Exploring Aomori, Japan: Lanterns, Gardens, and a Summer Evening Surprise

Aomori was a short stop on my cruise through northern Japan, but it ended up being one of the most memorable. Located at the top of Honshu, Aomori is a port city known for its colorful summer festivals, serene gardens, and deep cultural roots. Even with just a few hours ashore, I got a real taste of what makes this region special.

I booked a ship excursion that offered a relaxed bus ride through Aomori and into the surrounding area. Our first major stop was Tsugaru-han Neputa Mura, a cultural museum and workshop showcasing the incredible paper lanterns used in the Aomori Neputa Festival. These towering floats, with their bold brushwork and fierce warrior faces, were absolutely stunning up close. Even though the festival wasn’t happening during my visit, the energy of these pieces still filled the room. The center also had live taiko drumming and exhibits on traditional crafts like fan-making and calligraphy.

The museum grounds also featured a small Japanese garden, peaceful and reflective, with a koi pond, stone lanterns, and carefully sculpted greenery. From there, we continued to Hirosaki Park, famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. I visited in summer, so the park was quiet, but still beautiful in a subtle way. You can spot the castle tower peeking above the trees and wander shaded paths that curve around ponds and gates.

The final stop was Seibien Garden, a quieter, more intimate site that blends Japanese and Western influences. The Meiji-era landscape design creates a tranquil setting, with bridges, water features, and even a Western-style villa tucked into the corner. One of my favorite details was a rustic torii gate hidden along a garden trail, adding a spiritual note to the scene.

As the day came to a close, we returned to the ship in time to catch a summer fireworks display over the water. Aomori lights up the sky regularly in August, and watching it all unfold from the ship’s deck was a perfect ending to a surprisingly rich day.