Hirosaki, Aomori, Tsugaru (Aomori)
Local Guide
Recommended spots in Aomori, Hirosaki and Goshogawara to enjoy even on rainy days

Satisfaction with your trip tends to be affected by the weather, but Aomori City, Hirosaki City, and Goshogawara City have many Properties such as art museums and aquariums that you can enjoy without worrying about the rain. Here are some recommended Properties.

<Recommended Spots in Aomori, Hirosaki, and Goshogawara

Tachineputa, a 23-meter-high craft, is worth seeing.

Three Tachineputa actually used in the festival are on display.
Three Tachineputa actually used in the festival are on display.

There are many "Neputa (nebuta) festivals" in Aomori Prefecture, but the Neputa of Goshogawara City is called "Tachineputa" and is characterized by its height of over 20 meters. The "Tachineputa Museum" exhibits three of the actual neputas used in the festival, and can be viewed throughout the year. At 23 meters tall and 19 tons in weight, Tachineputa is the size of a small building, but it is not only intimidating, but also astonishingly beautiful in its colorful colors, human movements, and the details of its ornaments. The Tachineputa is made in parts over the course of a year in a workshop adjacent to the exhibition room, assembled prior to the festival, and then taken to the streets on the day of the festival. The workshop is open to the public and can be visited free of charge.

Tachineputa, which disappeared from the town, will be revived.

The top of the Tachineputa can be viewed at close range from the ramp.
The top of the Tachineputa can be viewed at close range from the ramp.

Tachineputa was popular during the Meiji and Taisho periods, but as electric wires and taller buildings made it difficult to operate them in the city, they were gradually downsized, and eventually disappeared completely. However, in 1993, a blueprint of the old Tachineputa was found in Goshogawara City, which sparked a revival of the festival, and in 1996, with the help of volunteers, the festival was revived for the first time in 80 years. Today, it has become a popular summer festival nationwide.
Visitors can take the elevator up to the 4th floor and go down the ramp to see Tachineputa. Every 30 minutes, a video introducing the festival and history of Goshogawara City and Tachineputa is shown.

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The size and beauty of Tachineputa impresses me! It made me want to go to the festival in person.

Tachineputa House
  • Address 506-10 Omachi, Goshogawara-shi, Aomori MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from JR Goshogawara Station
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-19:00 (Mon. to Mar. - 17:00, Aug. 4-8 - 17:00, Dec. 31 - 15:00)
  • Regular holiday January 1 (Sun) (may be open)
  • Admission Fee Adults: 800 yen; High school students: 450 yen; Middle and elementary school students: 250 yen
  • TEL 0173-38-3232
  • Parking Free (2 hours) Visitors to the Tachineputa Exhibition Hall or Art Exhibition Gallery, and those who spend more than 2,000 yen for purchases, food and drink in the museum.

A museum where you can meet Aomori dogs (Aomori Ken)

"Aomori Dog" by Yoshitomo Nara (2005), one of the museum’s signature works © Yoshitomo Nara

Since its opening in 2006, the Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art has been attracting the attention of art enthusiasts.In addition to exhibition halls, the vast grounds feature a theater, studios, a community gallery, and workshop spaces, making it a place where people can enjoy and share various forms of art. One of the works that catapulted this museum to fame is “Aomori Dog” by Yoshitomo Nara, an internationally renowned artist originally from Hirosaki City.This 8.5-meter-tall dog sculpture, situated in the space facing the permanent exhibition hall, features an expression that appears both gentle and sleepy, sparking the imagination of all who see it.

Take your time to enjoy a wide range of art genres

The community hall with its large windows is impressive ©Aomori Museum of Art
The community hall with its large windows is impressive ©Aomori Museum of Art

The pure white, square building is the work of architect Jun Aoki. The museum’s signage uses a unique font created by graphic designer Atsuki Kikuchi, making the museum itself an artistic space.
The museum boasts a wide-ranging collection, featuring works by Japanese artists—including those from Aomori Prefecture such as Shiko Munakata, Toru Narita, and Yoshitomo Nara. Of particular note are the four stage backdrop paintings from Chagall’s ballet *Aleko*, including Act 3, which is on special display thanks to a long-term loan from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Chagall’s fantastical world unfolds in a massive space measuring 9 meters high by 15 meters wide.

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The harmony between the modern white building and nature is also very nice!

©Aomori Museum of Art
©Aomori Museum of Art
Aomori Museum of Art
  • Address 185 Chikano, Yasuda, Aomori-shi, Aomori MAP
  • Direction From JR Shin-Aomori Station, take the Konan Bus "Nebutan-go" 100-yen bus (approx. 10 mins) to the Prefectural Art Museum-mae stop, a short walk from the bus stop. 20 mins from JR Aomori Station, take the Aomori City Bus bound for Sannai-Maruyama Ruins, a short walk from the Prefectural Art Museum-mae stop.
  • Hours of Operation 9:30-17:00, last admission at 16:30
  • Closed Irregular holidays (Please check the museum’s website for details)
  • Admission Fee Adults 700 yen, college students 400 yen, free for high school students and those under 18 years old
  • TEL 017-783-3000
  • Parking Free of charge

Popular sightseeing spots in Aomori City

The Nebuta Museum, which tells the history of Nebuta
The Nebuta Museum, which tells the history of Nebuta

At “Nebuta no Ie Wa-Rasse,” visitors can view numerous large Nebuta floats, as well as shop for souvenirs and folk crafts and enjoy a meal. At the Restaurant, you can savor local seafood while gazing out at the tranquil Mutsu Bay. Located about a one-minute walk from JR Aomori Station, it’s a popular spot because visitors can stop by while waiting for their train.
The “Nebuta Museum” is located on the second floor. It features exhibits covering every aspect of Nebuta—from its history and the production process to the numerous “Nebuta masters” who have crafted these floats and the “Nebuta grandmasters” whose names are etched in history—conveying the passion the people of Aomori have for Nebuta.

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There is also a unique corner where you can operate a touch panel to draw your own Nebuta mask.

Experience the power and beauty of the Nebuta Festival

The high level of technology used to perfectly sculpt the preliminary sketches is astonishing.
The high level of technology used to perfectly sculpt the preliminary sketches is astonishing.

The Nebuta Hall, directly connected to the Nebuta Museum, displays four award-winning large Nebuta that have been used in actual festivals, as well as medium-sized Nebuta and Nebuta parts. The sight of these large Nebuta, each measuring 9 meters wide, 7 meters deep, and 5 meters high, is truly a sight to behold. It is a fantastic space overflowing with vivid colors. The front and back sides of the large Nebuta depict different scenes, so it is fun to compare the front and back sides, such as a heroic battle scene and a peaceful scene depicting animals and women.

Nebuta House Wa Rasse
  • Address 1-1-1 Yasukata, Aomori-shi, Aomori MAP
  • Direction Approx. 1 min. walk from JR Aomori Stn.
  • Business Hours 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (until 7:00 p.m. from May to August); Shop Aimory 9:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (until 7:30 p.m. from May to August); Dining Area Uokui no Ta 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
  • Regular holiday August 9, 10, December 31, January 1
  • Admission Fee Adults 620 yen, High school students 460 yen, Junior high school and elementary school students 260 yen
  • TEL 017-752-1311
  • Parking Admission fee (1–3 hours free depending on property occupancy)

Let's join the Experience menu!

The Sea of Mutsu Bay,
The Sea of Mutsu Bay," which introduces the coexistence of people's lives and nature

Located in Asamushi, a famous resort area, this aquarium attracts visitors of all ages.There are many fascinating exhibits, including a tunnel tank that recreates the scallop and sea squirt farms of Mutsu Bay, the “Our Cute Little Ones” corner featuring creatures born at the aquarium and small marine life, and a variety of enchanting jellyfish and the popular garden eels.
The “Touch Corner,” where guests can touch and observe marine life, is popular with families with children.

See dolphins, seals, and other sea idols

Gomafu seals with adorable expressions
Gomafu seals with adorable expressions

Dolphin shows are held four times a day (five times on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) at the dolphin pool. The shows are entertaining, with dolphins performing dynamic jumps in time with the background music and tossing balls into the audience.For an additional fee of 2,000 yen per group, you can also watch the show from special seats set up poolside.
In addition, feeding sessions for dolphins, seals, and penguins are held on an irregular basis. You’ll never tire of watching the expressions of the dolphins, which seem to be smiling, and the laid-back seals.

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The museum features numerous exhibits that highlight the region’s unique character, rooted in Aomori Prefecture’s rich natural environment, as well as exhibits where visitors can enjoy learning about the local wildlife.

Aomori Prefectural Asamushi Aquarium
  • Address 1-25, Babayama, Asamushi, Aomori-shi, Aomori MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Asamushi hot spring station
  • Business Hours 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Adults: 1,200 yen; High school students and younger: Free
  • TEL 017-752-3377
  • Parking Free of charge

Visit a Western-style house where missionaries lived

Designated as a prefectural treasure by Aomori Prefecture (an important cultural property in other prefectures)
Designated as a prefectural treasure by Aomori Prefecture (an important cultural property in other prefectures)

“Tōō Gijuku” is a Christian private high school still located in Hirosaki City today. It was founded in 1872 (Meiji 5) as Aomori Prefecture’s first private school, based on the Hirosaki Domain’s domain school, “Keikokan.”Although the school was relocated and the site is now Ote-mon Square, the residence of the foreign missionaries once invited by Tōō Gijuku has been preserved within the square, and visitors are free to tour the interior.
The Western-style building, with its striking red roof and green trim, was built in 1900 (Meiji 33). This beautiful space, featuring a chimney, a fireplace, and large bay windows, is furnished with antique furnishings that recreate the lifestyle of that era.

The cafe on the first floor is the perfect place to take a break!

You can enjoy lunch in a space with a nostalgic atmosphere.
You can enjoy lunch in a space with a nostalgic atmosphere.

On the first floor of the Western-style building is “Salon de Café Ange,” where you can enjoy tea, sweets, and French-style lunches in a nostalgic atmosphere featuring a fireplace. At the café, you can also enjoy “Samurai Coffee,” a recreation of the coffee that samurai from the Tsugaru Domain used to drink as medicine while on duty in the northern frontier. In addition, from the window seats, you can view the miniature Western-style buildings lined up along Ote-mon Square. These are 1/10-scale models of Western-style buildings that stood in Hirosaki City from the Meiji to the Taisho periods. Fourteen buildings are on display, including the former Hirosaki City Hall and the Hirosaki Public Hall.

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At the café, you can also enjoy "reproduction coffee," which was used medicinally by Tsugaru feudal warriors who went to guard the north.

Former Tooku Gijuku Gaijin Teachers' House
  • Address 2-1 Shimoshiragincho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori MAP
  • Bus Direction From JR Hirosaki Station, take the Konan Bus bound for City Hall for about 15 minutes, get off at “City Hall Park Entrance,” and walk about 2 minutes. Alternatively, from JR Hirosaki Station, take the Konan Bus “Dote-machi Loop Bus” for about 15 minutes, get off at “City Hall,” and walk about 1 minute.
  • Business Hours 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Café: 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., last order at 5:30 p.m. *Hours may be shortened during winter)
  • Closed Days Year-end and New Year holidays (however, the facility may be open on a temporary basis)
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0172-37-5501(Municipal Tourism Center)
  • Parking Parking is available in the underground parking lot of the Municipal Tourist Center.

MAP

<Recommended Spots in Aomori, Hirosaki, and Goshogawara
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.