Aomori Station is one of Aomori's most important transportation hubs. Whether you are transferring from the Shinkansen, traveling from Aomori Airport, or heading to attractions such as the Hakkoda Mountains, Lake Towada, or Sukayu Onsen, many journeys begin here. The station-connected “&LOVINA” and the apple-themed shopping complex “A-FACTORY” also offer plenty of shopping and dining options. This guide covers transportation, shopping, food, and nearby attractions around Aomori Station to help you explore Aomori with ease.
Transportation Guide
Aomori Station is an important transportation hub for reaching central Aomori and major attractions throughout the prefecture. A direct bus from Aomori Airport takes about 35 minutes. If you travel by the Tohoku Shinkansen, you will first arrive at Shin-Aomori Station on the western side of the city, then transfer to a JR train for Aomori Station. From here, buses also run to popular destinations such as the Hakkoda Mountains, Lake Towada, and Sukayu Onsen, making the station an essential base for both city sightseeing and trips around the prefecture.
Difference Between Aomori Station and Shin-Aomori Station
“Aomori Station” and “Shin-Aomori Station” have similar names, but they are two different stations, which can be confusing for first-time visitors. Shinkansen trains from Tokyo, Sendai, and Hakodate arrive at “Shin-Aomori Station,” while sightseeing, shopping, and accommodation in the city are mainly concentrated around “Aomori Station.” Unless you need to catch an early Shinkansen, staying and planning your itinerary around Aomori Station is generally more convenient. If you are departing from Shin-Aomori Station by Shinkansen, you can also shop for Aomori souvenirs and local food at “Aomori Shunmikan” inside the station.
| Comparison | Aomori Station | Shin-Aomori Station |
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen | Does not stop | Stops |
| Location | City center | Western side of the city Approx. 3.9 km away |
| Main Station Functions | Bus terminal Shopping Accommodation | Shinkansen transfers Souvenir shopping |
| Surrounding Area | Restaurants Shops Many hotels | Few commercial facilities |
Shin-Aomori Station to Aomori Station
The most convenient way to travel from Shin-Aomori Station to Aomori Station is by the JR Ou Main Line. The journey takes about 6 minutes and costs around ¥200. If you have a JR PASS or Tsugaru FREE PASS, this section can be used without paying an additional fare. However, Shinkansen arrival times and JR local train schedules do not always connect perfectly, so you may need to wait after arrival. It is recommended to check the transfer timetable before departure.
| Transportation | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| JR Ou Main Line | Approx. 6 minutes | ¥190 |
| Taxi | Approx. 10 minutes | Approx. ¥1,500–2,000 |
Aomori Airport to Aomori Station
From Aomori Airport to Aomori Station, you can take the airport shuttle bus, which takes about 35 minutes. The airport bus accepts transportation IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA, making it convenient for independent travelers. If you are carrying a lot of luggage, taking a taxi is another option.
| Transportation | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle Bus | Approx. 35 minutes | ¥980 |
| Taxi | Approx. 30 minutes | Approx. ¥5,500 (Flat fare: ¥4,500) |
Getting from Aomori Station to Major Attractions
Aomori Station is not only the city's transportation hub but also an important starting point for visiting popular attractions around the prefecture. For hot springs, you can take the Aoimori Railway to Asamushi Onsen. To visit the Hakkoda Mountains, Sukayu Onsen, and Lake Towada, take the JR Bus “Mizuumi-go,” which runs all the way to Lake Towada. If you want to visit several attractions in one trip, you can also combine stops along the bus route and choose the most suitable places to get off according to your itinerary.
| Destination | Transportation | Boarding Point | Travel Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asamushi Onsen | Aoimori Railway | Aomori Station | Approx. 20 minutes | ¥540 |
| Aomori Museum of Art | Aomori City Bus | Aomori City Bus Stop No. 6 Take a bus bound for the Sannai-Maruyama Site. | Approx. 20 minutes | ¥280 |
| Hakkoda Ropeway | JR Bus Mizuumi-go | Bus stop in front of Aomori Station | Approx. 1 hour | ¥1,290 |
| Sukayu Onsen | Approx. 1 hour | ¥1,570 | ||
| Lake Towada | Approx. 3 hours | ¥3,480 |
※ Bus services to Hakkoda, Sukayu Onsen, and Lake Towada are limited. Services may be suspended or greatly reduced in winter, so be sure to check the return schedule before departure.
※ Some bus services require advance reservations.
※ The JR PASS is not valid on the Aoimori Railway.
Shopping Around Aomori Station
There are many shops around Aomori Station, making it easy to start shopping as soon as you leave the station. The station-connected “&LOVINA” has souvenir shops, drugstores, and daily goods, so you do not have to walk far even in rain or snow. Nearby, you will also find “A-FACTORY,” known for apple products, and Shinmachi Shopping Street. If you want to buy Aomori souvenirs, these can easily be added to your itinerary.
&LOVINA
Reopened after renovation in 2024, “&LOVINA” is directly connected to Aomori Station, allowing you to enter straight from the station without worrying about sun, rain, snow, or strong winds. The mall brings together Aomori souvenirs, restaurants, drugstores, and daily goods, making it ideal for travelers who want to shop quickly or eat before or after taking a train.
Address: 1-2-3 Yanakawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00–20:00 (Hours vary by store)
Access: About a 1-minute walk from Aomori Station
A-FACTORY
About a 2-minute walk from Aomori Station brings you to “A-FACTORY,” an apple-themed complex on the waterfront. In addition to processed apple products such as apple pie, apple juice, and dried apples, it is a convenient place to buy Aomori souvenirs all at once. The facility also has an apple cider brewery, where visitors can watch the production process through glass and pay for tastings of different beverages.
Address: 1-4-2 Yanakawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00–19:00 (Hours vary by store)
Access: About a 1-minute walk from JR/Aoimori Railway Aomori Station
Shinmachi Shopping Street
Shinmachi Shopping Street extends east from Aomori Station and is one of the city's main shopping and dining streets. Along the way, you will find department stores, drugstores, restaurants, and convenience stores, making it convenient for buying travel supplies or finding somewhere to eat in the evening. However, some stores in central Aomori close relatively early, so it is best to shop earlier in the day if possible.
Food Around Aomori Station
There are plenty of dining options around Aomori Station, ranging from seafood rice bowls where you choose your own toppings to a wide variety of restaurants. In addition to “&LOVINA” inside the station, Furukawa Market is about an 8-minute walk away. Whether you want lunch after arriving or a quick meal before catching a train, the area is very convenient.
Furukawa Market (Aomori Gyosai Center)
“Furukawa Market (Aomori Gyosai Center)” is a traditional fish market in central Aomori, about an 8-minute walk from Aomori Station. Its signature dish is the customizable “Nokke-don” seafood rice bowl. First purchase meal tickets, exchange them for rice and your favorite seafood toppings, and then create your own bowl. The market opens in the morning, and some ingredients may sell out early, so arriving early is recommended if you want to try Nokke-don.
Address: 1-11-16 Furukawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Opening Hours: 7:00–16:00; closed every Tuesday (Hours vary by store)
Access: About an 8-minute walk from JR Aomori Station
Restaurants Inside &LOVINA
If you want to eat near Aomori Station, “&LOVINA,” directly connected to the station, is a convenient choice. The facility has a wide range of restaurants, from local Aomori cuisine to national chains. Whether you want to eat immediately after arriving or grab a quick meal before taking a train, you can do so without leaving the station, making it especially useful when you are short on time or the weather is poor.
Address: 1-1-5 Yanakawa, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00–20:00 (Hours vary by store)
Access: About a 1-minute walk from Aomori Station
Recommended Reading:13 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Aomori: Apple Pie, Garlic Rice Crackers, and Nebuta Goldfish Yokan
Attractions Near Aomori Station
After exploring the shopping and food around the station, there are several nearby attractions worth visiting. Below are two popular places within walking distance of Aomori Station. Whether you have just arrived in Aomori or have some spare time before your next train, they are easy to add to your itinerary.
Nebuta Museum WA RASSE
As soon as you leave Aomori Station, you can see the striking red fan-shaped building of “Nebuta Museum WA RASSE.” Inside are large Nebuta floats that actually took part in the Aomori Nebuta Festival parade. Even if you visit outside the August festival season, you can experience the atmosphere of the festival up close. In addition to viewing the floats, visitors can also learn about the origins and history of the Aomori Nebuta Festival.
Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM
About an 8-minute walk from Aomori Station is the distinctive triangular “Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM.” The “A” in its name comes from AOMORI, and the building itself was designed around the shape of the letter “A.” The first floor has a shop selling Aomori specialties, while the 13th-floor observation deck offers views of Aomori Port and Mutsu Bay. When you first arrive in Aomori, you can also stop by the tourist information counter inside to pick up travel information.
Recommended Hotels Near Aomori Station
There are many accommodation options around Aomori Station, ranging from convenient business hotels to properties with large hot-spring baths. For travelers taking the Shinkansen or buses, or planning sightseeing in the city, staying near the station reduces the need to move around with heavy luggage. Below are three hotels within walking distance of Aomori Station, allowing you to choose according to your accommodation needs.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Aomori
✅️Discounted Room Reservations：Klook
“Daiwa Roynet Hotel Aomori” is one of the newer hotels in central Aomori. Its guest rooms and bathrooms are relatively spacious, making for a more comfortable stay. There is a convenience store downstairs, and Furukawa Market is also nearby. If you want to wake up early the next morning for a “Nokke-don” seafood bowl, staying in this area is especially convenient.
Dormy Inn Aomori
✅️Discounted Room Reservations：Klook
If you want to enjoy a hot spring while staying in central Aomori, “Dormy Inn Aomori” is a good choice. The hotel has a large natural hot-spring bath, so you can enjoy a relaxing soak without traveling out to the suburbs. In the evening, guests can also enjoy the complimentary late-night ramen commonly offered by the Dormy Inn chain, making it suitable for travelers who want to relax after a full day of sightseeing.
HOTEL MYSTAYS Aomori Station
✅️Discounted Room Reservations：Klook
“HOTEL MYSTAYS Aomori Station” is only a 3-minute walk from JR Aomori Station and offers a refined stay with a modern, minimalist style. The rooms are warm, comfortable, and well equipped, making the hotel suitable for both independent travelers and business guests. From the hotel, you can easily walk to Nebuta Museum WA RASSE and A-FACTORY, as well as nearby local restaurants, making it a convenient base for experiencing everyday life in Aomori.
Aomori Station is not only a transportation hub for reaching the city and major attractions, but also an area filled with shopping, dining, and accommodation options. Whether you want to enjoy a seafood rice bowl after arriving, shop for apple souvenirs, or take a bus to the Hakkoda Mountains or Lake Towada, everything can be arranged easily from here. Make good use of the facilities around the station according to your itinerary and length of stay to make your Aomori trip smoother.
Recommended Reading:[2026 Aomori Accommodations] Accommodations in Aomori, Japan: Recommended Hotels and Hot Spring Inns with Convenient Access to the Nebuta Festival
Aomori Station FAQ
1. Does the Shinkansen Stop at Aomori Station?
No. The Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen stop at “Shin-Aomori Station,” located outside the city center. To reach Aomori Station in the city, you need to transfer to the JR Ou Main Line, which takes about 6 minutes and costs ¥190. There are fewer shops and restaurants around Shin-Aomori Station, but “Aomori Shunmikan” inside the station has souvenir shops and restaurants featuring products from across Aomori Prefecture, making it a convenient place for last-minute shopping before boarding the Shinkansen.
2. Can I Store Luggage at Aomori Station?
Yes. Coin lockers are available inside Aomori Station, making it easy to leave your luggage before visiting nearby attractions or shopping. However, during busy periods such as the Aomori Nebuta Festival, lockers may fill up early. If you are carrying large luggage, it is a good idea to check whether your hotel can store it for you.
3. What Souvenirs Should I Buy at Aomori Station, and What Local Aomori Foods Can I Try Nearby?
There are plenty of options around Aomori Station for buying souvenirs and trying local food. For Aomori specialties, visit “&LOVINA” inside the station or walk about 2 minutes to “A-FACTORY,” which focuses on processed apple products such as apple pie, apple juice, and apple cider. For one of Aomori's signature seafood bowls, walk about 8 minutes to Furukawa Market and try making your own “Nokke-don.” “Aomori Shunmikan” at Shin-Aomori Station is also a good place for final souvenir shopping before boarding the Shinkansen.
4. Can I Use a Transportation IC Card on the Aomori Airport Bus to the Station?
Yes. The airport shuttle bus from Aomori Airport to Aomori Station accepts nationwide-compatible transportation IC cards such as Suica and ICOCA, so you do not need to buy a separate ticket. However, payment methods differ on some Aomori City Bus routes, so it is recommended to check IC card availability before boarding and carry some cash just in case.
5. How Do I Get from Aomori Station to the Hakkoda Mountains and Lake Towada?
You can take JR buses from Aomori Station to both the Hakkoda Mountains and Lake Towada. The journey to the Hakkoda Ropeway takes about 1 hour, while Lake Towada takes around 3 hours. Services are limited and may be suspended or greatly reduced in winter, and the last buses are often relatively early. If you are planning a day trip, be sure to check both outbound and return timetables in advance. Some services also require advance reservations.
6. Are There Recommended Hotels Near Aomori Station?
There are many accommodation options around Aomori Station that are suitable for independent travelers. If you want to enjoy a hot spring in the city, consider “Dormy Inn Aomori,” which has a large natural hot-spring bath. If convenient transportation is your priority, “HOTEL MYSTAYS Aomori Station” is located close to the station and is easy to reach even with luggage. If you prefer more spacious rooms, “Daiwa Roynet Hotel Aomori,” about a 5-minute walk from the station, is another good choice.