Amazing AOMORI

This one-of-a-kind destination combines the features of a traditional Japanese hot-spring village with those of a seaside resort. On the west side of the station, you’ll find large oceanside hotels that offer hot-spring baths with beautiful panoramic views of Mutsu Bay. Visitors can also enjoy various activities on the beach such as swimming, windsurfing, yachting, and fishing. The east side of the station has a more retro vibe with traditional hot-spring inns. Visitors can enjoy activities like poaching eggs in the hot-spring water, as well as light hiking in a sprawling forest park. There is also an aquarium with aquatic animals from Aomori and around the world. Popular events like the Asamushi Onsen Fireworks Festival and Asamushi Onsen Nebuta Festival draw crowds in summer. And unlike some other hot-spring areas in Japan that have a strong sulfurous smell, the hot-spring water here is tasteless and odorless. It is also known for its moisturizing and beautifying properties that benefit the skin, so a long soak may have you looking as good as you feel!

This “winter edition” of the town’s Nebuta festival is held on Saturday evenings from late January to late February*. The display of beautiful Nebuta floats is accompanied by rousing performances of festival music and interactive dances in which visitors are welcome to join. The lights of the gorgeous floats, including a special “sled”-type Nebuta float designed to be dragged over the snow, illuminate the winter night, creating magical scenery. In addition, market stalls sell warming local dishes like ginger-miso oden stew and sembei rice-cracker soup. The event culminates in a thrilling display of winter fireworks (weather permitting).

* From 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. on January 24 and 31 and February 7, 14, and 21 (Saturdays) and February 22 (Sunday) in 2026

Stunning “Nebuta art” consisting of actual festival floats, as well as other works like stained glass incorporating similar techniques, is on display at various inns and hotels throughout Asamushi Onsen. To be held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon from late January to late February in 2026, this guided bus tour takes visitors to view the Nebuta art up close. In addition, enjoy decorating a commemorative tote bag with Nebuta stamps available at some of the tour stops. The tour fee includes the exclusive tote bag for all participants, as well as a complimentary Tsugaru Vidro glassware drinking cup (for adult participants only).

A highlight of a visit to Asamushi Onsen is staying at one of its many traditional inns, where you can relax in a Japanese-style tatami room after a soothing soak in a hot-spring bath. In addition to offering breathtaking ocean views of Mutsu Bay, Nanbuya Kaisenkaku entertains its guests with performances of traditional local entertainment like Tsugaru shamisen playing and festival dances. Meanwhile, you can relax and feel at home in a traditional Japanese ambience with heartwarming hospitality at hot-spring inns such as Tsubakikan, a favorite of the woodblock artist Munakata Shiko, and its sister inn, the simple and rustic Yadoya Tsubaki.

Located in a five-story building next to Asamushi-Onsen Station, this roadside rest area is packed with amenities for travelers. Along with a restaurant, farmer’s market, and souvenir shop, the third floor has a gallery permanently displaying local artwork. But the real treat is on the fifth floor, where a large hot-spring bath offers picturesque views of Mutsu Bay and the nearby Yunoshima Island. After a warm, relaxing soak, replenish your energy with local treats like soft-serve ice cream and grilled squid or scallops. Also hosting the “Winter Nebuta” event in its parking lot on January and February evenings in 2026, this roadside station is a key location for tourism in the Asamushi Onsen area.