Aomori Airport is the largest commercial airport in the prefecture, located about 10 km south of central Aomori City. Since opening in November 1964, it has served many visitors coming to Aomori for sightseeing.

From Aomori Airport, you can head to Aomori City, Hirosaki, and Lake Towada. You can enjoy 1–2 hours within the airport alone, half a day in Aomori City, or a full day of sightseeing if you venture out to Hirosaki or Lake Towada.

*Information in this article is current as of October 2026. Business hours and fares are subject to change, so please check the official Aomori Airport website and each facility’s official website for the latest information.

Aomori Airport Basics | Access

Aomori Airport is located about 10 km from central Aomori City, around 35 minutes by bus. In the Tohoku region, it ranks third in passenger numbers after Sendai Airport and Akita Airport.

There is no train service to Aomori Airport. Access is mainly by bus, taxi, or car.

Departure point	Access
JR Aomori Station	About 35 minutes by airport shuttle bus (adults ¥980, elementary school students ¥490). About 30 minutes by taxi
Hirosaki Bus Terminal	About 55 minutes by Konan Bus airport shuttle bus (adults ¥1,200)
JR Shin-Aomori Station	No direct bus. About 30 minutes by taxi or rental car

It takes about 6 minutes by train from JR Shin-Aomori Station to Aomori Station. The bus stop for Hirosaki is right outside the arrivals lobby. Rental car services are also available at the airport.

If you’re driving to the airport, see also our article on Aomori Airport parking fees and congestion.

Enjoying the Airport

Even inside the airport, there are spots where you can enjoy the flavor of Aomori.

Observation Deck on the 3rd Floor

From the observation deck on the 3rd floor of the terminal building, you can watch planes take off and land. It’s a good spot for seeing off friends and family or simply enjoying the airport.

Aomori Cuisine

There are restaurants where you can enjoy the flavors of Aomori before departure or after arrival.

• Airport Restaurant “Hiba”: A Japanese restaurant run by Aomori Kokusai Hotel. You can enjoy local dishes, and its selection of more than 10 kinds of Aomori local sake is popular.
• Mori no Restaurant “Ryan” Aomori Airport Branch: Located in front of the departure lobby, this restaurant serves dishes made with local Aomori ingredients. The spacious interior offers a wide variety of menu items.
• Aomori Miso Curry Milk Ramen “Kawara”: You can enjoy “Aomori Miso Curry Milk Ramen,” a soul food of Aomori City residents, even at the airport. Its flavor is easy to enjoy, even for women.

Prefectural Fisheries Federation Airport Shop

The Aomori Prefectural Fisheries Federation’s airport shop offers fresh scallops and salmon caught in Aomori’s waters, as well as Oma tuna. It’s convenient for picking out souvenirs.

Operating status may change. Please check the official website before visiting.

If you’d like to relax before your flight, also see our article on Aomori Airport lounges.

Aomori City Area | 20–30 Minutes by Car from the Airport

Aomori City, close to the airport, has spots where you can experience Jomon history and the Nebuta Festival.

• Sannai-Maruyama Site (about 20 minutes by car from the airport): The remains of a large Jomon-period settlement. It is registered as one of the “Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan” World Heritage Site.
• Aomori Tourist Products Center Aspam (about 32 minutes by car from the airport): A hub for Aomori tourism and local products. It’s also convenient for picking out souvenirs.
• Nebuta House Wa Rasse (in front of Aomori Station): A facility that opened in January 2011 where you can experience the Nebuta Festival. The hall, which displays five medium and large nebuta floats, is a must-see. It also offers a full range of hands-on programs, including a workplace experience where you can watch nebuta being made up close and a workshop where instructors teach you how to make them. You can enjoy the atmosphere of the Nebuta Festival all year round.

Asamushi Onsen, Hakkoda, and Lake Towada Area | 40 Minutes to 1 Hour 30 Minutes by Car

If you’re willing to go a little farther, we recommend Aomori’s proud natural attractions.

• Asamushi Onsen (about 40 minutes by car from the airport): A hot spring resort on the coast within Aomori City.
• Lake Towada (about 1 hour 30 minutes by car from the airport): A lake with breathtaking, fantastical scenery that is among Aomori’s most iconic. During the autumn foliage season, a lake cruise is also recommended.
• Oirase Stream: A stream stretching more than 10 km from Nenokuchi at Lake Towada. It is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. The highlights are the fresh greenery of early summer and the autumn foliage, and you can enjoy it while strolling along the promenade beside the stream.
• Hakkoda and Sukayu Onsen: A hot spring in the Hakkoda Mountains, known for its all-hiba-wood large bath, the “Hiba Sennin-buro” (Thousand-Person Hiba Bath). It takes about 40–50 minutes by car from Aomori Station to the Hakkoda Ropeway.

Getting to Lake Towada and Oirase Stream involves bus transfers and takes time. If you’re driving, a rental car is convenient.

Hirosaki Area | About 55 Minutes by Bus from the Airport

A direct bus runs from the airport to Hirosaki, famous for Hirosaki Castle and the cherry blossoms of Hirosaki Park. The Konan Bus airport shuttle takes you to Hirosaki Bus Terminal without any transfers.

• Hirosaki Castle: Built in 1611 by Tsugaru Nobuhira, the second lord of the domain. The current castle keep was rebuilt in 1810. Hirosaki Park is famous as a spring cherry blossom destination.

Bus schedules are timed to match flight arrivals, and the fare is ¥1,200 for adults. IC cards may not be accepted, so it’s smoother to have coins ready. Large suitcases can be stored in the bus’s luggage compartment.

Enjoying Each Season

In Aomori, the attractions change greatly with the seasons.

• Spring: The cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park are the highlight.
• Summer: The Aomori Nebuta Festival is held every year from August 2 to 7. At Nebuta House Wa Rasse, you can enjoy the atmosphere of Nebuta all year round.
• Autumn: The autumn foliage at Oirase Stream and Lake Towada is spectacular.
• Winter: In snowy weather, you need to watch road conditions. If you’re not confident driving on snowy roads, we recommend using public transportation or a transfer service.

Sample Sightseeing Itineraries from Aomori Airport

Enjoy Aomori City by Airport Shuttle Bus (Half Day)

• Arrive at Aomori Airport and enjoy Aomori cuisine inside the airport
• Take the airport shuttle bus to Aomori Station (about 35 minutes)
• Experience the Nebuta Festival at Nebuta House Wa Rasse
• Buy Aomori souvenirs at Aspam
• Take the airport shuttle bus from Aomori Station back to the airport

Enjoy Hirosaki by Airport Shuttle Bus (Day Trip)

• Arrive at Aomori Airport and board the Hirosaki-bound airport shuttle bus from the stop right outside the arrivals lobby
• Ride to Hirosaki Bus Terminal (about 55 minutes)
• Stroll around Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park
• Take the airport shuttle bus from Hirosaki Bus Terminal back to the airport

Tour Nature by Rental Car (Day Trip)

• Rent a car at the airport’s rental car service
• Visit the Sannai-Maruyama Site to learn about Jomon history (about 20 minutes from the airport)
• Head to Lake Towada and Oirase Stream (about 1 hour 30 minutes from the airport)
• Stroll the promenade along the stream and enjoy a lake cruise
• Return to the airport, buy souvenirs, and catch your flight

Recommendations by Interest

If You Want to Pass the Time at the Airport

Watch planes from the observation deck, and enjoy the local dishes at “Hiba” or the Aomori Miso Curry Milk Ramen at “Kawara.” You can pick out souvenirs at the Fisheries Federation shop.

If You Want to Enjoy Aomori City in a Short Time

Nebuta House Wa Rasse and Aspam are the classics. It’s about 35 minutes to Aomori Station by airport shuttle bus.

If You’re Interested in History and the Jomon Period

We recommend the Sannai-Maruyama Site. At about 20 minutes by car, it’s close to the airport.

If You Want Spectacular Scenery and Nature

We recommend Lake Towada and Oirase Stream. They look best in early summer’s fresh greenery and autumn’s foliage.

If You Love Cherry Blossoms and Castles

We recommend Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park. It’s about 55 minutes from the airport by direct bus.

If You Want to Relax in a Hot Spring

Asamushi Onsen is about 40 minutes from the airport by car. At Sukayu Onsen in Hakkoda, the “Hiba Sennin-buro” is popular.

Getting To and From Aomori Airport? Try NearMe!

*Photo is for illustration purposes. Actual vehicles vary by area.

There is no train service to Aomori Airport, so travel is mainly by bus, taxi, or car. If you want to get to your hotel in Aomori City or Hirosaki without transfers, consider “NearMe” flat-rate airport taxis for Aomori Airport.

Why It Makes Your Trip More Comfortable

• No transfers: Even without train service, you can go directly from the airport to your hotel in Aomori City or Hirosaki.
• Reliable even in busy seasons: Even during crowded periods such as the Nebuta Festival, your pickup time and vehicle are confirmed by 6 p.m. the day before.
• Worry-free on snowy winter roads: Even on snowy days, professional drivers do the driving.
• Fine with lots of luggage: Head to your sightseeing base with your suitcase in tow.
• Early morning and late night available: We accommodate early and late flights.
• Peace of mind if your flight is delayed: There is no cancellation fee if your flight is delayed or canceled.

Overview

NearMe is a flat-rate transfer service that picks you up directly from any location you like, such as your home or hotel, and takes you to the airport. It has surpassed 1.5 million cumulative bookings (October 2019 to September 2026 results), with a ride satisfaction rating of 4.6/5.0. The Aomori Airport service operates throughout Aomori Prefecture (excluding some areas).

• Shared ride (carpool): From ¥1,980 per person to Aomori City, from ¥3,980 to Hirosaki
• Private ride (flat-rate hire car): From ¥3,480 per vehicle

How to Use

• Enter your preferred date, time, and conditions to make a provisional reservation.
• As a rule, you’ll receive a response on whether your booking is available within 24 hours.
• By 6 p.m. the day before your ride, your departure and arrival times, vehicle, and route are confirmed.
• On the day, simply board the vehicle at the designated location.

As a rule, new reservations are accepted until 6 p.m. the day before your ride. Please book early.

How to Save Even More

• Early-bird discount: Book at least 14 days before your ride for a discounted price
• Share discount: Get a discounted price if you have a companion or choose conditions (date, time, route) where it’s easy to find one
• Children are half the adult fare, and infants ride free
• One suitcase is free; large luggage is +¥1,000 per item
• Earn ANA, JAL, Starflyer, UA, and EVA miles with shared rides

NearMe Is Recommended for People Like You

• Those who want to go to a hotel in Aomori City or Hirosaki without transfers
• Those visiting during busy periods such as the Nebuta Festival
• Those who want to avoid driving on snowy winter roads or waiting for buses
• Those with lots of luggage who want to head straight to their sightseeing base
• Those traveling to the airport with family or friends

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can you go sightseeing at Aomori Airport?

A. Yes. Inside the airport, there is an observation deck on the 3rd floor, restaurants such as “Hiba,” “Ryan,” and “Kawara,” and the Fisheries Federation shop. The Sannai-Maruyama Site, about 20 minutes away by car, and the area around Aomori Station, about 35 minutes away by bus, are also convenient for sightseeing.

Q. How long does it take from the airport to Aomori Station?

A. It takes about 35 minutes by airport shuttle bus, with a fare of ¥980 for adults and ¥490 for elementary school students. By taxi, it takes about 30 minutes.

Q. How long does it take from the airport to Hirosaki?

A. It takes about 55 minutes to Hirosaki Bus Terminal by Konan Bus airport shuttle, for ¥1,200 for adults. No transfers are required.

Q. Can I get to Aomori Airport by train?

A. There is no train service to Aomori Airport. You can get there by bus, taxi, or car.

Q. How long does it take from the airport to Lake Towada?

A. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes by car. Rental cars are available at the airport.

Q. When is the Nebuta Festival held?

A. It is held every year from August 2 to 7. Even outside the festival period, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Nebuta Festival all year round at “Nebuta House Wa Rasse” in front of Aomori Station.

Q. What Aomori cuisine can I eat at the airport?

A. There’s “Hiba” for local dishes and local sake, “Ryan” for dishes made with local ingredients, and “Kawara” for Aomori Miso Curry Milk Ramen. At the Fisheries Federation shop, you can buy scallops, tuna, and more.

Q. What should I watch out for when traveling from the airport to sightseeing spots in winter?

A. In snowy weather, you need to watch road conditions. If you’re not confident driving on snowy roads, we recommend taking a bus or using a transfer service such as NearMe.

Q. What is the parking situation if I drive to the airport?

A. For details, see our article on Aomori Airport parking.

Summary

Aomori Airport is an airport you can enjoy even inside, with its observation deck and Aomori cuisine. It also excels as a gateway for sightseeing: the Sannai-Maruyama Site and Nebuta House Wa Rasse in Aomori City, Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki, and Lake Towada and Oirase Stream about 1 hour 30 minutes away by car. Since there is no train service, decide on your means of access in advance.

If you want to get to your hotel in Aomori City or Hirosaki without transfers, or you’re worried about getting around during the Nebuta Festival or snowy season, please also try NearMe, where your pickup time is confirmed through advance booking.