Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center, Tourism office in Yasukata district, Aomori, Japan
The Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center is a 15-story building with a triangular shape, positioned on the Aomori Waterfront and offering views across Mutsu Bay toward surrounding mountains. Inside, visitors find tourist information desks, shops selling regional products, and observation areas accessible by multiple elevators.
The center opened in April 1986, designed by the architectural firm Nikken Sekkei to function as a central hub for regional tourism information. Its establishment marked a turning point in how Aomori presented its offerings and welcomed visitors from beyond the region.
The building displays local traditions through exhibitions about the Nebuta Festival, where illuminated floats parade through Aomori's streets during summer celebrations. These exhibits show how the festival shapes the community's identity and calendar throughout the year.
The building is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM and has multiple elevators providing accessible access to all floors. The observation areas on upper floors offer the best views, particularly on clear days when the mountains and bay are most visible.
The building's distinctive triangular shape was intentionally designed to represent Mount Hakkoda, a mountain of importance to the region. The blue-tinted windows reflect the waters of Mutsu Bay and shift in appearance throughout the day depending on light and weather conditions.
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