Aomori, Japan

Aomori is located on Mutsu Bay,at the northern tip of Honshu.You wont find much in the way of ancient architecture in Aomori, as the city was 90% destroyed by bombing during wever, Aomori people seem to have taken that in their stride.The ASPAM building and the Aomori Bay Bridge seem almost too modern, yet ancient festivals such as the Nebuta raucously wild, with amazing floats –remind you that traditional ways are alive and kicking here.Aomori is a popular place to break up the journey between Tokyo and Hokkaid,and serves as a convenient transport hub for Shimokita-hant,Towada-ko and the scenic region around Hakkda-san. As with most outlying prefectural capitals, there isn't much to see in the city itself if you go in without knowing what to look for.Nebuta Festival is claimed to be Japans biggest fire festival." Held from August 2 to August 7, this festival includes an abundance of street vendors. Each day culminates in a huge parade featuring lit up lantern floats and costumed dancers. Nebutanosato houses exhibits about the Nebuta if you are unable to make it during festival season. Aomori Bay Bridge spans a short harbor inlet that could easily be walked around in five minutes, so it appears to be basically an excuse for public funding as a tourist attraction. Aspam Center is a large triangular building that can be easily spotted from the train station or the bridge. This is the tourism center for all of Aomori prefecture. It includes a movie about the prefecture apanese only and an observation deck with views of the harbor and city extra charge. Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyu-Geshiki memorial alongside the ferry terminal looks like it might honor some historical event or local hero, but its actually dedicated to a song. Meaning Tsugaru Strait winter scenery, the 1977 hit ballad is an all-time karaoke favorite. Aomori Prefectural Museum houses exhibits about the history of Aomori prefecture. Asamushi Aquarium is a nice aquarium that features a dolphin show and a transparent underwater tunnel. Asamushi Onsen is a hot springs resort on Mutsu bay with a rather large number of inns. Sannai Maruyama is a historical site dedicated to the Jomon people,as many Jomon artifacts have been uncovered here.