Sakata, Aomori, and Hakodate Japan

 On this cruise, the final three stops would be in northern Japan.  This is the same latitude as northern California, but by our surroundings, it seemed even further north.  Entering Sakata's harbor, we could see snow-clad mountains to the north, centered around Mount Chokai.  Mount Chokai has an altitude of only 7,336 feet (lower than our home in Colorado), but northern Japan is known for ample snow.  (While Colorado is suffering a drought.)

May 5, 2026, arriving at Sakata with snowy mountains to the north.

Sakata is located on a coastal plain, not really a touristy area, but a holiday had attracted many people to the local attraction: Kamo aquarium featuring many types of jellyfish as its main attraction.  We were swept through the exhibition halls on a dense wave of people.  Fortunately, tickets had been arranged in advance.

They did have tanks with regular fish, but the jellyfish got top billing and made Kamo aquarium popular enough to be profitable.

After the aquarium visit, we visited a local park, with fresh air away from the crowds.

And, of course, there was a nearby temple, but you have heard enough about temples (at least I have.)

At departure from Sakata, we were given a "good-bye" by several actors dressed as Samurai warriors.  

Next port was Aomori, located in a deep bay on the very north end of the island of Honshu.

Views of Mount Iwaki dominate the western horizon.  Although only 5300 feet high, a ski resort is located there because of the snowy climate.  Our days here were cool.

The first stop on our excursion was an entertainment venue.  The hall was decorated with elaborate murals.

Is that a banjo? or a cherished Japanese musical instrument?

The entertainment venue also included small displays and this park-like surrounding.  Note Mount Iwaki in the background.

This is the Hirosaki Castle.  The vast majority of castles were destroyed after Japan was a unified nation.  Not big and inspiring, but at least they have a real castle.

The castle is surrounded by an extensive park.  We see here that it is tulip season.

Mount Iwaki as seen from Hirosaki city (population 157,000).

After World War II, war memorials honoring Japanese military were highly discouraged as unhelpful to creating a sense of peace and forgiveness, but this one escaped the censor's banishment. 

What visit would be complete without visiting a local shrine?  Interesting to look at and meaningful as a remembrance of traditions, but I am not sure of the religious significance in today's world.

Our final cruise destination, prior to returning to Tokyo, was Hakodate on the island of Hokkaido.

As you can see, this city, population 240,000, is located on a peninsula.  We are standing on a high observation point near the end of the peninsula.  Our cruise ship, the Crystal symphony, can be seen to the west (left) of the city.

Our excursion visited some buildings from the early days of the city which included this small park.

A more focused view of the west side of Hakodate and the bay with our cruise ship.

A tourist-focused shopping mall is located within easy walking distance from our ships assigned pier.  Many pretty items, but we have little space in our suitcases and little need for more items.

Returning to Tokyo, we flew out that same day for Los Angeles.  There we rented a SUV and drove to Santa Barbara for a relaxing stop on our way home to Colorado.

It has been a very enjoyable five-week trip.  We have no further trips planned during the next seven months, but have been gone from Colorado for twelve weeks already this year.