Exploring Aomori: Lanterns, Gardens, and Summer Fireworks

Sailing into the Aomori cruise port gave me just enough time to sample a slice of summer in northern Japan. Aomori (青森市 – Pronounced Ah-oh-moh-ree) is located at the northern tip of Honshu and is known for its lively August festivals, paper lanterns, and surrounding natural beauty.

Though it was only a brief stop, this port surprised me with its balance of culture and calm. There’s a rich blend of old and new here, from traditional taiko drums to quiet gardens tucked away behind city streets.

With only a few hours to explore, I joined a ship excursion that offered a scenic ride through the city and nearby historic sites.

Our first stop was Tsugaru-han Neputa Mura, a cultural village dedicated to the region’s massive Neputa floats. These towering paper lanterns are used during Aomori’s summer festival season and are decorated with bold brushstrokes and dramatic characters. Even outside of festival time, the floats were incredible to see in person. The museum also featured a taiko performance and displays of traditional fan-making and other crafts.

Outside the center was a small Japanese garden, calm and beautifully arranged with a pond, stone lanterns, and neatly shaped trees. From there, we visited Hirosaki Park, a popular spot in spring for cherry blossoms. In August, the grounds were quieter but still lovely, with distant views of the castle tower and shady paths that offered a peaceful stroll.

Our final stop was Seibien Garden, a Meiji-era stroll garden that blends Japanese and Western styles. There’s a small villa with European features tucked into one corner, adding contrast to the traditional curved bridges and torii gate nestled into the trees. After returning to the ship, we caught a fireworks show lighting up the harbor, one of the seasonal displays that take place throughout August. It was the perfect way to end the day.