Aomori City (Japan Aomori)

Aomori (Aomori-shi) is the principal port and the capital city of Japan's Aomori Prefecture (Honshu Island's Tohoku region) with population around 290,000. Port Aomori (locode JPAOJ) serves cargo vessels and passenger ships (cruise and ferries).

In 2017, the cruise port reported a record season with handled 23 ship calls. Maiden calls were made by liners from the fleets of Celebrity Cruises and Seabourn. Also in 2017, the port started a wharf extension project to allow larger vessels (with gross tonnage up to 130,000 tons).

Seikan Ferry operates ferry service to Hakodate. It takes about 4 hours to go by ferry from Aomori to Hakodate. Initially, the ferry was run by the Ministry of Railroads but was later taken over by Japanese National Railways. During 1908-1988, the ferry served as the main transport between Honshu Island and northern Hokkaido Island. Seikan Tunnel (opened in March 1988) goes under Tsugaru Strait and replaced the slow ferry as primary transportation between both islands.

Aomori City and its surrounding area are famous for the heaviest snowfall among all Japanese cities, and, actually, among the world's heaviest. In summer, the cool wind Yamase blows often from the east, which often results in abnormally cool weather resulting in poor harvests. Thick fogs from Oyashio Current are observed in the summer in mountainous areas. Due to the fog, flights to Aomori Airport are frequently canceled.

Aomori Nebuta is a popular festival performed annually from August 2–7. It is one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan listed by the Ministry of the Environment in Japan. Besides this, the main attractions of Aomori include museums, mountains, and ruins. The Hakkoda Mountains feature good locations for trekking with onsen (hot spas),  like Sukayu Onsen.