10 Free Things to do in Aomori That You Shouldn't Miss

The Nebuta Summer Festival (or Matsuri) that takes place in early August every year in Aomori is quite simply one of the most unforgettable and unique street parades in the world. Local teams work each year to build 24 huge floats using wire frames covered with washi paper that sometimes represent Japanese gods and mythical creatures, but also historical figures and the contemporary actors that play them in Kabuki theatres and on Japanese TV. These intricately crafted sculptures are then lit from the inside with thousands of colourful lights and paraded each night around a 3km loop in the town of Aomori. Thousands of people take a part in carrying the floats, parading with taiko drums, flutes and cymbals, and dancing in traditional costumes chanting Rassera! Rassera! It's breathtaking to watch the vivid, colourful floats weaving at night through the throngs of musicians and dancers and you can find your own spot or reserve seating to enjoy it all. But that's not all. Anyone, regardless of age or ability, is invited to join in as long as they are wearing the traditional haneto dancing costume (which can be rented for about $30 from shops all over Aomori). Unforgettable!

This historic site was accidentally discovered during construction of a baseball stadium. Excavations have revealed artifacts and structures dating back 5500 years to the Jomon period.

Food Marche representing the market gathers foodstuff from all regions of Aomori. From food ingredients like elaborate vegetables and fruits from farmers, rice, processed goods and another local rooted articles, to industrial art, folkcraft goods and another craft articles are presented. You can find attractiveness of Aomori that can be found only here. In the central inner area you can watch brewing process right in front of you. Glass-sided "Charming cider factory" is also available. If you come at good timing you could watch hand work of the staff conducting Aomori apples selection, brewing and another procedures. There are 8 brewing tanks inside the factory, and each of them produces every kind of cider and apple soda water. There are abundance of various stores like gelato specialty shop, store with elaborate tart made of Aomori eggs, hamburger shop that represents Aomori and many other inside the facility.