6 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Aomori Prefecture Perfect for Rainy Days

The opening of Shin-Aomori Station has made traveling to Aomori Prefecture by bullet train much more convenient. As the starting point of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, the spotlight is once again shining on Aomori.
Known for its breathtaking scenery and delectable cuisine, Aomori offers a wealth of tourist attractions. While sunny days may be ideal, there are plenty of places to explore even when the weather isn’t on your side. Here, we highlight six of the best spots in Aomori Prefecture that are perfect for enjoying a rainy day.

1. Convenient Access Even on Rainy Days! "Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkōda Maru" Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkōda Maru

Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from JR Aomori Station, the Hakkōda Maru is an ideal spot to visit, even on rainy days.
Before its decommissioning in 1988 due to the opening of the Seikan Tunnel, the Seikan Ferry played a crucial role in connecting Aomori Prefecture and Hokkaido as a passenger and cargo transport ship. Among the ferries in the fleet, the Hakkōda Maru holds the distinction of having the longest service record and serving on the final voyage. After retirement, it became a property of Aomori City and was transformed into the Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship, now open to the public.
Visitors can explore the ship’s interiors, including the captain’s room, engine room, and postal car exhibitions. The museum also features preserved artifacts, documents, and models of the ferry, providing an immersive and informative experience. Don’t miss the "Seikan World" diorama, a nostalgic recreation of 1950s-era Aomori Station and the ferry interior. This journey into a bygone era offers nostalgic charm for adults and a fun, educational experience for kids.

2. Immerse Yourself in Culture and Art at the Aomori Museum of Art Aomori Museum of Art

Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the rich world of art. Located beside the Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site, the Aomori Museum of Art showcases works by renowned local artists, such as Yoshitomo Nara, Shikō Munakata, and Shūji Terayama, making it a beacon of cultural and artistic expression in the region.
The museum’s collection also spans globally celebrated artists like Chagall, Kandinsky, Matisse, Rembrandt, and Picasso. Its highlight is the iconic "Aomori Inu," a monumental dog sculpture by Yoshitomo Nara. While it’s placed outdoors, you can view it from the museum’s interior or up close through a connecting passageway (though the passage is closed during snowy seasons).
The museum’s distinctive logo, inspired by a "tree" and the letter "a" in Aomori, symbolizes the idea that "a forest emerges when blue trees come together." This motif is beautifully integrated into the building’s exterior. Designed with inspiration from the Sannai-Maruyama excavation site, the museum’s architecture is both innovative and stunning, making it a must-visit for art and design lovers alike.

3. Enjoy the Traditions of Aomori at “Tsugaruhan Neputa Village” Tsugaruhan Neputa Village

When it comes to festivals in Aomori Prefecture, the Nebuta Festival often comes to mind. While various Nebuta styles can be found throughout the region, the most renowned are the “Aomori Nebuta” and the “Hirosaki Neputa.”
Tsugaruhan Neputa Village is a cultural theme park dedicated to the Hirosaki Neputa, offering displays of intricate Neputa floats, historical exhibits, live festival music performances, and mesmerizing Tsugaru shamisen recitals. Visitors can also enjoy hands-on workshops to create traditional crafts, including painting, indigo dyeing, and kogin embroidery.
For those interested in local flavors, the shopping and dining areas are accessible without an admission fee. Savor authentic Tsugaru dishes at a restaurant recognized as part of the Tsugaru Cuisine Heritage program or pick up fresh apples and produce at the local market. With its engaging exhibits and cultural experiences, the village provides a vibrant window into Tsugaru traditions, perfect even for rainy-day outings.

4. Immerse Yourself in the World of Aomori’s Literary Giant at Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum “Shayokan”

The Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum, "Shayokan," is a must-visit for fans of Dazai Osamu, a writer from Aomori Prefecture, and even for those unfamiliar with his works.
"Shayokan" is Dazai’s childhood home, a grand mansion designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. After Dazai’s death, it briefly operated as an inn under the same name before being purchased by the former Kanagi Town in 1996 and transformed into the current Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum. Visitors can enter and explore the building, where items used by Dazai are displayed, providing fascinating insights into the lifestyle of wealthy families in Aomori at the time. The building’s architecture holds significant value, making it an intriguing destination for architecture enthusiasts as well.
Additionally, the separate annex of the mansion (the new zashiki) is known as “Dazai Osamu’s Evacuation House.” Be sure to visit both as part of your tour.

5. A Sound That Overcomes Even the Sound of Rain! “Tsugaru Shamisen Hall”

Located right next to the Shayokan, the Tsugaru Shamisen Memorial Hall is situated in Kanagi Town, the birthplace of Osamu Dazai, which is also the origin of the Tsugaru Shamisen. The Tsugaru Shamisen developed uniquely in Tsugaru, featuring a distinctive playing style where the bachi (pick) is struck forcefully, as well as fast-paced, complex musical compositions.
In the exhibition room of the Tsugaru Shamisen Hall, you can learn about the Tsugaru Shamisen, folk songs, and local performing arts, from the instrument's origins to its development. Additionally, live performances of the Tsugaru Shamisen are held several times a day, allowing you to enjoy its powerful music.
The hall also offers video screenings and a dedicated exhibit on Michiya Mihashi, a notable Tsugaru Shamisen performer. Tickets are available as a set with the Shayokan, making it a great idea to visit both spots together. Since they are located close by, it’s an ideal choice for sightseeing on rainy days.

6. Rain-Proof Gourmet Fun at “Hasshoku Center”

Aomori Prefecture offers an abundance of seafood, delicacies, and specialties, and the Hasshoku Center in Hachinohe City is the perfect place to shop for all of them in one go.
This massive market spans 170 meters with about 60 stores lined up. You can purchase freshly landed seafood and, at the “Shichirin Village,” grill your chosen ingredients over charcoal immediately.
There is also a dining area where you can savor professionally prepared dishes. Moreover, despite being a market, it features attractions like wall climbing and playground equipment for children, all available for free. On Sundays, kids can enjoy movie screenings, allowing parents to shop while the little ones have fun.
Hasshoku Center also hosts various events, including cooking classes and a Japanese-American flea market, so don’t forget to check those out. Truly, it’s a family-friendly destination where everyone can have a great time indoors without worrying about the rain.

Top Spots to Enjoy Rainy Days in Aomori Prefecture

Sightseeing on rainy days can feel restrictive, and it’s hard to get motivated to go out. However, Aomori Prefecture is full of diverse culture and attractions, with plenty of spots where you can have an enjoyable experience even when it’s raining.
Aomori also offers many unique delicacies and delicious foods that are hard to find elsewhere. Be sure to visit these tourist spots to discover the charm of Aomori.