Aomori: Tohoku's Festival and Apple Wonderland

Where is Aomori?

Central Aomori Area

About 3 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo station by trains.

Sannai-Maruyama Site

The Sannai-Maruyama Site is a large settlement site from the Jomon Period. This site, which flourished between approximately 5,900 and 4,200 years ago, is very important for understanding the life and culture of the Jomon period, and excavations began in 1992. Large-scale dwelling sites, numerous earthenware, stoneware, and decorative artifacts have been excavated from the ruins, revealing the lifestyles of the people of the time and their techniques for adapting to the environment. In addition, the Sannai-Maruyama site was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 as "Jomon Monuments." This site is still being studied and much learning and discovery continues as an important cultural and historical heritage in Jomon-era Japan.

Asamushi Hot Spring

Asamushi Onsen is a hot spring resort with a long history, surrounded by beautiful nature and especially famous for its view of the Pacific Ocean. The hot springs have been known since the Edo period (1603-1867) and have been loved by many writers and artists. The hot spring water is a chloride spring and is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscular pain, and relief from fatigue. In addition, there are numerous lodging facilities in the hot spring resort area, each offering a different type of hot spring water. The area surrounding Asamushi Onsen offers an abundance of facilities and activities for tourists to enjoy, such as the Asamushi Aquarium and nature-rich hiking trails. This hot spring resort is recommended for those who want to relax and enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Nebuta Festival

The Nebuta Festival is a traditional Japanese summer festival held annually in Aomori City in early August. The festival features huge floats (Nebuta), intricate structures decorated with colorful lanterns depicting historical figures and mythological scenes, which are paraded through the city. The festival is famous for its grandeur and artistry, and attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad. The Nebuta Festival also plays an important role in strengthening the unity of the local community and spreading Aomori's culture.

Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse

Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse is a museum in Aomori City where visitors can experience the charm and history of the Nebuta Festival throughout the year. The museum exhibits huge floats of the Nebuta Festival, giving visitors a sense of the festival atmosphere. In addition to exhibits of actual Nebuta floats, visitors can learn about the Nebuta production process and the history of the festival. Visitors can also experience what it feels like to be a participant in the festival by dressing up in haneto costumes and dancing while listening to Nebuta Festival music. It offers visitors to Aomori the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and power of the Nebuta Festival up close and personal.

Apple Pie

Aomori Prefecture is known as Japan's largest producer of apples, and is especially famous for its apple pies made with an abundance of fresh, sweet apples. Aomori's apple pies are a perfect combination of crispy pie crust and juicy apple filling. Stores offer a variety of unique apple pies, such as using whole apples or caramelizing them to give them a deep flavor. When visiting Aomori, we recommend tasting a hot apple pie baked on the spot. We hope you will enjoy the delicious taste unique to the apple-growing region.

Hirosaki Area

About 45 minutes from Aomori station by trains.

Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 during the early Edo period and served as the center of the Tsugaru domain. Hirosaki Castle is one of the few surviving castles with a castle tower, and is especially appreciated for its well-preserved condition. The castle is characterized by its beautiful water moat and vast castle ruins park. In spring, approximately 2,600 cherry trees bloom around the castle, attracting many tourists. There is also a historical museum inside the castle, where visitors can learn about the culture and history of the period, including armaments and old documents. Along with its historical value, Hirosaki Castle is also known as a place where visitors can experience the beautiful four seasons of Japan.

Inakadate Rice Paddy Art

In Inakadate, a unique art form transforms rice paddies into stunning visual displays. Local farmers use various types of rice plants as their palette to create large, intricate designs that are best viewed from elevated platforms.

Mt. Iwaki

Mt. Iwaki is a 1,625-meter-high mountain located in Aomori Prefecture and is considered the symbol of the Tsugaru region. Known for its beautiful natural scenery and rich vegetation, the mountain is popular not only among mountaineering enthusiasts but also among tourists who enjoy nature. Mt. Iwaki is also known as a relatively easy mountain to climb, suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. From the summit, on a clear day, visitors can enjoy an overwhelming panorama with spectacular views of the Tsugaru Plain, Aomori Bay, and even Hokkaido. The natural beauty of Mt. Iwaki can be enjoyed in all four seasons, with fresh greenery in spring, cool breezes in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter, making it an attractive tourist destination all year round.

Tsurunomai Bridge

Tsurunomai Bridge is a suspension bridge surrounded by beautiful nature. The bridge spans the Iwaki River, which flows through Aomori Prefecture. At 300 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, it is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in Japan. The main attraction of the Tsurunomai Bridge is its spectacular natural scenery that changes with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy a variety of views throughout the year: fresh greenery in spring, deep greenery in summer, vivid autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter. Especially during the fall foliage season, the colorful forest scenery seen from the bridge attracts visitors. Along with the beautiful scenery, the Tsurunomai Bridge offers an extraordinary experience and is an attractive spot for nature lovers.