3-Day Autumn Trip: Immersed in Aomori's Arts & Culture

Enthralling Encounters with Ancient Roots and Modern Masterpieces

Embark on your journey at the Aomori Museum of Art, a striking, pure-white structure nested beautifully amidst lush blue greenery. Here, you will connect deeply with the souls of legendary artists, coming face-to-face with iconic masterpieces such as Yoshitomo Nara's monumental "Aomori-Ken" (Aomori Dog) and Marc Chagall's breathtaking, massive backdrop paintings for the ballet "Aleko." To fully immerse yourself in this creative atmosphere, we highly recommend enjoying a leisurely lunch at the museum's charming Café "Four Cats".

Just a short walk away lies the Sannai-Maruyama Site, a designated World Cultural Heritage site. As you step onto the vast, open grounds, you are welcomed by the overwhelming scale of the monumental six-pillared structure soaring straight into the northern sky.

What archeologists uncovered here is far more than mere traces of prehistoric daily life. It is a treasure trove of spiritual expression: earthenware adorned with fiery, swirling motifs; clay figurines with mysterious, mesmerizing expressions; and the brilliant sheen of jade transported from distant lands. These artifacts represent the Jomon people's prayers, their adornments, and the very birth of Japan's oldest art. Feel the ancient breeze on your skin and surrender yourself to the timeless creative energy that still fills this sacred ground.

Where Majestic Nature Meets Taro Okamoto's Passion: "Oirase Keiryu Hotel"

The true heart of the hotel lies in its two magnificent lounges, each anchored by a colossal fireplace designed by the legendary avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto. His explosive passion transcends time, breathing an overwhelming sense of vitality into the entire architectural space. In the lounge "Myth of the Forest" (Mori no Shinwa), you can sink deeply into a plush sofa in front of the hearth. As you gaze into the flickering flames, you will feel as though you have wandered into the mystical realm of the forest spirits.

The second masterpiece is "Kappa" (God of the River), a fireplace that towers majestically toward the ceiling. Its raw, powerful form evokes the dynamic torrents of the Oirase mountain stream and the rugged strength of its moss-covered rocks. Standing before this fierce yet beautiful creation, a profound sense of awe and reverence for Mother Nature quietly wells up from within.

Okamoto's evocative artworks are scattered throughout the hotel premises, inviting you to take a delightful stroll and discover his creative touch around every corner.



For dinner, head to "Aomori Apple Kitchen," a buffet celebrating local apples through all five senses. The freshly baked apple pie is the absolute crowd favorite.

A City Transformed into an Open-Air, Borderless Museum

Guided by the magnetic pull of contemporary art, journey next to Towada City. At the stunning, glass-walled Towada Art Center, art is not merely something to look at—it is an immersive world to be experienced with your entire body. The avant-garde energy flows seamlessly beyond the museum walls, spilling onto the outdoor plazas and streets with vibrant installations by global art icons like Yayoi Kusama and Ron Mueck.
Lose yourself in this fluid space where art, people, and the town's scenery melt into a single, beautiful landscape.

For lunch, enjoy a relaxed, reflective meal featuring Towada's famous local specialty, "Barayaki" (savory grilled beef and onion), or unwind at the museum's chic café, basking in the lingering afterglow of the art world.

As night falls, elevate your evening at Oirase Keiryu Hotel's premier French restaurant, "Sonore." Listen to the soothing, rhythmic melody of the mountain stream while savoring an elegant apéritif by the water. The exquisite multi-course dinner reimagines traditional regional flavors through modern French techniques. Visually stunning and meticulously crafted, each dish offers a luxurious, sophisticated dining experience—especially when elevated by a curated wine pairing selected by our expert sommelier.

Finishing Strong: Art Treasures and Local Flavors in Hachinohe

Spend the final day of your journey in the vibrant port city of Hachinohe. The Hachinohe Art Museum, completely reimagined and reborn in 2021, promises inspiring new discoveries. Far more than a traditional gallery, this is a dynamic "space for encounters and learning." You can unwind inside the "Giant Room"—a magnificent, soaring space reminiscent of a colossal bookshelf wrapped in art—or explore thought-provoking exhibitions rooted deeply in Hachinohe's unique cultural heritage. It is a profound look into the future of community-centric museums.

When it comes to lunch and souvenir hunting, the legendary Hachishoku Center is an absolute must! This bustling marketplace is packed with an abundance of fresh Aomori ingredients and local keepsakes. The highlight is selecting fresh seafood straight from the market stalls and grilling it yourself over charcoal at the indoor braziers. Fill your stomach, and pack your suitcase to the brim with unforgettable memories of Aomori.

Aomori Prefecture is home to many more inspiring art destinations.

We invite you to embark on your own creative pilgrimage and discover the artistic soul of the north.
https://aomori-tourism.com/feature/detail_26.html