted, so it is essential to have Yen for purchases. While major credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, major restaurants, and department stores, it is wise to carry some cash for smaller shops, local markets, and public transportation. ATMs that accept international cards can be found in convenience stores like 7-Eleven and post offices.
🚗 Transportation
Aomori's downtown is very walkable, and its main attractions are clustered in the city center.
Walking: The best way to explore downtown is on foot. The historic streets, shops, and restaurants are all within easy walking distance of the cruise docks. The Aomori Bay Bridge serves as a landmark, and you can walk to the A-Factory market and the Nebuta Museum in just a few minutes.
Public Bus: The city has a safe and secure public bus system. The bus stop is located near the cruise terminal, and you can buy a ticket on board. You can also use a Suica or Pasmo card, which are rechargeable smart cards that can be used on public transportation and at many shops.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. The rates are metered, but they can be expensive for longer trips. For example, a taxi to JR Aomori Station takes about 4 minutes and costs around ¥2,000-¥2,400.
Train: The train is a great way to explore the region, with many popular day trips to places like Hirosaki Castle. The JR Aomori Station is a 20-minute walk from the port.
♿ Accessibility
Aomori has an accessibility rating of 5 out of 10. The cruise pier is flat, and the main streets of Aomori City are generally easy to navigate. The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse has an accessible design, and many of the attractions have paved pathways and ramps. However, some areas with reconstructed houses may have steps or uneven ground, like gravel or grass, that can be a challenge.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to town from the cruise port is to simply walk. The port is located right in the heart of the city's waterfront, and you can easily walk to all the main attractions.
🚽 Toilet
Public restrooms are generally available and clean in Aomori, especially at major tourist attractions, train stations, and shopping centers. They are free to use.
💊 Drugstore
Tsuruha Drug: There are several Tsuruha Drug locations throughout the city. The one located in Aomori Shinjo is a short taxi ride from the cruise port.
Other Pharmacies: You can find many other pharmacies in Aomori, and the tourist information center can direct you to the closest one.
✨ Authentic Experience
Visit the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse: For a taste of the city's unique culture, walk to the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, which is located right next to the cruise pier. The museum houses some of the spectacular, massive floats from the famous Nebuta Matsuri festival, which are up to 22 meters tall. It's a great way to experience the festival's art and history.
Dine on a Nokke-don at the Furukawa Fish Market: For a truly authentic culinary experience, head to the Aomori Gyosai Center, also known as the Furukawa Fish Market. Here, you can create your own "Nokke-don," a rice bowl with a variety of fresh seafood toppings. You buy a ticket and then use it to choose your favorite toppings from a variety of vendors.
Explore the A-Factory and Taste Local Apples: Aomori is famous for its apples, and the A-Factory, a unique building that is located right at the port, is a great place to learn about the local apple industry. You can buy a variety of local products, including apple cider and fresh apples.
