Aomori prefecture is located in the northernmost part of Honshu in Japan. This area is very cold and snow is rich except for the Pacific side. Still, Aomori attracts tourists. That is because there are many tourist attractions such as Hirosaki Castle and Oirase Stream, which are representative of Japan. The Nebuta Festival to be held in August is also amazing!
Table of Contents
Outline of Aomori
Orange color Train on snow covered tracks of Tsugaru railway line in mid winter at Goshogawara station, Aomori, Tohoku, Japan = shutterstock
Map of Aomori
Aomori prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean in the east, the Japan Sea in the west, and the Tsugaru Strait in the north. Major cities are Aomori City, Hirosaki City, Hachinohe City.
If you go to Aomori from Tokyo or Osaka, it is convenient to use an airplane. Aomori Prefecture has Aomori Airport and Misawa Airport. In addition, you can also use the Tohoku Shinkansen. In Aomori Prefecture there are Shin Aomori Station, Shichinohe-Towada Station, Hachinohe Station.
Aomori prefecture is designated as a heavy snow area throughout the prefecture, some of which are designated as special heavy snow areas. A vast mountainous area spreads in this area. Especially in the mountains, it is harsh in winter. There are many dangerous places in winter, so please do not push yourself.
Hirosaki Castle
White Hirosaki Castle and its red wooden bridge in mid winter season, Aomori, Tohoku, Japan = shutterstock
Because Aomori Prefecture is really a region suffering from snow, when spring comes, the hearts of people will bounce. If you go this time, you will be able to feel the joy of spring coming after winter is over.
In Hirosaki Castle, one of the beautiful castles representing Japan, cherry blossoms bloom every year at the end of April.
Oirase Stream / Lake Towada
Oirase stream in summer, Aomori Prefecture, Japan Shutterstock
Fall scenery of majestic Towada Lake with colorful autumn trees on lakeside mountains reflected in the peaceful water in Towada Hachimantai National Park, Aomori, Japan = shutterstock
Oirase Stream is a mountain stream flowing out of Lake Towada. Along this stream, there is a walking path about 14 kilometers. Here you can feel brilliant nature in the spring, summer, and fall in the vicinity.
>> For details of Oirase stream, please see this article
Lake Towada, upstream of the Oirase stream, is a crater lake of 46 km around. It is on the mountain with an altitude of 400 meters. Most of the surroundings around this lake are cliffs.
At Lake Towada, you can ride a pleasure boat, except in winter. From the top of the ship you can enjoy fresh green in spring and autumn leaves in autumn.
Hakkoda Mountain
Hakkoda mountain in heavy snowfall, Aomori Prefecture, Japan = Shutterstock
Nebuta Festival
Giant illuminated Nebuta lantern float in Nebuta Warasse, Aomori, Japan = shutterstock
If you go to Japan in the summer, you may stop by Aomori on your way to Hokkaido. By all means, please visit the summer festival of Japan in Aomori Prefecture.
The Nebuta Festival is a traditional summer event that is inherited in Aomori Prefecture. In this festival, people carry a huge lantern on a bogie and walk around the city. Today, the Nebuta Festival is held in Aomori City and Hirosaki City in early August every year.
>> For details of Nebuta Festival please see this article
Local specialties
Apple
Aomori prefecture is famous as a place to produce delicious apple. = Adobe Stock
Aomori Prefecture is known as an apple producing area. Every spring, pretty apple flowers bloom here and there. You can also enjoy apple picking at the farms in Aomori City and Hirosaki City from August until around mid-November. Try apple jam and apple juice by all means!
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