Aomori, Port city in Tohoku region, Japan
Aomori sits on Aomori Bay in the northern part of the main island Honshu and serves as a gateway to Hokkaido island. The Hakkōda Mountains rise south of the built-up area and separate the coastal zone from the interior, while the urban fabric spreads along the flat shoreline.
The settlement began in 1626 as a small fishing port called Uto and later grew into a regional administrative center. During the Meiji period the harbor was expanded and the city gained its present role as a transport hub linking the islands.
The city name means blue forest and refers to the dense woodlands that once reached down to the sea. Today visitors see modern buildings along the waterfront beside docks where fishermen and port workers go about their daily routines.
The train station sits in the center and offers connections by Shinkansen bullet train heading south as well as regional trains to other destinations in Tohoku. Ferry terminals stand near the harbor and provide crossings to Hokkaido with journeys lasting several hours.
The harbor area holds the Aspam pyramid, a triangular highrise with an observation deck visible from many points in the city. The building serves as a landmark and houses a museum on local history as well as a souvenir shop.
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