Honsh\u016b\u2019s northernmost city, Aomori, sits at the inland end of\u00a0Mutsu Bay<\/strong>, sheltered by the twin claws of the Tsugaru and\u00a0Shimokita<\/strong>\u00a0peninsulas.<\/span><\/p>\n Long-serving as a port for travellers heading northwards, it was boosted in 2016 when the opening of the 46km\u00a0Seikan Tunnel<\/strong>\u00a0instigated a direct Shinkansen link under the sea to Hokkaid\u014d.<\/span>AOMORI CRUISE<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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A pleasant place near Matsushima Bay<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nThe area around Aomori Station and the adjacent harbourside in particular have been extensively redeveloped to create a bright modern cityscape equipped with attractive waterfront promenades, busy caf\u00e9s, and a colourful museum. Aomori, though, also offers a glimpse of Japan\u2019s remote past, in the shape of the extraordinary Sannai-Maruyama Site, southwest of the centre.<\/span>
\nJapan\u2019s third-deepest lake, the steep-sided, crystal-clear\u00a0Towada-ko<\/strong>, fills a 300m-deep volcanic crater in the northern portion of the\u00a0Towada-Hachimantai<\/strong>\u00a0National Park.<\/span>
\nWhile the lake itself is of course a major tourist destination, for many visitors the true highlight is the approach over high passes and along deep wooded valleys. Of the four main access roads, the most attractive route<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>