Aomori Tourist Information Center ASPAM, commonly known simply as ASPAM, is a popular tourism and cultural facility in the Yasuta area of Aomori City. Located along Aomori Port, the distinctive triangular building is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and a gateway to discovering the food, crafts, culture, and scenery of Aomori Prefecture.
Opened in 1986, ASPAM stands 76 meters tall and has a striking equilateral-triangle design inspired by the initial letter “A” in Aomori. Its unusual shape makes it instantly recognizable from around the waterfront. After dark, the building is illuminated, adding another attractive feature to Aomori’s nighttime waterfront scenery.
The name ASPAM was selected through a public naming competition. It combines the initial letters of four English words:
A – Aomori
S – Sightseeing
P – Products
M – Mansion
The resulting acronym was adapted into the easy-to-pronounce Japanese name “ASPAM,” which has since become closely associated with the facility and the Aomori waterfront.
The first floor is home to the Product Plaza, where visitors can browse a wide selection of souvenirs representing Aomori Prefecture. The shops offer local sake, apple-based sweets, processed seafood products, traditional crafts, and many other regional specialties. During the apple season, visitors can also find plenty of fresh Aomori apples.
The floor also includes a tourist information center, making ASPAM a convenient starting point for travelers who want information about destinations and attractions throughout the prefecture.
At Forestage, visitors can also enjoy free live performances of Tsugaru shamisen, the traditional three-stringed instrument strongly associated with the Tsugaru region. Performances are generally held twice a day, although they may be suspended during special events.
The second floor features the popular Panorama Hall, where visitors can experience Aomori’s famous Nebuta Festival through immersive 360-degree 3D digital images. Powerful festival music and vivid visuals recreate the excitement of the summer celebration, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of Nebuta even outside the festival season.
Another highlight is the demonstration area for Tsugaru kogin-zashi, a traditional embroidery technique that developed in the Tsugaru region. Visitors can watch skilled craftspeople demonstrate this delicate yet durable form of needlework, which was historically developed in the cold northern climate. Traditional crafts are also available for purchase.
The observation deck on the 13th floor rises approximately 51 meters above the ground, offering panoramic views of Aomori City and the surrounding area.
From the observation deck, visitors can look across Aomori Port, the city center, and the distant Hakkoda Mountains. On clear days, it may even be possible to see as far as Hokkaido. The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, from snowy winter landscapes to the fresh green of spring and the colorful scenery of autumn.
The observation deck is enjoyed not only by tourists but also by local residents as a relaxing place to take in the changing scenery of Aomori.
ASPAM also has several dining options, including a restaurant with panoramic views, places serving local cuisine, cafés, and casual dining areas. The panoramic restaurant is particularly appealing for visitors who want to enjoy a meal while looking out over Aomori Port.
Aomori’s famous apple-based sweets and apple pies are another attraction. The aroma of freshly baked apple pie is often enough to draw visitors into the shops and cafés, offering a delicious way to experience one of Aomori’s best-known specialties.
ASPAM was constructed as part of a redevelopment project for the Aomori Port area. Construction began in July 1984, and the building was completed in March 1986. It officially opened on April 24, 1986.
From the time of its completion, its unconventional triangular architecture attracted considerable attention. The building received the Tohoku Architectural Award for Works from the Tohoku Chapter of the Architectural Institute of Japan.
Excluding radio towers and bridges, ASPAM is one of the tallest buildings in Aomori Prefecture. Its distinctive silhouette can be recognized from considerable distances, making it an important visual landmark of Aomori City.
Together with the nearby Aomori Bay Bridge, the triangular ASPAM building forms one of the most recognizable images of the city’s waterfront.
ASPAM serves a role beyond shopping and sightseeing information. Throughout the year, the facility hosts events introducing Aomori’s traditional culture, including Tsugaru shamisen performances and other cultural programs.
During busy travel seasons, special exhibitions and regional product fairs are also held. These events provide opportunities for visitors to discover different aspects of Aomori’s culture and local products, making ASPAM a place that can offer something new even to repeat visitors.
The facility also provides a valuable space for local residents to share and pass on regional traditions. Through performances, demonstrations, exhibitions, and cultural events, visitors can experience elements of Aomori’s heritage in a convenient location beside the port.
ASPAM brings together many of the things that make Aomori Prefecture attractive to travelers: local food, traditional crafts, performing arts, festivals, tourism information, and spectacular scenery.
Its triangular architecture makes it easy to recognize, while the shops provide an excellent opportunity to look for souvenirs and regional specialties. The cultural experiences on the upper floors introduce visitors to traditions such as the Nebuta Festival and Tsugaru kogin-zashi, while the observation deck provides a broader view of Aomori City and its natural surroundings.
For travelers visiting Aomori for the first time, ASPAM is particularly useful as a place to learn about the prefecture before exploring its wider attractions. At the same time, its waterfront location, restaurants, cultural events, and panoramic views make it an attraction in its own right.
With its memorable triangular design and wide range of experiences, Aomori Tourist Information Center ASPAM is a landmark where the food, culture, traditions, and scenery of Aomori come together. It is a convenient and engaging stop for anyone looking to discover the character of Aomori City and the wider prefecture.