Aomori grew as a port town serving the northernmost island of Hokkaido before the Seikan undersea tunnel opened in 1988. For the visitor, it makes a great base to start a trip southwards through the main island of Honshu. There are two great day trips to make from here - the 'haunted' mountain of Hakkoda is rich with history and powerful landscape vistas, while Hirosaki castle is one of Japan's top cherry blossom viewing spots with 2,500 trees blooming in late April - early May. Aomori is also home to the Nebuta Matsuri, one of Japan's most striking and atmospheric festival with lantern flaots, taiko drums, musicians and dancers all providing a feast for the senses.