Introduction to Aomori Prefecture
Located in Aomori Prefecture, at the northern tip of Japan, this beautiful region is a treasure trove of attractions for visitors to Japan as a place where the scenery of each season strikes a chord. A distinctive element of this area is the perfect blend of its natural beauty and historical heritage.
The castle town that stretches around Aomori City has cobblestone streets and old buildings that evoke a sense of history, creating an atmosphere as if one has stepped back in time and light. In particular, Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki City evokes the depths of history with its grandiose stance, and attracts visitors as a spectacular cherry blossom viewing spot during the cherry blossom season.
Meanwhile, the “Nebuta Festival” is held in summer, and the night sky is decorated with fantastic pictures lit by giant lanterns. This is a traditional festival that has been handed down from generation to generation by the people of Aomori, and its powerful parade attracts much attention from within and outside Japan.
The natural beauty of Aomori is also not to be missed. The Tsugaru Peninsula and Lake Towada offer breathtaking scenery. Nature, with its seasonal expressions, offers healing and inspiration to visitors.
And Aomori’s culinary culture also plays a part in this appeal. Fresh seafood from the sea and the mountains mingle here, and local ingredients such as apples and Aomori wagyu beef in particular create dishes with rich flavors. Aomori’s local cuisine and fresh ingredients available at local markets provide travelers with a memorable culinary experience through interaction with the warm local people.
Aomori Prefecture is truly a wonderful place where history, nature, food, and festivals are in harmony. A moment in this land promises excitement and encounters to all who visit.
Geographic location
Aomori is located in the northernmost part of the Tohoku region, facing Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Straits to the north.
History
Since ancient times, Aomori has been a hub of trade and navigation for migratory people and a strategic point for ships sailing the Sea of Japan. Historically, however, Aomori’s location in the Ou Mountains and its natural fortress-like topography made it an isolated region for a long time. As a result, Aomori’s history has developed differently from that of other regions.
Among them, Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki City was built by the Tsugaru clan in the early Edo period and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property due to its beautiful posture and historical value. The Honmaru (main citadel) and the turrets spread out within the castle still bear the footprints of history as time passed.
Culture
Aomori’s culture differs from region to region, with unique traditions developed in the Tsugaru and Nanbu regions.
In the Tsugaru region, traditional music such as shamisen and Tsugaru jonkara has taken root, and can be fully appreciated at local festivals and events. In addition, Tsugaru lacquerware and Tsugaru nuri, folk crafts, are produced in large numbers, combining beautiful techniques with traditional designs.
In the southern region, the fishing industry is thriving, especially in Hachinohe City, and the Hachinohe Sanja Grand Festival, a traditional event for fishermen, attracts visitors with its many attractions and lively atmosphere. Hachinohe City is also home to Hachinohe Market, a large scale fresh fish market, which is a bustling place where fresh seafood and local products are exchanged.
Aomori Prefecture’s history and culture are in perfect harmony with its locality and diversity, offering unique attractions to visitors.
Tourist attraction
Aomori is dotted with beautiful natural scenery and historical sites.
Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hirosaki City, was built in the early Edo period and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It is also known for its beautiful seasonal gardens and cherry blossoms.
Hirosaki Park General Information｜Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
Tsugaru Peninsula
The Tsugaru Peninsula is a peninsula rich in nature, dotted with beautiful coastlines and hot spring resorts. Take a drive along the coastline and visit the tourist spots. For lunch, enjoy Mimaya tuna caught off the coast of the Tsugaru Straits.
Nighttime festival in Aomori
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a famous festival that has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan. The festival is popular for its powerful floats, called “Nebuta,” and the dancers, called haneto (dancers), who call out to the crowd, enlivening the scene. The origin of “Aomori Nebuta Festival” is said to be the Tanabata Festival’s lantern floating ceremony, but the origin is not clear.
Lake Towada
This beautiful lake stretches across Aomori Prefecture and is popular among nature lovers. Lake Towada is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity that began about 200,000 years ago. The middle lake, sandwiched between the Mikura and Nakayama Peninsulas, is 327 meters deep, the third deepest in Japan. The sheer energy of the eruption that gouged the earth and the length of time it took to form the lake can be felt.
Seikan Liaison Ship Memorial Ship Hakkouda Maru
Located in Aomori City, Hakkouda Maru is a facility that preserves and opens to the public a historic ship that served as the Seikan Liaison Ship. By touring the ship, visitors can feel the voyage and history of the ship at that time.
Shirakami Sanchi
Shirakami Sanchi is a protected nature area registered as a World Natural Heritage site, with beautiful virgin forests, clear streams, and waterfalls. The area offers scenery that changes from season to season, making it an attractive spot for mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts.
Food culture
Aomori is an area where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Aomori Seafood
Aomori is rich in fresh seafood, especially samma from Hachinohe City and hokki-gai from the Tsugaru Straits. Fresh scallops, salmon roe, and sea urchin are enjoyed as sushi or sashimi.
Kuroishi Yakisoba
Kuroishi Yakisoba is a local delicacy of Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, and is a unique yakisoba dish made with thick, flat, flat noodles. Kuroishi City is known as the “yakisoba town. Kuroishi City originally had a strong udon culture, and the use of udon cutters to make yakisoba noodles led to the spread of yakisoba made with flat noodles.
Tsugaru apple
Aomori Prefecture is one of Japan’s leading apple-growing areas, where you can enjoy fresh apples and apple juice.
Aomori Japanese beef
Aomori Prefecture is also home to delicious wagyu beef. The meat, raised on fresh grass, is tender and full of flavor. It is enjoyed as yakiniku or shabu-shabu.
Tsugaru soba
A type of soba that is popular among the locals. It is characterized by its handmade thin noodles, which go perfectly with the dashi broth. You can enjoy the traditional taste at local soba restaurants.
Activities
There is a wide variety of activities to enjoy in Aomori.
Trekking
Aomori is surrounded by beautiful nature and has spots for trekking and hiking.
Tour of a hot spring
Aomori’s many hot spring resorts offer the perfect place to relax.
The following hot spring resorts are popular in Aomori Prefecture.
- Towada Lakeside Hot Spring
- Asamushi Hot Spring
- Ochiai Hot Spring
Folk Art Experience
Visitors can enjoy workshops for making local traditional crafts.
Tsugaru Nuri Experience
Experience Tsugaru-nuri, the traditional Japanese lacquering technique of the Tsugaru region, offered by the Tsugaru Tourist Association. Visitors can enjoy beautiful Tsugaru-nuri under the guidance of a craftsman.
Goldfish Nebuta Making
As part of the Nebuta Festival held in Aomori City and Goshogawara City, there is a Nebuta making experience.
Tsugaru Natural Indigo Dyeing
“Aizome” is a dyeing process that uses indigo as a dye. This color not only has the remarkable property of being resistant to discoloration, but also has deodorizing, antibacterial, and insect repelling effects.
Seasonal Recommendations
Aomori offers attractive events and activities in each of the four seasons.
Spring
Hirosaki Sakura Festival: Visitors can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms around Hirosaki Castle, which is illuminated at night.
Summer
Nebuta Matsuri: Experience Japanese culture at this large-scale festival, where spectacular lanterns light up the streets.
Autumn
Lake Towada Autumn Foliage: The autumn foliage around Lake Towada is beautiful and well worth a visit in the fall.
Winter
Seikan Liaison Ship Memorial Ship: Visitors can enjoy a tour of the ship in a snowy landscape.
Local Culture
Aomori has a diverse local culture rooted in traditional music, festivals, and art.
Tsugaru shamisen
The Tsugaru shamisen, a traditional musical instrument, is well-loved in the Tsugaru region. Visitors can experience its unique sound by listening to performances at local events and tourist attractions. There are also hands-on programs so that you can try playing the instrument yourself.
nighttime festival in Aomori
The Nebuta Festival, which represents the summer in Aomori, is a fantastic event lit by beautifully decorated lanterns. Held in Aomori City and Goshogawara City, numerous Nebuta floats decorate the night sky. Visitors are sure to be captivated by the enthusiasm and artistic beauty of the local festivals.
Tsugaru Jyonkara Bushi (type of old Japanese folk song)
Aomori’s folk song “Tsugaru Jyonkara-bushi” is a poem about the climate of the Tsugaru region and the passion of its people. Visitors can experience this traditional music and feel the passion of the local people at live performances and events.
Izakaya where you can listen to shamisen music (Hirosaki Tourism & Convention Association)
Transportation
If you are going to Aomori Prefecture from Tokyo, flying is recommended.
If you can book at a discount using an early-bird discount, the price is not much different from the Shinkansen, and flying is recommended because it is quicker in terms of time. If you are going at the normal fare, the Shinkansen is often cheaper.
Airplane
Aomori Airport is accessible from New Chitose Airport, Haneda Airport, or Itami Airport, as it is a domestic terminal only. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Haneda Airport to Aomori Airport. Aomori city center can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, and Hirosaki city center in about 50 minutes by car. Buses and cabs are available, and a free shuttle bus in the shape of a blue apple is also in service.
Shinkansen
Aomori’s main station, Shin-Aomori Station, can be reached by Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo in about three hours. The Shinkansen is a good choice for first-time visitors to Japan, as the seats are much larger and more comfortable than those on airplanes, and the departure and arrival times are more accurate.
Ferry
If you wish to access Aomori Prefecture from Hokkaido, you can also take a ferry. Experience an elegant boat trip on the Sea of Japan. Advance reservations are required for both options.
Lastly
Aomori is a tourist destination that offers a wide variety of attractions including natural beauty, history, culture, and gastronomy. The scenery and experiences of each of the four seasons will provide an attractive trip for foreign visitors to Japan.