Aomori, Japan

July 24, 2015 -- Aomori, Japan (8:00AM~9:00PM)

Weather: Overcast

Temperature: 27.0C

Aomori is located at the northern tip of Japan's main island--Honshu. The name Aomori means Blue Green Forest. This is an old city but most of the buildings in the city was destroyed at the end of World War II. Our ship docked here at around 6:55 this morning. We stopped at Aomori twice on this trip, one on this leg and then the second time on the next leg. We had two totally different experience at this one port.

Not a very pretty sight at the dock. The shuttles were on the far left hand side of this picture.

We left the ship at around 10:00 on this overcast morning.

We received good information about the shuttles and train rides to Hirosaki with adequate maps from the information tents before boarding the free shuttle.

The shuttle dropped us off at the ASPAM building, which is the Aomori Prefectual Center for Industry and Tourism. It was a quiet day here.

We followed the main street (ASPAM Street, I think) in front of the ASPAM building and walked towards Shinmachi Street, which is about four blocks up.

Ichinen-Ji Temple on ASPAM Street

Then we made a right turn on Shinmachi Street and went straight to the JR Aomori Station. We wanted to go to Hirosaki to see the castle this morning. We were able to get train tickets from the machines at the station but I must say that we were a little confused. When I asked one of the employees where we should go to board the train, he looked at my ticket and told me that the next train was going to be an express train. Our tickets were for the local trains. He said we could board the express train and pay the extra 500Y each to the conductor. Otherwise we could wait for the next local train using our 640Y tickets. We decided to just wait another half hour for the local train instead. Good thing he was able to speak some English. We also bumped into a few fellow cruisers so we were on this adventure together which made us feel a little at ease. 

Waiting for our 10:37 train.

Good thing that the train was not crowded at all.

We arrived Hirosaki train station at 11:18 promptly. Volunteers were giving out paper fans and bottled water to tourists as we exit the station. What a nice gesture! They also told us to go downstairs and wait for the loop bus at station #2 which will cost us 100Y each way.

I was surprised to see the long line at the stop.

We did not get on the first bus that came around and had to wait for the second bus.

Hirosaki JR Station

Saw this building on the bus and thought it looked interesting.

Getting off the bus at stop #14, Shiyakusho-mae, which is right outside Otemon Gate of Hirosaki Park.

We entered the park through Otemon Gate.

According to the port guide that we were given, Aomori came into formal existence in 1625, when a local warlord began constructing a meticulously planned city. Part of construction was the historic Hirosaki Castle. In 1627 lightning hit and blew up the tower with the gunpowder in it. In 1944, the Imperial Army stripped the bronze tiles and artifacts to make ammo. Hirosaki has been under reconstruction for half a century, and work is still in progress.

the moat

Sugi-no-Ohashi Bridge

Inner South Gate

Hirosaki Castle. Like all the castles we visited, they are all under construction and no one can enter.

Beautiful garden

Ushi-tora no Yagura Turret

We walked around for an hour inside this beautiful park. Some parts of the park were closed off but it was still very nice to just enjoy the quietness of this green space in the city. This park would be very busy during cherry blossom season.

We exited through the East Gate this time.

Once again we bumped into the other fellow cruisers who stopped and took a picture of me resting outside East Gate.

The statue of a worrior across the street as we walked to stop #16 to pick up the loop bus in front of NHK TV Station to go back to the train station.

Hirosaki United Church of Christ in Japan nearby.

Back at the train station, we took the 13:49 train which arrived back at Aomori at 14:35.

With the help of the Aomori Walking Map, we found our way to the Furukawa Fresh Market where we had another round of seafood rice. At this market, one will purchase a sheet of coupons which can be redeemed for rice and seafood items to put on top. We each purchased the 1,050Y of 10 coupons and enjoyed another delicious donburi called Nokke-Don.

Again, the toro was wonderful and the scallops freshly shucked. Look around first because their 'prices' could be different. I used two coupons for the two fresh scallops and MOR paid two coupons for three. Toro was three coupons a piece, shrimp cost one coupon. We were kind of late that day so the choices may not be the best but at least we made it in time before they close at 4.

Inside the fresh market with communal dining tables where you can find everything you need, including chopsticks, soy sauce, wasabi, water, and napkins.

After our late lunch we walked back to ASPAM but on the way we saw a Daiso on Shinmachi Street. We just had to check it out and, of course, we bought more than a few things there. Back at ASPAM we spent some time looking at things they were selling before taking the shuttle back to the dock. Apple products are the main business here. I did not see fresh apples being sold but did buy some delicious apple juice to try. Because of our side trip to Hirosaki we did not really see much in Aomori but we will return next week, so no worries.

The long day in port made it very nice and relaxing. We did not have to rush back to board the ship.

Some snacks we bought ...Hokkaido cookies...

...Hokkaido milk cake

...dried squid

...and chocolate covered potato chips.

Scallop Ceviche

Prime rib

With four consecutive port days, we were all very tired after dinner. We even skipped the 50th Anniversary balloon drop at 10:15 that evening. Tomorrow we will have another day at sea to relax as we sail back to Yokohama.