Best of Aomori

Beauty and culture abound in this comprehensive full-day highlights adventure. Begin with a scenic motorcoach ride to the Seiryu Temple, home to Japan’s largest seated Buddha, set within lush landscapes. Then, it’s up and away when you ride the aerial tramway 4,000 feet to the summit station of Mount Hakkoda for stunning views. Continue your exploration of the fascinating Sannai-Maruyama ruins, recognized as a Special National Historical Site and one of Japan’s largest and most complete Jomon villages. Explore reconstructed pit dwellings, houses and a large tower of the Jomon period from around 13,000 to 300 B.C. Pause for lunch in a local venue, then round out the day at the Nebuta Warasse Museum, a celebration of color, artistry and pageantry commemorating the city’s famous 300-year-old Nebuta Matsuri festival. Five large, well-built Nebuta floats are exhibited each year from the previous festival. Return to port with a deeper appreciation of this magical land.