Aomori Travel Guides

Hirosaki Park is a beautiful urban park located in Shimoshiraganecho, in the heart of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. Built around the former site of Hirosaki Castle, the historic stronghold of the Tsugaru clan, the park is now internationally known as one of Japan's finest destinations for cherry blossoms. Throughout the year, Hirosaki Park hosts seasonal festivals that showcase the changing b...»

Shirakami Sanchi is a vast mountainous region stretching across Aomori and Akita Prefectures in northern Japan. In December 1993, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, together with Yakushima, becoming one of Japan's first natural World Heritage sites. The area was recognized internationally for its enormous expanse of primeval beech forest that has remained largely untouched ...»

Hirosaki Castle is a beautiful hilltop castle located in the center of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, in northern Japan. Built on a small hill approximately 50 meters above sea level, the castle once served as the political, economic, and military center of the Tsugaru domain. For much of the Edo period, Hirosaki Castle was the residence of the Tsugaru clan, the ruling family of the region. Ev...»

Aoiike Blue Pond is one of the famous lakes of Juniko, a group of lakes and ponds located within the Shirakami Sanchi World Natural Heritage area in northern Japan. Striking for its vivid cobalt-blue water, Aoiike is surrounded by ancient beech forests and peaceful mountains, creating a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The exceptionally clear surface reflects the surrounding trees like a...»

Oirase Stream is one of Japan's most spectacular natural landscapes, flowing through Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. The stream is the only river that flows out of Lake Towada and winds for approximately 14 kilometers through a lush mountain valley. With crystal-clear water, moss-covered rocks, dramatic waterfalls, and dense riverside forests, Oirase Stream off...»

Osorezan Bodaiji Temple is a historic temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. Together with Mount Hiei and Mount Koya, Osorezan is traditionally regarded as one of Japan's Three Sacred Sites. According to tradition, the temple was founded in 862, when the Buddhist monk Jikaku Daishi Ennin visited the area and enshrined a statue of Jizo Bodhisattva. Since then, ...»

Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is one of the most distinctive wooden bridges in northern Japan. Located in Tsuruta Town, Aomori Prefecture, the bridge stretches for approximately 300 meters across Tsugaru Fujimi Lake, also known as Mawari-zeki Great Reservoir. Known as Japan’s longest wooden triple-arch bridge, Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge is admired for its elegant design and beautiful natural surroundings. Beyond ...»

A Group of Mysterious Lakes Surrounded by Ancient Forests Juniko, or the “Twelve Lakes,” is a beautiful group of lakes and ponds located in the Shirakami Mountains in western Aomori Prefecture. Despite its name, the area actually contains 33 lakes and ponds. Surrounded by mountains rising to more than 1,000 meters, Juniko is part of the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park and lies within the broader Shir...»

A Sacred Place Associated with the World of the Dead Osorezan is a sacred mountain in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, and is regarded as one of Japan's Three Sacred Places, together with Mount Hiei and Mount Koya. The name Osorezan refers not to a single mountain, but to the volcanic caldera area surrounding Lake Usoriyama, with Mount Kamabuse rising to 878 meters as its highest point. For centur...»

A Spectacular Encounter with Giant Festival Floats Tachineputa Museum is a cultural facility in Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture, dedicated to the spectacular Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival, held every August. The museum permanently displays enormous festival floats, allowing visitors to experience their impressive scale even outside the festival season. The largest floats reach approximate...»

A Northern Japanese Mountain Range Shaped by Nature Mount Hakkoda is a spectacular mountain region extending across the southern part of Aomori City in northern Japan. Rather than being a single mountain, Hakkoda refers to a group of volcanic peaks, with Mount Odake (Hakkoda Odake), rising to approximately 1,585 meters, as the highest summit. The Hakkoda range consists of numerous volcanic forma...»

Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of Japan’s most spectacular summer festivals, held every year in Aomori City from August 2 to 7. Along with the Sendai Tanabata Festival and Akita Kanto Festival, it is considered one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku. In 1980, the festival was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. More than two million visitors from Japan and overse...»

Hotokegaura is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in northern Japan. Located on the western coast of the Shimokita Peninsula in Sai Village, Aomori Prefecture, this dramatic coastline is famous for its enormous pale green and white rock formations stretching for approximately 2 kilometers. Carved by wind, waves, rain, and the passage of geological time, the rocks rise dramatically alo...»

Lake Towada is one of northern Japan’s most spectacular natural destinations. Located on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures, the lake lies at the heart of Towada-Hachimantai National Park and is surrounded by mountains, forests, cliffs, and pristine waterways. Situated at an elevation of approximately 400 meters, Lake Towada covers about 61 square kilometers, has a shoreline of appro...»

Kabushima Shrine stands on Kabushima Island in Same, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. The small island is famous as one of Japan’s most important breeding grounds for black-tailed gulls, which are designated as a National Natural Monument. Here, a historic shrine and a thriving seabird colony exist side by side, creating a landscape rarely seen anywhere else in Japan. In spring, yellow flowers ...»

Omazaki Cape is located at the northernmost tip of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture and is famous as the northernmost point of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Standing at the edge of the Tsugaru Strait, visitors can look across the sea toward Hokkaido on clear days. The cape is a particularly memorable destination because of its dramatic coastal scenery and its connection with the world-...»

Hirosaki City is a historic and culturally rich city in western Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Once the castle town of the Hirosaki Domain during the Edo period, the city developed into an important center of politics, culture, education, and commerce in the Tsugaru region. Today, Hirosaki is best known for its beautiful Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park, spectacular cherry blossoms, traditio...»

Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen is a famous hot spring resort in Henashi, Fukaura Town, in western Aomori Prefecture. Perched beside the Sea of Japan, it is renowned for its spectacular ocean views and its unique outdoor baths built directly beside the rocky coastline. The experience is especially memorable at sunset. As the sun sinks toward the horizon over the Sea of Japan, bathers can relax in the ...»

Komaki Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in Misawa, Aomori Prefecture. Once one of the largest hot spring resorts in the prefecture, it has entered a new chapter as Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya. Today, Aomoriya offers much more than a traditional hot spring stay. Guests can experience the culture, food, traditional performing arts, nature, and seasonal traditions of Aomori while enjoying relaxing...»

A Sacred Island Where Nature and Faith Come Together Kabushima Island, located in Same Town, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, is a unique destination where wildlife, nature, history, and religious tradition come together. The island is famous as one of Japan's important breeding grounds for black-tailed gulls and was designated a National Natural Monument in 1922. It lies at the northern end o...»

Osorezan Onsen is a unique hot spring located within the grounds of Entsuji Temple at Osorezan in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes, sulfurous fumes, and the spiritual atmosphere of one of northern Japan's most important sacred sites, the hot spring offers an experience unlike almost any other onsen in Japan. For centuries, Osorezan has been regarded as a place wher...»

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most celebrated spring events in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. Held every year in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, the festival brings together historic architecture, thousands of cherry trees, traditional culture, local food, and beautiful spring scenery. Held at Hirosaki Park, the former grounds of Hirosaki Castle, the festival attracts aro...»

Hirosaki Neputa Festival is one of the most spectacular traditional summer festivals in Aomori Prefecture and one of the four major festivals of Hirosaki City, alongside the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival, and Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival. Held every year from August 1 to 7, the festival fills the historic castle town of Hirosak...»

Tsugaru Fujimi Lake is a large artificial lake in Tsuruta Town, Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. Its official name is Mawarizeki O-ike Pond, and it was originally created as an agricultural reservoir. Today, however, the lake is also one of the area's most attractive scenic destinations. With beautiful Mount Iwaki, known as the "Tsugaru Fuji," rising in the background, the reflection of t...»

Hakkoda Ropeway is one of the best ways to experience the magnificent natural scenery of the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori Prefecture. Located in the northern part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the ropeway provides easy access to the mountains without requiring a strenuous climb. The Hakkoda Mountains offer a completely different landscape in every season. Spring brings fresh green foliage, ...»

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai is one of the most spectacular traditional festivals in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. Held every year from July 31 to August 4 in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, the festival has a history of approximately 300 years. The festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. In 2016, it was also recognized by UNESCO as part of the Inta...»

Tsugaru-han Neputa Village is a cultural tourism facility in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, where visitors can experience the traditional culture of the Tsugaru region in one place. The facility is especially known for its exhibitions related to the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, one of the most important traditional festivals in northern Japan. Visitors can see enormous Neputa floats, listen to li...»

Goshogawara Tachineputa is one of the most spectacular summer festivals in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Held every year in Goshogawara City, the festival is known for its enormous illuminated floats, powerful music, and energetic chants. Along with the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, Goshogawara Tachineputa is regarded as one of the major Neputa and Nebuta festivals...»

Sukayu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring destinations in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Located in the mountains south of Aomori City and surrounded by the pristine nature of the Hakkoda Mountains, this historic hot spring is renowned for its distinctive mineral-rich waters, traditional atmosphere, and enormous wooden bathhouse. The hot spring is volcanic in origin and is characteriz...»

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is one of the most enchanting winter events in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Held every year in mid-February at Hirosaki Park, the festival transforms the historic castle grounds into a magical winter landscape filled with snow lanterns, miniature snow huts, snow sculptures, and soft candlelight. Along with the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Fest...»

Mount Iwaki is a magnificent volcano located across Hirosaki City and Ajigasawa Town in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Rising to 1,625 meters, it is the highest mountain in Aomori Prefecture and is affectionately known as “Tsugaru Fuji” because of its elegant, symmetrical appearance. Mount Iwaki has long been an important part of the landscape, culture, and spiritual life of the Tsugaru regio...»

Takayama Inari Shrine is one of the most distinctive Inari shrines in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. Located in Ushigata-cho, Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, the shrine stands on a small hill approximately 22 meters above sea level and has long been revered as a sacred place associated with abundant harvests, safe voyages at sea, and business prosperity. The shrine's most famous attraction...»

Hachinohe City is a major port city in eastern Aomori Prefecture and the central city of the southern Aomori region. With a population second only to Aomori City within the prefecture, Hachinohe has developed as an important center of commerce, transportation, industry, and culture. The city has a long history stretching from the Jomon period of prehistoric Japan through the medieval and early mo...»

Aomori Prefectural Misawa Aviation & Science Museum is a large museum in Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture, dedicated to aviation, science, and space exploration. Opened on August 8, 2003, the museum has become a popular destination for both aviation enthusiasts and families visiting northern Japan. The museum stands within the Misawa City Ozora Hiroba, or “Great Sky Plaza,” where visitors can e...»

Hasshoku Center is one of the most popular food destinations in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. Since opening in 1980, this enormous market-style commercial complex has been loved by local residents as the “kitchen of Hachinohe”. Today, it is also a popular attraction for visitors from across Japan and overseas. The market stretches for approximately 170 meters and is home to around 70 special...»

Fujita Memorial Garden is a spacious Japanese garden located in Kami-Shiroganecho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. Covering approximately 21,800 square meters, it is one of the largest gardens in the Tohoku region. The garden is especially attractive for its harmonious combination of traditional Japanese landscaping and architecture influenced by Western styles. Visitors can explore a Western-s...»

Tanesashi Coast is a spectacular coastal landscape in the easternmost part of Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean. Stretching for approximately 12 kilometers, the coastline forms part of the Sanriku Fukkō National Park and was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government in 1937. What makes Tanesashi Coast particularly special is the unusual landscape whe...»

The Kitakanegasawa Ginkgo Tree is one of the largest and most impressive ginkgo trees in Japan. Located in Kitakanegasawa, Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, this enormous tree has long fascinated visitors with its extraordinary size, beautiful seasonal appearance, and deep connection with local religious traditions. Locally known as the Great Ginkgo of Kitakanegasawa, the tree is designated as a N...»

Iwakiyama Shrine is one of the most important spiritual and cultural sites in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Located in Hyakuzawa, Hirosaki City, at the southeastern foot of Mount Iwaki, the shrine has been deeply connected with the lives and beliefs of local people for centuries. Mount Iwaki is often regarded as the symbolic mountain of Tsugaru, and Iwakiyama Shrine has traditionally b...»

Fukaura Town is a scenic coastal town in Nishitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture, where the rugged beauty of the Shirakami Mountains meets the Sea of Japan. Surrounded by ancient beech forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and a dramatic coastline, Fukaura is one of the best places in western Aomori to experience the region's unspoiled natural beauty. The town is particularly famous for Lake Juniko...»

The Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival is one of the four major seasonal festivals of Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Held every autumn in Hirosaki Park, the festival celebrates the brilliant colors of chrysanthemums and autumn foliage against the historic setting of Hirosaki Castle. Along with the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, the Hirosaki Neputa Festival in summ...»

Choshi Otaki Waterfall is the largest and one of the best-known waterfalls along the main stream of the Oirase River in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. The Oirase River flows from Lake Towada and has carved a beautiful gorge over countless years, creating a landscape of clear water, moss-covered rocks, dense forests, and numerous waterfalls. Among these natural attractions, Choshi Otaki stands ou...»

Kuroishi Hot Spring Resort is a collective name for several historic hot spring areas located in the mountainous outskirts of Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and mountains, the resort area preserves a traditional Japanese hot spring culture that has been closely connected with local life for generations. Several hot spring communities are scattered along the Asaseishi Rive...»

Anmon Waterfalls are a spectacular series of three waterfalls located in Nishimeya Village, Aomori Prefecture. The waterfalls are formed along the Anmon River in the Shirakami Mountains, an area renowned for its vast beech forests and pristine natural environment. Surrounded by steep rock walls, moss-covered stones, and towering beech trees, the waterfalls offer visitors an opportunity to experie...»

Momiji Mountain, located in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, is a scenic destination famous for its brilliant autumn foliage. The name “Momiji” means autumn maple leaves in Japanese, and the mountain lives up to its name when its forests are transformed into vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow. Although Momiji Mountain is only about 263 meters above sea level, its natural surroundings are ex...»

Tsuta Seven Lakes is a group of beautiful forest ponds located around Tsuta Onsen at the foot of the southern Hakkoda Mountains in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. The seven ponds are Tsutanuma, Kagaminuma, Tsukinuma, Naganuma, Suganuma, Hyotannuma, and Akanuma. Surrounded by rich natural forests within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the ponds offer a peaceful landscape that changes dramaticall...»

Saruka Park is a scenic park in Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, located next to the historic Saruka Shrine. Covering approximately 6.3 hectares, the park combines beautiful ponds, seasonal flowers, traditional Japanese gardens, and relaxing recreational facilities. The park is centered around two distinctive ponds, Kagami-ga-Ike Pond and Miharashi-ga-Ike Pond. Each season brings a different lan...»

Hirosaki City Apple Park is one of the most distinctive attractions in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, a city widely known as one of Japan’s major apple-producing regions. The spacious park covers approximately 9.7 hectares and is home to around 2,300 apple trees representing about 80 varieties. Visitors can enjoy beautiful orchards throughout the year, while learning about apple cultivation and loc...»

Dazai Osamu Memorial Museum “Shayokan” is the former family home of Osamu Dazai, one of Japan’s most celebrated modern writers. Located in Kanagi, Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture, the building is now open to the public as a museum dedicated to Dazai and his family. Completed in 1907, the grand residence was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2004. The building is also highl...»

Tsuruta Town is located in Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture, in the heart of the Tsugaru Plain. Surrounded by fertile farmland and beautiful natural scenery, the town has developed a rich agricultural culture centered on fruit growing. The area is particularly famous for Steuben grapes, a sweet and aromatic variety for which Tsuruta is Japan’s leading producer. Apples, cherries, and other ...»

Japan Canyon is a striking scenic destination in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, on the Sea of Japan side of the Shirakami Mountains. The area is part of Tsugaru Quasi-National Park and is located near the famous Juniko lake district. The Shirakami Mountains are recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, although Japan Canyon itself is not included within the designated World Heritage a...»

Kongozan Saishoin Temple, officially known as Kongozan Komyoji Saishoin, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Doya-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. It belongs to the Chisan School of Shingon Buddhism, one of the major traditions of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. The temple is especially famous for its magnificent five-story pagoda. Often described as “the most beautiful pagoda in Tohoku”, ...»

Kumoi Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls along the Oirase Gorge in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. Located in the middle section of the Oirase Stream, the waterfall emerges dramatically from a forest-covered cliff. The water tumbles down in three distinct stages from a height of approximately 20 meters. Its abundant flow creates a powerful roar and a refreshing spray, making Kumoi...»

Saruga Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Saruga, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture. With a history dating back more than 1,200 years, the shrine has long been an important center of religious devotion in the Tsugaru region. The spacious grounds cover approximately 16,000 tsubo, a traditional Japanese unit of land measurement equivalent to roughly 53,000 square meters. Within the ground...»

Hotate no Kaiyaki Miso is a traditional dish from Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. The name can be translated as “scallop shell grilled with miso,” and the dish is instantly recognizable for its distinctive cooking method: a large scallop shell is used as a small cooking vessel. Miso is dissolved in a savory broth inside the scallop shell, and an egg is added toward the end of cooking. Scallo...»

Towada Barayaki is a beloved local specialty of Towada City in Aomori Prefecture. This hearty dish combines thinly sliced beef short ribs with a generous amount of onions, all cooked together on a hot iron griddle. The beef is seasoned with a sweet and savory soy sauce-based sauce before being placed on the griddle. The meat and a large quantity of sliced onions are then stir-fried until the onio...»

Aomori Ginger Miso Oden is a unique local variation of oden, a traditional Japanese dish in which ingredients such as daikon radish, tofu products, fish cakes, and eggs are simmered slowly in a flavorful broth. Oden varies considerably from region to region in Japan. Different areas have their own favorite ingredients, soup stocks, and dipping sauces, reflecting local climates, food traditions, a...»

Hachinohe Enburi is one of the most distinctive traditional performing arts of Hachinohe and the surrounding areas of Aomori Prefecture. Held every year in February, this historic festival is a prayer for a good harvest and the arrival of spring after the long, cold winter of northern Japan. With a history of approximately 800 years, Hachinohe Enburi has been passed down through generations as an...»

Michi-no-Eki Tsuruta “Tsuru-no-Sato Aruja” is a popular roadside station located along National Route 339 in Tsuruta Town, northern Aomori Prefecture. It serves as a convenient rest stop for travelers while also functioning as an important center for discovering the town's local food, agricultural products, souvenirs, and regional culture. In Japan, Michi-no-Eki, literally “Roadside Station,” are...»

Aoni Onsen, located in the Kuroishi Hot Spring Village of Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, is a secluded hot spring retreat famous throughout Japan as “Lamp no Yado,” meaning “the Lamp Inn.” Surrounded by mountains and the quiet scenery of the Aoni Valley, this unique inn offers an experience that is increasingly rare in modern life: a chance to temporarily leave behind electricity, mobile phones...»

Nejo Castle is a historic castle site in Nejo, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. Designated as a National Historic Site and selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles, it is one of the most important places in northern Japan for experiencing the history of the medieval samurai era. Built during the Nanboku-cho period in the 14th century, Nejo served as a political and military center of the H...»

Tsugaru Ramen is a regional style of ramen from the Tsugaru area of Aomori Prefecture. Its defining feature is a fragrant soup made primarily from niboshi, or dried small fish such as sardines. The distinctive seafood umami gives the ramen a memorable flavor that has become deeply rooted in Aomori’s local food culture. Depending on the area and restaurant, it may also be referred to as Tsugaru so...»

Tashirotai Marsh and Gudari Pond are two remarkable natural attractions in Tashiro, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Located on the northern foothills of the Hakkoda Mountains, they are part of the northern edge of Lake Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The cool mountain climate and long history of volcanic activity have created a unique landscape of wetlands, forests, streams, and springs. Throug...»

Kizukuri Station is a railway station on the JR East Gonō Line in Kizukuri, Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture. Located in the heart of the Tsugaru Plain, the station is famous for one of the most unusual station buildings in Japan: its façade is designed in the shape of a giant Shakōki-Dogū, a distinctive clay figurine from the Jōmon period. The enormous face, affectionately known as “Shako-chan”, ...»

Asamushi Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in northern Japan and is located in Asamushi, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. The aquarium houses and displays approximately 8,000 aquatic animals representing around 300 species, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the rich marine life of Aomori and the surrounding waters. Located within walking distance of Asamushi-Onsen Station, the a...»

Handmade Village Risokyo is a hands-on agricultural and nature attraction in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, traditional rural scenery, local food, and a variety of hands-on activities. Since opening its iris garden in 1988, Risokyo has gradually expanded to include peony gardens, lupine fields, a wildflower garden, ponds, and other natural attractions. ...»

The Aomori Museum of Art is an extraordinary cultural destination located on the outskirts of Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Standing next to the famous Sannai Maruyama Site, one of Japan's most important Jōmon-period archaeological sites, the museum brings together ancient history, contemporary art, architecture, and the natural landscape of northern Japan. At first glance, the museum's predomi...»

The Sannai Maruyama Site in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, is one of Japan's most important archaeological sites from the Jōmon period. This enormous settlement was inhabited from approximately 5,900 to 4,200 years ago, from the middle of the Early Jōmon period through the end of the Middle Jōmon period. Archaeological discoveries have revealed that people lived here in a large, settled communit...»

The Hakkōda Maru Memorial Ship is one of the most distinctive symbols of Aomori's maritime heritage. The large yellow ship is a preserved Seikan Ferry, the railway ferry service that once connected Aomori on the northern tip of Honshu with Hakodate in Hokkaido. For approximately 80 years, the Seikan Ferry played an essential role in transporting passengers, railway cars, automobiles, and cargo be...»

Senbei-jiru is one of the most distinctive local dishes of Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture. Despite its name, this hearty soup is not made with ordinary snack crackers. Instead, pieces of specially made Nanbu senbei, a traditional wheat-based rice cracker from the Nanbu region, are simmered in a savory soup. The soup is commonly prepared with a chicken-based stock and soy sauce, together with seas...»

Keiran is a traditional local dish from the Shimokita Peninsula in northern Aomori Prefecture. It is known for its charming appearance, with soft white rice cakes shaped like eggs and filled with smooth sweet red bean paste. The delicate sweetness of the bean paste combines beautifully with the savory flavor of a light soy sauce-based broth made from kombu kelp and dried shiitake mushrooms. Simpl...»

Sannohe Castle Ruins and Shiroyama Park is a historic and scenic destination in Sannohe Town, Aomori Prefecture. Centered around the remains of a castle once associated with the powerful Nanbu clan, the park combines the atmosphere of a historic Japanese castle with beautiful seasonal landscapes. The entire park has been selected as one of the 100 Historical Parks of Japan. On March 15, 2022, the...»

Kurokuma Falls is a spectacular waterfall in Ajigasawa Town, Aomori Prefecture, in northern Japan. With a height of approximately 85 meters and a width of about 15 meters, it is one of the largest waterfalls in Aomori Prefecture. The waterfall has also been selected as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan, a list highlighting some of the country’s most impressive and scenic waterfalls. Surround...»

Zuirakuen Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, in northern Japan. It is one of the finest surviving examples of the unique garden tradition known as Oishi Bugaku-ryu, a style of garden design that developed in the Tsugaru region. Unlike the famous garden traditions associated with Kyoto or Tokyo, Oishi Bugaku-ryu developed within the distinctive cultural...»

The Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline is a spectacular toll road in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, that climbs the slopes of Mount Iwaki, one of the most famous mountains in the Tsugaru region of northern Japan. The road takes visitors by car from the foothills to the mountain's 8th station, making it possible to enjoy magnificent mountain scenery without having to undertake a long hike. Since opening in 1965,...»

Neputa Exhibition Hall is a popular cultural attraction in Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, where visitors can see the enormous fan-shaped float used in the annual Hirakawa Neputa Festival. Unlike many festival floats that can only be seen during the summer festival season, this facility allows visitors to admire the giant Neputa throughout the year. The star attraction is the enormous "World's ...»

Ichigo-ni is a traditional local dish from Hachinohe and the surrounding Sanriku Coast of Aomori Prefecture. Despite its unusual name, which literally means “strawberry stew,” this elegant soup contains no strawberries. Instead, it is made with two luxurious ingredients from the sea: sea urchin (uni) and abalone (awabi). The dish is said to have originated as a rustic fishermen’s meal made with f...»

Beko-mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet found mainly in northern Japan, particularly in the Shimokita region of Aomori Prefecture and parts of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. It has traditionally been enjoyed as a special celebratory confection for Tango no Sekku, the Boys' Festival, held in May or, in some northern areas, on June 5 according to the old custom of celebrating the festival one mo...»

Towada Art Center is a contemporary art museum located in the center of Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, in northern Japan. The museum opened on April 26, 2008, as the central facility of Arts Towada, an urban revitalization project that uses art as a way to create a more attractive and vibrant city. Located along the broad government district street known as Komakaido, the museum has become one o...»

Paika cuisine is a popular local specialty of Misawa City in Aomori Prefecture. It uses a rare part of pork called “paika”, found around the ribs and belly of the pig. This flavorful cut contains a combination of meat and cartilage and can be prepared in many different ways. Paika has become a well-known local B-class gourmet food in Misawa. The cartilage becomes remarkably tender when slowly coo...»

Aomori scallops are one of the finest seafood specialties of Aomori Prefecture and are highly regarded throughout Japan for their quality and flavor. They are also one of the famous Nanashi Hacchin, a traditional selection of seven types of seafood and eight other local delicacies representing the rich seafood culture of Aomori. These scallops are cultivated in the nutrient-rich waters of Mutsu B...»

Oma Tuna is one of Japan’s most prestigious seafood specialties. Caught in the waters around Oma Town at the northern tip of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, Oma’s bluefin tuna is renowned throughout Japan for its exceptional quality and rich flavor. The waters around Oma are rich in squid and Pacific saury, which are important sources of food for tuna. This abundant marine environme...»

Keno-shiru is a traditional local soup from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Packed with finely diced vegetables, wild mountain plants, beans, tofu, and other ingredients, this nutritious dish has been enjoyed for generations as a special food for the Little New Year, known as Koshōgatsu. Because it can be prepared in large quantities and keeps well for several days, Keno-shiru was partic...»

When people think of tuna from Aomori Prefecture, Oma Tuna is often the first name that comes to mind. However, the town of Fukaura, located at the westernmost tip of Aomori Prefecture, is actually the region where the largest volume of wild bluefin tuna is landed within the prefecture. The wild bluefin tuna caught in Fukaura is known as Fukaura Tuna. Because it is mainly caught from spring throu...»

Kuroishi City is located near the center of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. Surrounded by mountains, forests, farmland, and the wide Tsugaru Plain, the city is known as a gateway to the northwestern area of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Kuroishi offers a fascinating combination of traditional streetscapes, historic temples, hot springs, local crafts, nature, and agricultural culture. The...»

Hirosaki Ika Menchi is a traditional home-style dish from Hirosaki and the wider Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Made mainly with minced squid tentacles and vegetables, it is a simple yet flavorful fried dish that has long been enjoyed in local households. Hirosaki is located inland and does not face the sea, so fresh seafood was once difficult to obtain. For this reason, dried squid, known ...»

Yaki-ika, or grilled squid, is one of the signature foods of Ajigasawa Town in Aomori Prefecture. Located along the Sea of Japan, Ajigasawa has long benefited from the rich waters of the surrounding coast. Squid, sea bream, shrimp, and crab are among the area’s best-known seafood products, but freshly dried squid grilled over heat is perhaps the town’s most famous specialty. The most popular area...»

Tara no Ko-ae is a traditional winter dish from Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. It is a distinctive example of the local food culture of making full use of fish, combining cod meat and skin with cod roe and rich cod liver. The dish uses a traditional preparation known as tomo-ae, in which ingredients are dressed with a sauce or paste made from the same type of ingredient. For Tara no Ko-ae, ...»

Aomori Prefecture is renowned for its high-quality squid, an important part of the region’s seafood culture. The squid caught in Aomori is known for its tender flesh, pleasant springy texture, and rich umami that becomes more pronounced with every bite. Two of the main types of squid caught in Aomori are yari-ika (spear squid) and surume-ika (Japanese flying squid). Each has its own season and ch...»

Kuroishi Tsuyu Yakisoba, also known as Kuroishi Soup Yakisoba, is a distinctive local specialty from Kuroishi City in Aomori Prefecture. At first glance, it may look like an ordinary plate of yakisoba, but there is a surprising difference: the stir-fried noodles are served with a generous amount of hot soup or dipping-style broth. The dish developed from Kuroishi Yakisoba, a local style of fried ...»

Owani Onsen Bean Sprouts are a rare traditional vegetable cultivated in Owani Town, located at the southern edge of the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. With a history of approximately 350 years, these bean sprouts are one of the area's distinctive local food traditions. Owani has long been known as a historic hot spring town. During the Edo period, it flourished as a retreat associated with ...»

Kenashidai Marsh is a vast highland wetland located on the slopes of the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. The marsh is divided into two main levels, known as Upper Kenashidai and Lower Kenashidai, creating a distinctive two-tiered landscape. Known for its rich collection of wetland and alpine plants, Kenashidai Marsh is one of the most remarkable natural areas in the Hakkod...»

Kazamaura Anglerfish is a prized seafood specialty from Kazamaura Village on the northwestern coast of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. Facing the Tsugaru Strait, the village has long been known as an important fishing area for anglerfish, a deep-sea fish prized for its rich flavor and unusual texture. Anglerfish are delicate deep-sea fish that can be difficult to handle. Because of ...»

Ika no Sushi is a traditional local dish that has been enjoyed for generations in the Ohata area of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. Despite having the word “sushi” in its name, this dish is quite different from the sushi familiar to visitors from around the world. There is no rice or sticky rice inside Ika no Sushi. Instead, a boiled squid body is filled with a colorful mixture of i...»

Aomori Prefecture is Japan’s undisputed apple kingdom. Located in the northern part of Honshu, Aomori has an ideal climate for growing high-quality apples and is famous throughout Japan for its exceptionally flavorful fruit. Aomori apples are known for their crisp texture, juicy flesh, refreshing sweetness, and well-balanced flavor. The prefecture accounts for approximately 50% of Japan’s total a...»

Miso Curry Milk Ramen is one of the most unusual and beloved local ramen dishes in Aomori City. As its name suggests, the soup combines three flavors that may seem surprising together: miso, curry, and milk. The dish starts with a rich miso ramen soup, which is blended with curry powder and milk. It is typically topped with butter, chashu pork, bean sprouts, wakame seaweed, and menma bamboo shoot...»

Kuroishi Yakisoba is a popular local specialty from Kuroishi City in Aomori Prefecture, a small city located south of Aomori City. Despite its population of fewer than 40,000 people, Kuroishi has developed a strong local food culture centered around its distinctive style of yakisoba, or Japanese stir-fried noodles. The defining feature of Kuroishi Yakisoba is its use of thick, flat noodles known ...»

Tsugaru Traditional Crafts Museum is a cultural and tourism facility in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, dedicated to the traditional crafts, skills, food culture, and everyday traditions of the Tsugaru region of northern Japan. Together with the neighboring Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum, it serves as an important center for preserving and introducing the region's traditional culture and craftsmanship ...»

Tsugaru City is located in the central-western part of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. Facing the Sea of Japan, the city is blessed with beautiful coastlines, mountains, rivers, lakes, wetlands, fertile farmland, and a rich collection of historical sites. The city is particularly interesting for travelers because its attractions span a remarkably long period of history. Visitors can explore ...»

Takateru Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mount Iwaki in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. The shrine originated as the mausoleum of Tsugaru Nobumasa, the fourth lord of the Hirosaki Domain during the Edo period (1603–1868). After Nobumasa's death, a mausoleum was established according to his wishes, and he was later enshrined as a deity. The shrine developed i...»

Kushihiki Hachimangu Shrine is one of the most important historic shrines in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman Okami, represented primarily by Homutawake-no-Mikoto, a deity traditionally associated with Hachiman worship. For centuries, Kushihiki Hachimangu Shrine has been closely connected with the Nanbu clan, a powerful samurai family that ruled mu...»

Seibien Garden is a historic garden in Saruga Ishibayashi, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture. Created during the Meiji period (1868–1912), it is one of the finest examples in Japan of a garden and residence that combine traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western architectural influences. The garden covers approximately 12,000 square meters and features a pond-centered strolling garden incorporat...»

Nakamachi Komise Street is a historic street in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, where visitors can experience a traditional Japanese townscape that has survived from the Edo period (1603–1868). The street is famous for its distinctive komise, covered wooden walkways built in front of traditional townhouses and shops. These arcades were designed to protect pedestrians from heavy snow, winter win...»

Mount Shirakami (Shirakami-dake) is a 1,235-meter-high mountain in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, and one of the most iconic peaks of Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast primeval beech forests. Selected as one of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains, Mount Shirakami attracts hikers and nature lovers with its rich natural environment and spectacular views. Near the summit i...»

Misawa Roadside Station – Tonami Domain Memorial Tourist Village is a unique sightseeing destination in Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy nature, outdoor activities, local food, and the history of the region in one spacious setting. The approximately 20-hectare site was once used as a large pasture and has been transformed into a recreational area where visitors of all ages can e...»

Tenno Azaleas are one of the most beautiful spring attractions in Shichinohe Town, Aomori Prefecture. Every spring, the grounds of Tenno Shrine are transformed into a vibrant landscape filled with approximately 500 mountain azalea bushes. The brilliant red and pink flowers create a striking contrast with the surrounding greenery and blue spring sky. Visitors can walk along paths surrounded by blo...»

Apple House is a popular facility located inside Hirosaki City Apple Park in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Dedicated entirely to the world of apples, it offers visitors a chance to discover local crafts, sweets, food, drinks, and the history of apple cultivation in the region. Inside Apple House, visitors can browse approximately 1,200 apple-related products, including original handicrafts, confec...»

Aomori City is the capital of Aomori Prefecture and its most populous city. Located near the northern end of Honshu, Japan's main island, the city spreads across the northeastern part of the Tsugaru region and serves as an important center for government, transportation, commerce, and tourism. Facing Aomori Bay, Aomori developed as a port town during the early Edo period (1603–1868). Today, it is...»

The Lake Towada Sightseeing Boat offers a relaxing way to explore Lake Towada from the water and experience the magnificent natural scenery and fascinating history of this beautiful lake on the border of Aomori and Akita Prefectures. During the cruise, passengers can learn about the geological formation of Lake Towada, the legends associated with the lake, and the history of the people who have l...»

Towada City is located in the inland southern part of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. As a central city of the Kamikita region, it is known for its spectacular natural scenery, rich agricultural traditions, historic sites, hot springs, local cuisine, and vibrant contemporary art scene. The city's most famous natural attractions are Lake Towada and the Oirase Stream. Both are part of Towada-H...»

Senjojiki is a spectacular rocky coastline in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, overlooking the Sea of Japan. Part of the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park, this unusual coastal landscape is famous for its broad, flat rock formations that appear to stretch across the shore like thousands of traditional Japanese tatami mats. The name Senjojiki literally means "a thousand tatami mats," referring to the re...»

Ashigezaki Observatory is a scenic observation point located at the northern end of the Tanesashi Coast in the easternmost part of Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. Perched on a rugged cliff approximately 22 meters above sea level, the observatory has an appearance reminiscent of a fortress overlooking the sea. From here, visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean. The obse...»

Hakkoda's snow-covered trees, often called "Snow Monsters" or "Ice Monsters", are one of the most spectacular winter sights in Aomori Prefecture and northern Japan. These enormous natural formations are created when snow and ice accumulate layer by layer on the branches of Aomori fir trees across the Hakkoda Mountains. During the harshest part of winter, the trees become covered in thick layers o...»

Suiren-numa Pond is a peaceful mountain pond located in the middle of the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Surrounded by the magnificent peaks of Hakkoda, the pond offers a tranquil natural landscape where visitors can enjoy the changing beauty of the seasons. The pond is located along the Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line, where National Routes 103 and 394 meet. It is also convenie...»

The Misawa Shuji Terayama Memorial Museum is a museum and literary institution dedicated to Shuji Terayama, an influential avant-garde artist with strong connections to Misawa City in Aomori Prefecture. Located within Misawa City Forest Park, the museum opened on July 27, 1997, to preserve and display valuable personal belongings donated by Terayama's mother, Hatsue. Rather than focusing only on ...»

Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum is a cultural facility in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, where visitors can discover the history, craftsmanship, and artistic appeal of kokeshi, traditional Japanese wooden dolls. Opened on April 15, 1988, the museum houses approximately 4,000 kokeshi dolls and wooden toys, including works from all 11 traditional kokeshi styles found throughout Japan. The museum is more ...»

Tatehana Wharf Morning Market is one of Japan's largest and most vibrant morning markets. It is held every Sunday from March through December at Tatehana Fishing Port in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. The market features approximately 350 vendors and attracts more than 30,000 visitors every Sunday. Locally known as the "Tatehana Morning Market," it has become one of Hachinohe's best-known tourist ...»

Agri-no-Sato Oirase is a large hands-on agricultural tourism park in Oirase Town, Aomori Prefecture. Covering a spacious site, the facility combines farms and orchards with a restaurant, farmers' market, animal interaction area, and natural hot-spring foot bath. With activities centered around the ideas of "seeing, harvesting, eating, and interacting," visitors can experience the pleasures of agr...»

Michi-no-Eki Fukaura "Kasose Grilled Squid Village" is a unique roadside station along National Route 101 in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture. Its enormous squid sign makes it easy to spot, while its location beside the Sea of Japan makes it an excellent place to stop and enjoy the region's fresh seafood and beautiful coastal scenery. The roadside station brings together the natural bounty of Fuka...»

Towada Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located beside Lake Towada in Okuse, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. Surrounded by dense forest and the tranquil waters of the lake, the shrine has long been regarded as a sacred place where nature, spirituality, and local legends come together. Today, Towada Shrine stands at 486 Towadakohan Yasumiya, Okuse, Towada City, in the heart of the Lake Towada si...»

Tsuruta Town Historical and Cultural Heritage Museum is a museum and cultural facility in Tsuruta Town, Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. The museum occupies the former Mizumoto Elementary School, a historic wooden school building that has been carefully preserved and given a new role as a place where visitors can learn about the area's history, traditions, and everyday life. Mizumoto Elem...»

Dazai's Inn: Fukaura Literary Museum is a literary museum in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, housed in a former traditional Japanese inn where the famous writer Osamu Dazai actually stayed. The building was originally known as Akita-ya Ryokan. Dazai stayed here while traveling through the Tsugaru region and working on his celebrated travelogue Tsugaru. The inn itself appears in the book, making ...»

Hakka Pass Observation Deck is one of the most impressive viewpoints overlooking Lake Towada, a scenic lake that straddles Aomori and Akita Prefectures in northern Japan. Located at an elevation of approximately 631 meters, the observation deck offers a spectacular panoramic view of the lake, its surrounding mountains, and the vast forests of the Towada region. Hakka Pass is located where the Juk...»

Kanehiranari Garden, also known as Sawanari Garden, is a historic Japanese garden in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture. It is regarded as one of the finest surviving examples of the Oishi Bugaku School of garden design, a distinctive style that developed in the Tsugaru region of northern Japan. The garden is particularly valuable because the main residence and the garden have both been preserved a...»

Lake Jusan is a beautiful brackish lake located in the northwestern part of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. Locally, it is also known as Jusangata. For centuries, the lake has been closely connected with the lives and livelihoods of people in the surrounding region. Today, Lake Jusan is known for its distinctive natural scenery, rich history, local clam cultur...»

The Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line is one of Aomori Prefecture's most spectacular scenic routes. Stretching approximately 62.6 kilometers, the road connects Aomori City with Lake Towada, crossing the Hakkoda Mountains and passing through the Towada Lake Onsen area along the way. The route is officially part of National Route 103 and runs through the magnificent natural landscapes of Towada-Hachimantai ...»

Hachinohe Park is a large multi-purpose park in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, covering approximately 37 hectares. The park combines beautiful natural surroundings with attractions for children and families, making it a popular place for both local residents and visitors. The grounds are divided into nine different zones, centered around the Children's Land and the Hachinohe Botanical Garden....»

Tsugaru lacquerware, known in Japanese as Tsugaru-nuri, is a traditional craft produced in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Renowned for its deep colors, elegant patterns, smooth texture, and exceptional durability, it is one of the most distinctive forms of lacquerware in Japan. The craft has a history of approximately 300 years and has been carefully passed down from generation to gener...»

Choshoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. It belongs to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism and is officially known as Taiheizan Choshoji, with Shakyamuni Buddha enshrined as its principal image. The temple has a history dating back to 1528, when it was founded in Ajigasawa as a family temple for Oura Mitsunobu, an ancestor of the Tsugaru clan. As the Oura family m...»

Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art is a public contemporary art museum in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. The museum occupies a historic red-brick warehouse once used as a sake and cider factory. Rather than replacing the old building, the project carefully preserved its character and transformed it into a new cultural space centered on the theme of “passing memories on to the future.” The massive ...»

Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture is famous throughout Japan as one of the country's leading apple-growing regions. Approximately 25% of Japan's apples are produced in the area, earning Hirosaki a reputation as the “Apple Kingdom” of Japan. It is therefore no surprise that apples have become an important part of Hirosaki's food culture. Among the city's most popular apple-based treats is apple p...»

Roadside Station Towada Lake: Himemasu no Sato Wai-nai is a roadside rest and tourism facility in Kosaka Town, Kazuno District, Akita Prefecture. Located along National Route 454 near the Wai-nai intersection, where National Routes 103 and 454 meet, the facility serves as an important gateway to Lake Towada from the Akita side. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Towada, it is also an ideal st...»

Higashi-Hakkoda Rose Country is a popular rose garden in Shichinohe Town, Aomori Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy beautiful roses, rose cultivation, flower picking experiences, and a variety of original products. The garden is filled with roses in a wide range of colors and varieties, creating a peaceful and elegant atmosphere. Surrounded by fragrant flowers and beautiful greenery, visitors c...»

Hachinohe City Museum is a municipal museum in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, dedicated to introducing the history, archaeology, traditional culture, and daily life of the region. The museum offers visitors an opportunity to discover how Hachinohe developed from prehistoric times through the medieval and early modern periods to the modern era. The museum is located within the historic area of Nejo...»

Kogin-zashi is a traditional style of sashiko embroidery that has been passed down for generations in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. It is also known as “sashi-kogin.” The name is believed to have originated from the local word “kogin,” which referred to work clothes or everyday garments. Kogin-zashi is traditionally characterized by white cotton thread embroidered onto ...»

Roadside Station Shichinohe is a popular tourism and rest facility located along National Route 4 in Shichinohe Town, Aomori Prefecture. It is conveniently located about a five-minute walk from Shichinohe-Towada Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, making it an easy stop for both visitors traveling by car and those arriving by train. The facility provides road and tourist information as well as a wi...»

The Former Main Building of the Fifty-Ninth National Bank, now known as the Aomori Michinoku Bank Memorial Museum, is a historic building in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Completed in 1904 during the Meiji period, the building originally served as the head office of the Fifty-Ninth National Bank, the predecessor of today's Aomori Michinoku Bank. After the bank moved to a new building, the historic...»

The Former Hirosaki City Library is a historic Western-style building preserved in Otemon Square in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Completed in 1906 during the Meiji period, it is one of the city's most distinctive examples of early modern Western-inspired architecture. The building is instantly recognizable for its elegant white walls, reddish roofs, and distinctive octagonal twin towers topped wi...»

Roadside Station Nijinoko, also known as Rainbow Lake Park, is a popular roadside destination in Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture. Located along National Route 102, it is a convenient place to take a break while exploring the mountains and lakes of southern Aomori. The facility opened in 1988, following the completion of the Asaseishi River Dam, and was developed as part of the dam's surrounding park....»

Engakuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Fukaura, Aomori Prefecture, belonging to the Daigo-ha school of Shingon Buddhism. Its mountain name is Shunkosan, and the principal Buddhist image enshrined at the temple is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, a form of Kannon associated with compassion and protection. The temple is also the 10th temple of the Tsugaru Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, a tradit...»

The Takayama Uichi Memorial Museum in Shichinohe, Aomori Prefecture, is dedicated primarily to the works and personal materials of Uichi Takayama, a Western-style painter born in Shichinohe. Known as one of Japan's rare and distinctive fantasy painters, Takayama created works filled with mysterious landscapes, delicate colors, and an unmistakably dreamlike atmosphere. The museum provides an oppor...»

Towada Hotel is a historic lakeside hotel quietly situated on a hill overlooking the western shore of Lake Towada, within Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The lake straddles Aomori and Akita prefectures in northern Japan, and the hotel enjoys an exceptional setting surrounded by forests and tranquil natural scenery. Every guest room offers a view of Lake Towada, allowing visitors to enjoy the ch...»

Morita Ranch was a famous horse-breeding farm located in Hizumori, Shichinohe, in Kamikita District, Aomori Prefecture. For more than a century, from the late 19th century until 2006, the ranch played an important role in the development of the horse-breeding industry in modern Aomori. Many outstanding racehorses were bred here, including horses that went on to achieve major victories in Japanese...»

Discover the Sweet and Fragrant Steuben Grape Tsuruta Town in Aomori Prefecture is one of Japan's well-known grape-growing regions. Among the many varieties cultivated here, the most famous is Steuben, a grape variety originally developed in New York State in the United States. Steuben was introduced to Japan during the Showa period and has since flourished in Tsuruta thanks to the town's natura...»

Hachinohe Marine Science Museum Marient is a tourism and cultural facility in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, dedicated to the sea and the region's fishing industry. Hachinohe is one of Japan's major fishing cities, and Marient offers visitors an opportunity to discover the marine environment and seafood culture that have shaped the city. The facility combines aquarium-style exhibits, interactive l...»

The Hirakawa Neputa Festival is one of the major summer festivals of the Tsugaru region in Aomori Prefecture. Held every year on August 2 and 3 in Hirakawa City, the festival fills the streets with enormous illuminated floats, energetic music, dancers, and enthusiastic chants. Approximately 30 groups take part, each presenting a large neputa float with its own artistic style, music, and performan...»

The Negishi Great Ginkgo Tree is a magnificent ancient ginkgo tree located in Oirase Town, Aomori Prefecture. With an estimated age of more than 1,100 years, it is considered one of the oldest and most impressive ginkgo trees in Japan. Designated as a Natural Monument of Aomori Prefecture, the tree has survived countless generations and the changing seasons of northern Japan. Its enormous trunk, ...»

The Apple Historical Museum is a historic Western-style building that introduces the history, culture, and scientific development of apple growing in Aomori Prefecture. The building was constructed in 1931, drawing inspiration from the architectural style of the East Malling Research Station in England, a renowned center for fruit research. Today, the former research building is open to the publi...»

A Peaceful Cape Surrounded by Nature Yukiaizaki Coast is a beautiful cape in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture, where dramatic coastal rocks meet gentle grassy hills overlooking the Sea of Japan. Although rugged rock formations can be seen along the coast, much of the cape is covered in soft green grass, creating a surprisingly peaceful landscape. The contrast between the rocky cliffs, open grassl...»

Icho Park in Oirase Town, Aomori Prefecture, is a relaxing green space where visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the year and see one of Japan's most unusual landmarks: a Statue of Liberty. The park changes its appearance with the seasons. Cherry blossoms brighten the landscape in spring, fresh greenery covers the park in summer, while ginkgo trees and autumn foliage create warm color...»

The Misawa City Memorial Hall for Local Pioneers stands on land once known as Kizaki Pasture, the largest grazing area of the former Nanbu Domain. The museum introduces the achievements of people who contributed to the development of the Misawa region, with particular attention given to Hirozawa Yasutō, a pioneering figure in Japan's early modern livestock industry. Hirozawa established Kaibokush...»

Shichinohe Castle and Shichinohe Shinmeigu Shrine, located in Shichinohe Town in Aomori Prefecture, are two important sites for understanding the history, culture, and religious traditions of the region. Together, they offer visitors an opportunity to explore the legacy of medieval Japan while enjoying a peaceful historic landscape. Shichinohe Castle, also known as Kashiwaba Castle, was a hilltop...»

Kuroishi Yosare is a traditional summer festival held every year in mid-August in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture. It is regarded as one of Japan's three major street dance festivals and is one of the largest traditional dance celebrations in the Tohoku region. The origins of Kuroishi Yosare are said to date back approximately 500 to 600 years. The festival is believed to have developed from son...»

Kuroishi Neputa is a traditional summer festival that has been passed down through generations in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture. With its large illuminated floats, powerful music, and lively procession through the city streets, the festival is one of the distinctive cultural traditions of the Tsugaru region. Kuroishi Neputa has been recognized as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Aomori ...»

Tsuta Onsen, located in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, is a historic hot spring destination surrounded by the beautiful beech forests of the Hakkoda mountain area. With a history stretching back nearly a thousand years, it is one of the region's most atmospheric hot springs. Records indicate that a small lodging facility for hot spring therapy already existed here by 1147. For centuries, people ...»

Hirosaki City Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history, culture, and traditional heritage of Hirosaki and the wider Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Located inside Hirosaki Park, where Hirosaki Castle stands, the museum is surrounded by beautiful seasonal scenery and historic landscapes. The museum building itself is an important architectural attraction. It was designed by Kun...»

Hachinohe Yatai Village Miroku Yokocho is a popular sightseeing and dining destination in the heart of Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. This lively alley is home to small food stalls where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, local specialties, drinks, and friendly conversations with local residents. Miroku Yokocho opened on November 19, 2002, shortly before the Tohoku Shinkansen was extended to H...»

Nuruyu Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, and part of the Kuroishi Onsenkyo hot spring area. Surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes of Aomori, the onsen has a history of more than 400 years and has long been known as a destination for toji, the traditional Japanese practice of staying at a hot spring for rest and therapeutic bathing. With its long h...»

Hachinohe City Korekawa Jomon Museum is a cultural and archaeological museum located in Korekawa, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. The museum introduces visitors to the history, lifestyle, technology, and spiritual culture of the Jomon period, one of the longest prehistoric periods in Japanese history. Among the museum's most important treasures is the National Treasure known as the “Gassho Dog...»

Shimeitei Observatory is a scenic viewpoint offering a panoramic view of Lake Towada, which stretches across Aomori and Akita Prefectures. Located along the Jukai Line, the shortest driving route from the Kosaka Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway toward Lake Towada, the observatory is an easy and rewarding stop during a sightseeing drive. The most distinctive feature of Shimeitei Observatory is...»

Hachinohe Art Museum is a municipal art museum in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. Originally opened in 1986, it was the first art museum in Aomori Prefecture established under Japan's Museum Act. After operating for many years in a renovated former tax office building, the museum reopened in a completely new facility on November 3, 2021. Today, it serves not only as a place to view artworks bu...»

The Kamegaoka Stone Age Site, located in the Kizukuri area of Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, is a large settlement site dating from the Late Jomon Period, approximately 3,000 to 2,400 years ago. It is also commonly known as the Kamegaoka Site. The site is particularly famous as the place where the remarkable Shakoki Dogu, or “goggle-eyed clay figurine,” was discovered in 1887. With its enormous...»

Spa House Rokkapokka is a day-use hot spring facility in Rokkasho Village, Aomori Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy bathing, dining, relaxation, and entertainment all under one roof. With spacious and comfortable facilities, Rokkapokka is designed for visitors of all ages. In addition to its hot spring baths, the complex features restaurants, relaxation services, children's areas, games, and k...»

Fukaura Marine Station “Fukaura Marugoto Market” is a popular destination where visitors can experience the many local flavors of Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture. The market brings together fresh seafood from the surrounding waters, vegetables grown in the fertile local countryside, handmade processed foods, sweets, and regional souvenirs. The name “Marugoto,” meaning “the whole thing” or “everyt...»

Samekado Lighthouse stands on a cape in Same, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The striking white lighthouse has long helped guide ships traveling to and from Hachinohe Port and remains an important part of the area's maritime landscape. With its brilliant white exterior set against the deep blue of the Pacific, the lighthouse is also one of Hachinohe's most photo...»

Tsugaru Global Village is a large-scale resort complex in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture, combining nature, culture, sports, outdoor activities, hot springs, and entertainment in one destination. Surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes of northern Aomori, the resort offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors and relax. Visitors can soak in a hot spring, play sports, go camping, e...»

Seki Kamesugi Cedar is a magnificent giant cedar tree standing in Seki, Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture. Designated as a Natural Monument of Aomori Prefecture, the tree is estimated to be approximately 1,000 years old. The cedar reaches approximately 35 meters in height, while its trunk measures around 7 meters in circumference at eye level. Its immense size and age give it an overwhelming presen...»

Shichinohe Town is a charming town in Kamikita District, Aomori Prefecture, blessed with beautiful nature, a long history, traditional culture, and a strong agricultural heritage. Located on the eastern side of the Hakkōda Mountains, the town has long served as an important crossroads for transportation and cultural exchange in the Kamikita region. Today, Shichinohe is also becoming increasingly ...»

Hakkoda Snow March Disaster Museum is a historical museum located in the Kōbata Cemetery area of Aomori City, next to the former military cemetery. The museum preserves and introduces the history of the Hakkoda Snow March Disaster, one of the most tragic incidents in the history of mountain travel in Japan. The museum displays documents, photographs, personal belongings, and other materials relat...»

The Former Foreign Teachers' Residence of To-o Gijuku is a valuable historic Western-style building in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. Built to accommodate foreign teachers invited to teach at To-o Gijuku, the building offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of modern education and international exchange in Japan during the Meiji era (1868–1912). The residence was constructed in 1903 as h...»

Koboji Temple, known as the “Koyasan of the West,” is a historic temple in Tsugaru City, Aomori Prefecture. Belonging to the Koyasan Shingon School of Buddhism, the temple has long been an important center of faith and prayer in the Tsugaru region. The temple is believed to have a long history stretching back many centuries. The memorial tablet of the seventh head priest is said to be more than 6...»

Futatsumori Shell Mound is a large archaeological site in Shichinohe Town, Aomori Prefecture, dating from the Early to Middle Jomon Period. It is one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding the Jomon culture of prehistoric Japan. The settlement flourished approximately 5,500 to 4,000 years ago. The site includes extensive shell middens and traces of a large settlement, provid...»

Dake Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, at the foot of the majestic Mount Iwaki. Surrounded by forests and highland scenery, the hot spring has been enjoyed as a traditional healing retreat since the feudal period. The distinctive smell of sulfur rising from the hot spring water is part of the unique atmosphere of Dake Onsen. For centuries, visitors have...»

Horyo Ginkgo Tree is a magnificent ancient tree in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. Designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan, it is an important natural and cultural landmark that has been cherished by local people for generations. The tree stands along National Route 102 in the Horyo area of Towada City and has become a well-known symbol of the region. With an estimated age of approxima...»

Suwa Farm is a thoroughbred breeding and training farm located in Shichinohe Town, Aomori Prefecture. Shichinohe has a long history of horse breeding and was once known as an important production area for the famous Nanbu horses. Established in this horse-loving region, Suwa Farm has produced numerous successful racehorses throughout its history. Today, it remains one of the relatively few thorou...»

Higashi-Hakkoda Family Travel Village is a spacious outdoor recreation facility surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of the Hakkoda area in Aomori Prefecture. With an auto campsite and comfortable cabin houses, it is an ideal destination for families, friends, and groups who want to enjoy the outdoors together. Visitors can spend a relaxing day surrounded by forests and greenery, enjoy a...»

Oma Tuna refers to wild bluefin tuna landed in Oma Town, located at the northern tip of the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. Bluefin tuna is one of the largest and most highly prized species of tuna in the world, with some individuals growing to more than 3 meters in length. Oma is particularly famous for its traditional one-by-one handline fishing. Each tuna is individually caught by a ...»

Tsugaru Soba is a distinctive regional style of soba noodles from the Tsugaru area of Aomori Prefecture. Unlike the firm, springy texture that many people associate with Japanese soba, Tsugaru Soba is exceptionally soft. The noodles are so delicate that they may break apart when lifted with chopsticks. This unusual texture is not a mistake but an important characteristic of the dish. Tsugaru Soba...»

Dake Kimi is a famous variety of sweet corn grown in the Dake district on the western side of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. The name refers collectively to corn cultivated and harvested in the Dake Highlands at an elevation of approximately 400–500 meters on the foothills of Mount Iwaki. In the local Tsugaru dialect, “kimi” means corn. The corn is also sometimes called “Dake no Kimi,” meaning...»

Oma Tuna Bowl is a luxurious local specialty featuring premium bluefin tuna caught off the coast of Oma Town in Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost point of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Tuna from this area is famous throughout Japan as one of the country’s most prestigious tuna brands. In particular, bluefin tuna caught using traditional single-line fishing methods is known as Oma Tuna. Because...»

Hachinohe Maeoki Mackerel is a premium mackerel caught in the waters off the coast of northern Japan and landed at Hachinohe Port in Aomori Prefecture. The fishing grounds are located in the waters north of the Sanriku coast, making this area one of the northernmost major mackerel fishing grounds along the Pacific coast of Honshu. These mackerel develop in the cold waters of northern Japan and ar...»

Hirosaki Cocktails are part of the unique nightlife and food culture of Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture. The city is known as a “City of Cocktails”, with numerous high-quality cocktail bars concentrated around the lively Kajimachi entertainment district. For visitors, Hirosaki offers more than historic attractions and beautiful apple orchards. After exploring the city during the day, travelers...»

Aomori Flounder is a highly prized fish from Aomori Prefecture, a region known for its abundant seafood and high-quality marine products. Aomori is one of Japan's leading flounder-producing areas, and its flounder is valued for its distinctive flavor and excellent texture. The quality of Aomori Flounder is so highly regarded that it is often said to have a noticeably different taste from flounder...»

Jusanko Shijimi Ramen is a regional ramen specialty from Goshogawara City in Aomori Prefecture. The dish is made with Yamato shijimi clams harvested from Jusanko Lake, a brackish lake where freshwater from the Iwaki River meets seawater from the Sea of Japan. The small clams release an impressive amount of savory flavor into the broth. The result is a distinctive ramen with a fragrant, deeply fla...»

Hirosaki Fuji is a distinctive apple variety discovered in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. It is considered an early-ripening Fuji variety and is known for its attractive deep-red color, abundant juice, high sugar content, and tendency to develop translucent “honey” inside the flesh. Hirosaki is one of Japan's most famous apple-growing regions, and this locally discovered variety is one of the fruit...»

Shichinohe garlic is a premium garlic grown in Shichinohe Town, Aomori Prefecture. Aomori is Japan’s leading garlic-producing prefecture, accounting for approximately 80% of Japan’s domestic garlic production. Shichinohe is surrounded by rich natural landscapes and includes hilly areas rising to elevations of more than 1,000 meters. Its cool climate throughout the year creates favorable condition...»

Hachinohe Silver Mackerel Zuke-Don is a local rice bowl from Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, featuring exceptionally large and richly fatty mackerel caught in the waters off Hachinohe. It is a must-try dish for anyone who loves mackerel and enjoys the rich flavor of high-quality seafood. The dish uses only particularly large specimens of Hachinohe Maeoki Mackerel, a famous local mackerel caught off...»

Shijimi Soup Yakisoba is a relatively new local specialty that originated in Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture. Created with a focus on using locally produced ingredients, the dish combines specially made noodles containing rice flour from Aomori with high-quality Yamato shijimi clams harvested from nearby Jusanko Lake. The noodles are grilled first, giving them a pleasant chewy texture and an ...»

Yamato clams from Lake Jusanko are one of Aomori Prefecture’s prized local seafood specialties. Lake Jusanko, located on the Sea of Japan side of Aomori, provides an ideal environment for growing flavorful Yamato shijimi, a freshwater clam commonly used in Japanese cuisine. Aomori is one of Japan’s leading producers of freshwater clams. The prefecture’s two major clam-producing areas are Lake Jus...»

Shimokita Wine is a distinctive wine produced from grapes grown on the Shimokita Peninsula, the northernmost part of Japan’s main island of Honshu. The wine is made using fully ripened grapes cultivated with reduced use of agricultural chemicals, resulting in a wine with rich fruit flavors and a distinctive character shaped by the cool northern climate....»

Takko Garlic is a specialty garlic produced in Takko Town, in southernmost Aomori Prefecture. Surrounded by the rich natural landscapes at the foot of the Ou Mountains, Takko is known throughout Japan as a “garlic capital”. Although the individual bulbs are not necessarily enormous, Takko Garlic is known for being surprisingly heavy for its size, with firm, tightly packed cloves. Its rich sweetne...»

Baman is a unique local specialty from Kanagi, Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture, the birthplace of renowned Japanese novelist Osamu Dazai. It is a casual way to enjoy the area’s famous horse meat, wrapped in a soft, steamed Chinese-style bun. The name “Baman” combines the idea of horse meat with the Japanese word umai, meaning “delicious.” It is a playful name suggesting that you may find your...»

Aomori sea urchin is prized for its smooth, melting texture, distinctive sweetness, and rich aroma of the sea. As soon as it enters the mouth, its creamy flavor spreads gently across the palate, making it one of the most luxurious seafood specialties of Aomori Prefecture. Aomori is one of Japan’s major sea urchin-producing regions, ranking third nationwide in domestic sea urchin catch in 2019. Th...»

Jappa-jiru is a traditional local soup from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. The name comes from the Tsugaru dialect word “jappa,” meaning something rough, miscellaneous, or leftover. In this dish, it refers to the parts of a fish that remain after the main fillets have been removed, such as the head, bones with meat still attached, and internal organs. In other words, j...»

Ominato Navy Croquette is a local specialty of Ominato in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. It is based on a recipe for croquettes served as military food by the former Imperial Japanese Navy and is said to have originated during the Meiji period, when the former naval forces stationed in Ominato developed nutritious meals to help prevent nutritional deficiencies among their personnel. One of the mo...»

Black garlic is made by aging and fermenting fresh garlic for approximately one month. During this process, the garlic gradually turns deep black and develops a remarkably sweet, mellow flavor. Unlike fresh garlic, black garlic has very little of the strong, pungent aroma normally associated with garlic. Its sweetness increases during fermentation, making it surprisingly easy and pleasant to eat....»

When people think of tuna from Aomori Prefecture, Oma Tuna is probably the most famous name. However, another highly regarded variety comes from the Minmaya area, located near the northern tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula. In recent years, Minmaya Tuna has earned a reputation for quality that rivals the famous tuna of Oma. Minmaya's fishing grounds are located in the Tsugaru Strait in front of Cape T...»

Hoya, known as the sea squirt in English, is a distinctive seafood delicacy associated with the Sanriku coast of northeastern Japan. Aomori Prefecture is one of the regions where hoya is enjoyed as a seasonal specialty. With its unusual appearance and strong aroma reminiscent of the ocean, hoya may look unfamiliar to visitors encountering it for the first time. However, it is highly valued in Jap...»

Steuben grapes are a distinctive specialty of Aomori Prefecture, particularly the Tsugaru region. These seeded winter grapes are grown naturally in the area's cool climate and are known for their exceptionally high sweetness and rich flavor. Although grapes are often associated with warm regions, Steuben grapes thrive in the cool northern climate of Aomori. The Tsugaru region has climatic conditi...»

Aboukyu is a distinctive variety of edible chrysanthemum cultivated mainly around the Nanbu area of Aomori Prefecture. It is a large-flowered, double-blooming yellow chrysanthemum with an attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, subtle sweetness, and a crisp texture. Unlike chrysanthemums that are mainly used as decorative garnishes, Aboukyu is eaten as a vegetable. Its large petals can be inco...»

Aomori Cidre is a sparkling fruit wine made from apples grown in Aomori Prefecture, Japan's leading apple-producing region. It was created to showcase a new side of Aomori's famous apples and transform their natural sweetness and acidity into an elegant sparkling drink. Known internationally as cider, this type of beverage is made by fermenting apple juice. It originated in Europe and is sometime...»

Aomori-grown barnacles are an unusual and highly prized seafood delicacy from northern Japan. In Japanese, they are called fujitsubo, a name that literally refers to the “Fuji-shaped pot” of their shell. Their conical shells resemble miniature Mount Fuji, giving them their distinctive appearance. The species commonly eaten in Aomori is officially known as the minefujitsubo. Although barnacles rem...»

Bamboo Shoot Soup is a traditional local dish from Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. Made with freshly harvested bamboo shoots and a simple miso-based broth, this rustic soup is enjoyed as a comforting home-style dish, particularly when bamboo shoots are in season. The bamboo shoots used in Aomori are different from the large, thick moso bamboo commonly seen in many parts of Japan. Instead, lo...»

Aomori Kuraishi Beef is a highly prized Japanese beef brand originating from the former Kuraishi Village in Aomori Prefecture. Surrounded by the rich natural environment of northern Japan, the cattle are carefully raised to produce beef known for its delicate marbling, tender texture, and exceptional flavor. Kuraishi Beef is characterized by a beautiful balance between rich, flavorful fat and ref...»

Tamura Cidre is a sparkling apple wine made by Tamura Farm, an apple-growing farm in Aomori Prefecture. Made exclusively from fully ripened apples grown in the Tsugaru region, this distinctive cidre expresses the natural character of several carefully selected apple varieties. The blend brings together the delicate acidity and subtle astringency of Kougyoku, the clean sweetness of Sun Fuji, and t...»

Kemame is a traditional variety of edamame, or young soybeans, that has been cultivated by farmers for generations, particularly in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. Known for its large beans, pronounced sweetness, rich aroma, and deep savory flavor, Kemame is considered a distinctive seasonal specialty of northern Japan. Unlike ordinary edamame commonly found in supermarkets, Kemame has a...»

Noheji Haitsuki Kokabu is a distinctive small turnip grown in Noheji, Aomori Prefecture. It is known for its exceptionally high sugar content, juicy texture, and refreshing sweetness that has often been compared to fruit. One of its most remarkable characteristics is that almost the entire plant can be eaten. The skin is very thin, while the stems and leaves are also tender and naturally sweet. B...»

Hirosaki is a fascinating destination where the rich food culture of Aomori meets the traditions of French cuisine. Surrounded by both the sea and mountains, Aomori Prefecture is blessed with a wide variety of high-quality ingredients, including fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and locally produced meats. In Hirosaki, these ingredients are transformed into elegant French dishes, creatin...»

Iso Seafood Ramen is a distinctive regional ramen dish enjoyed in coastal areas of northern Japan. Based on a light salt-flavored broth, the ramen is generously topped with an impressive variety of seafood, such as sea urchin, scallops, shrimp, crab, and mussels. Sea vegetables, including wakame and funori seaweed, are also commonly added, creating a bowl that is packed with the flavors of the oce...»

Ppolo Chocolate is a popular chocolate cake from Aomori that offers the rich taste and texture of a specialty chocolate shop at an affordable price. Made with high-quality chocolate, fresh milk from Hokkaido, wheat flour, and eggs, the cake is carefully baked in a traditional oven-style method to create its distinctive texture....»

Gratin Fry is a popular local specialty in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, particularly well known among local high school students. It consists of creamy macaroni gratin filled with ingredients such as onions and chicken. The gratin is wrapped in a thin spring-roll wrapper, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until crisp and golden....»

Ajigasawa Chicken Bow is a popular local snack from Ajigasawa Town in western Aomori Prefecture. Loved by local residents for generations, it is enjoyed as a quick snack by children as well as a savory accompaniment to beer. The dish is made by thinly stretching chicken, placing it on a stick, coating it in a crisp batter, and deep-frying it. It resembles a Japanese-style fried chicken known as t...»

Hachinohe Bakudan is a popular local rice bowl from Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, known for its excellent combination of fresh squid, a flavorful soy-based sauce, egg yolk, and rice. Hachinohe Port has long been an important fishing port, and from summer through autumn, squid fishing boats from around Japan gather in the area. The port is also renowned for its exceptionally large squid catch....»

Yoshitsune Nabe is a distinctive Japanese hot pot that allows diners to enjoy two different cooking styles in a single dish: a simmering hot pot in the center and grilled meat around it. This unusual design makes it possible to enjoy a variety of ingredients at the same time, creating a hearty and nutritious dining experience....»

Stamina Tororo Rice Bowl is a local specialty developed in Shichinohe Town, Aomori Prefecture, around the time the Tohoku Shinkansen began service. The dish makes generous use of two of the area's well-known agricultural products: Shichinohe nagaimo Japanese mountain yam and garlic....»

Odzuke Batto is a traditional local dish from the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. It is a hearty miso-based soup filled with ingredients such as green onions, shiitake mushrooms, burdock root, Chinese cabbage, and pork. What makes the dish particularly distinctive is the addition of warm potato dumplings made from mashed potatoes and potato starch....»

Tara no Tazu Nabe is a traditional hot pot dish from Aomori Prefecture made with cod and its rich, creamy milt. In the local dialect, “tazu” refers to cod milt, also known as shirako in Japanese. The dish combines pieces of cod with milt and simmers them in a savory soy sauce-based broth, allowing diners to enjoy the rich flavors of the fish in one comforting meal....»

Himemasu is a type of freshwater salmonid known for its beautiful pink-colored flesh, rich fat, delicate sweetness, and pleasant texture. Today, it is one of the specialties associated with Lake Towada, which lies on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures....»

Niaekko is a traditional local dish from the Shimokita region of Aomori Prefecture. It is made by combining finely cut vegetables and wild mountain vegetables with crumbled tofu, then seasoning and simmering the mixture until the moisture has been cooked away. The result is a simple yet flavorful dish that makes the most of ingredients traditionally available in the local area....»

Aomori Prefecture is by far the largest garlic-producing region in Japan and is famous for its high-quality garlic. In particular, Takko Town and the Minamitsugaru area are well known for garlic production. Takko Town has even gained nationwide recognition as a “town of garlic.”...»

When people think of monkfish in Japan, monkfish hot pot, or ankō nabe, is probably the dish that comes to mind first. In the Shimokita region of Aomori Prefecture, however, monkfish is traditionally enjoyed in a different way: ankō no tomo-ae. This local specialty combines monkfish meat, skin, and other edible parts with its rich liver, often described as the “foie gras of the sea.” The ingredie...»

Ajigasawa Town in Aomori Prefecture is well known for its traditional dried seafood. Located along the Sea of Japan, the town has a long history of drying freshly caught fish and seafood in the natural sea breeze. The combination of wind, salt, and time helps concentrate the seafood's natural umami, creating flavorful dried products enjoyed by both local residents and visitors....»

Tsugaru, in western Aomori Prefecture, is blessed with rich fishing grounds along the Sea of Japan. The region is well known for its distinctive local cuisine, which makes use of abundant seafood as well as vegetables, wild mountain plants, and preserved foods. The area's deep winter snow and surrounding seas have also played an important role in shaping its food culture. Before modern refrigerat...»

Aomori Shamorock is a premium Japanese free-range chicken developed in Aomori Prefecture. It is known for its finely textured meat, firm yet delicate bite, and especially rich flavor. Because the meat contains abundant amounts of the savory compounds glutamic acid and inosinic acid, it produces a deep and flavorful broth when cooked. One of the best ways to appreciate these qualities is in a trad...»

Shiso-maki ume-zuke is a traditional food from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. It is made by wrapping pitted pickled plums or apricots in fragrant red shiso leaves and lightly sweetening them. The combination of the refreshing aroma of shiso and the sweet-and-sour flavor of the fruit makes this a popular traditional treat....»

Goshogawara Age Taiyaki is a popular local specialty of Goshogawara City in Aomori Prefecture. As its name suggests, this unique version of taiyaki is made by deep-frying a freshly made taiyaki in oil and then coating it with sugar....»

Sea cucumber is an essential ingredient in traditional New Year's cuisine in Aomori Prefecture. It is found along much of Aomori's coastline and is particularly abundant in Mutsu Bay. Known for its distinctive crunchy, chewy texture, sea cucumber is considered a special delicacy in the region....»

Yokohama Town in Aomori Prefecture is known as a town of beautiful seasonal scenery, including fields of bright yellow rapeseed flowers. Along its coastline, the calm waters of Mutsu Bay meet broad, shallow rocky areas. These coastal conditions have supported a traditional sea cucumber fishery for more than 300 years. Sea cucumber remains one of Yokohama Town's best-known local specialties and ha...»

Aramaki salmon is a traditional Japanese preserved food made by salting and air-drying whole salmon. In Aomori Prefecture, it was once said that New Year's celebrations could not begin without aramaki salmon. For generations, it has been an important part of winter and New Year's food culture throughout the region....»

Misawa Hirui-ka is a premium brand of Japanese flying squid caught off the coast of Misawa City in Aomori Prefecture. Aomori is Japan's leading squid-producing prefecture, and the squid landed at Misawa is particularly well known for its exceptional freshness. The name hirui-ka literally refers to squid caught during the daytime. The fishing grounds off Misawa along the Pacific coast are rich in ...»

Hakkoda Beef is a rare type of Japanese Shorthorn beef raised on farms at the foot of the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori Prefecture. At an elevation of approximately 500 meters, the surrounding landscape is covered with natural forests of beech and oak, providing a cool and clean environment for raising cattle. Unlike highly marbled beef that is valued primarily for its abundant fat, Hakkoda Beef is...»

Ogawara Lake Beef is a local specialty of Aomori Prefecture, raised in the natural surroundings of Lake Ogawara. The lake is the largest in Aomori and is famous for its abundant natural environment, diverse ecosystem, and the many migratory birds that visit its shores. Surrounded by clean air and expansive pastureland, the cattle are raised in a spacious natural setting. The name Ogawara Lake Bee...»

Aomori Shorthorn Beef is a rare variety of Japanese Shorthorn beef raised in northern Tohoku. Sometimes described as one of Japan's four major Wagyu varieties, it is known for its healthy, lean meat with relatively little fat. The cattle are raised in the great outdoors, where they graze on pasture and grow naturally in spacious surroundings. This traditional approach to raising cattle gives the ...»

Tokiwa Eggs are fresh brown-shelled eggs produced by Tokiwa Yokei, a poultry farm based in Fujisaki Town in southern Aomori Prefecture. Known for their firm, springy egg whites and yolks, these eggs are produced with an emphasis on careful poultry management, food safety, and the natural qualities of the egg. The laying hens are a purely Japanese breed called Goto Momiji. They are raised in open,...»

Aomori Shamorock is a high-quality Japanese local chicken developed by the poultry division of the Aomori Prefectural Livestock Experiment Station. It was created through a carefully planned breeding program that took 20 years to complete, combining the excellent qualities of two chicken breeds originating in Aomori. The chickens are raised slowly and carefully for approximately twice as long as ...»

Yamazaki Pork is a regional brand of pork produced in Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture. The pigs are raised at a dedicated farm under carefully controlled sanitary conditions and fed a carefully selected, purely plant-based diet....»

Megami no Ringo, meaning “Goddess's Apple,” is a distinctive black apple vinegar drink made exclusively from fully ripened apples grown in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, one of Japan's leading apple-producing areas. It combines the natural qualities of apples with the benefits of fermentation in a mellow, richly flavored vinegar that is designed to be enjoyed as part of everyday life....»

A Traditional Mushroom Deeply Rooted in Aomori's Food Culture Samodashi is one of the mushrooms closely associated with autumn in Aomori Prefecture. Known in Japanese as naratake, it is a wild edible mushroom that has been enjoyed in Japan for generations. The mushroom is known by different regional names throughout Japan. In Hokkaido, it is often called boribori, while in Iwate it is known as b...»

Masshigura is a rice variety developed in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. It combines an attractive appearance with good flavor and a satisfying texture, making it one of the varieties associated with Aomori's rice-growing tradition. The grains are relatively large and produce beautifully white and glossy rice when cooked. Masshigura has a moderate firmness and a pleasant bite, with less stick...»

Premium Nagaimo Grown in Aomori's Dramatic Climate Aomori-grown nagaimo (Japanese mountain yam) is renowned throughout Japan for both its production volume and quality. Aomori is one of Japan's leading producers, accounting for approximately 40% of the nagaimo distributed in Japan. The large temperature differences between day and night, particularly in Aomori's inland areas, create favorable co...»

Bokeshirazu Negi is a variety of Japanese green onion grown in Aomori Prefecture. It is particularly popular during the colder months and is an excellent ingredient for Japanese hot-pot dishes. The name comes from the variety's distinctive appearance. The bright green leaves and white stalk have a clear, sharply defined boundary, giving the onion a clean and attractive appearance....»

Apios is a nutritious root vegetable believed to have been introduced to Japan from North America. Its scientific name is Apios americana, and in Japan it is commonly called apios, hodo, or hodoimo. It is also known as the American groundnut or potato bean in English. Japan also has a native species of hodoimo, but it is mostly found growing wild and is only cultivated on a limited scale. In cont...»

Shimizumori Namba is a traditional chili pepper from Aomori Prefecture with a history of more than 400 years. Unlike many hot chili peppers, it is known for its relatively mild heat and a distinctive natural sweetness. The large fruits can grow to an impressive length, sometimes reaching roughly the size of a person's face. Shimizumori Namba contains less of the compounds responsible for pungency...»

Aomori-grown burdock root is one of the prefecture's major agricultural products. Aomori is among Japan's leading burdock-producing regions in both cultivated area and shipment volume. Burdock root is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, valued for its distinctive aroma, earthy flavor, and crisp, satisfying texture. It is also naturally low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, making it a ...»

Kogyoku Apple Pie is a handmade apple pie produced by Tamura Farm, an apple-growing farm in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. Made generously with fully ripened Kogyoku apples grown in Aomori, this pie reflects the knowledge and dedication of a family of apple farmers. Kogyoku, also known as the Jonathan apple, is a traditional Japanese apple variety often considered particularly well suited to m...»

Inochi Apple is a popular confectionery from Aomori Prefecture made with a soft, fluffy steamed cake filled with two contrasting layers of flavor. Inside the delicate cake is a smooth, creamy custard, while the center contains a fruity apple sauce made with Aomori-grown apples. The soft texture of the steamed cake pairs beautifully with the refreshing sweet-and-tart flavor of the apple sauce. Wit...»

Torai is a new Japanese sake brand created by Rokka Shuzo, a sake brewery in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. The brewery has a history stretching back approximately 300 years and places great importance on traditional craftsmanship and careful, hands-on sake making....»

Osorezan Beer is a unique Japanese craft beer brewed at Bai-kozan Sotokuji Temple, located at the foot of the Osorezan mountain range in Aomori Prefecture. What makes this beer particularly unusual is that it is brewed using natural spring water from the temple grounds. In Europe, beers brewed at monasteries are well known, particularly Trappist beer. Japan also has its own rare tradition of temp...»

Hato Masamune is a traditional sake brewery based in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. Founded in 1899, the brewery has a long history of producing locally rooted Japanese sake. Hato Masamune uses rice grown in Aomori Prefecture together with pure underground water from the Hakkoda and Oirase areas as its brewing water. By combining these local ingredients with traditional sake-making techniques, t...»

Shichirobei is a traditional dry sake brewed by Takenami Shuzoten, a small family-run brewery in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. The brewery is said to have been established during the Shōhō era (1644–1648), giving it one of the longest histories of any sake brewery in Aomori. One of the distinctive features of the brewery is its small-scale, family-based approach. Every stage of product...»

Oirase Beer is a local craft beer brewed with carefully selected malt and hops using clear underground water from the Hakkoda Mountains, the same pristine water that forms the source of the Oirase River. The beer has been produced since 1997 at the Oirase Brewery, located within Michi-no-Eki Oirase (Oirase Roman Park), a spacious roadside station near the entrance to the famous Oirase Stream in A...»

Rokkon is a series of Japanese sake produced by Shōroku Shuzō, a small, long-established brewery located west of Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture. The brewery was founded in 1904 and has a history deeply connected to sake making in the Hirosaki area. Shōroku Shuzō had already been involved in the production of sake starter (shubo) since the Edo period. In 1904, the brewery changed its busines...»

Tsugaru Peninsula is a distinctive local Japanese sake named after one of the best-known peninsulas in Aomori Prefecture. With its bold, dry character and ingredients sourced entirely from Aomori, it was created as a sake that expresses the strength and character of the northern land....»

Shirakami is a distinctive Japanese sake made using pure underground water from the Shirakami Mountains and a traditional brewing method known as Yamahai. Rather than relying on added lactic acid, Yamahai brewing allows naturally occurring lactic acid bacteria to play an important role in the brewing process. This approach gives Shirakami a deep, complex character while expressing the natural env...»

Seiken Hatorazu Apple Juice is a 100% straight apple juice made entirely from apples grown in Aomori Prefecture. It contains no added sugar, water, or flavorings, allowing you to enjoy the natural taste of the apples just as they are. When it comes to 100% apple juice, there are two main types. One is straight juice, made by squeezing the apples and putting the juice directly into containers. The...»

Shiny Apple Juice is one of the best-known apple juice brands from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The Kin no Nebuta (Golden Nebuta) and Gin no Nebuta (Silver Nebuta) varieties are 100% straight apple juices made from apples grown in Aomori. The Shiny brand is produced mainly by Aomori Apple Juice Co., Ltd., a company founded in 1958. The company grows approximately 600 tons of apples a year, or around...»

Shiny Sparkling Apple is a non-alcoholic carbonated apple drink made with 100% apples from Aomori Prefecture. It combines the juicy freshness of ripe apples with the clean, refreshing sensation of sparkling soda. The drink offers a bright and lively mouthfeel, with a pleasant burst of carbonation and a crisp finish. Because it is made from Aomori apples, you can enjoy the natural fruity character...»

Hot Apple Juice is a unique apple drink developed in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, where apple growing has been an important part of local culture for more than a century. While apple juice is a familiar drink in Japan, this version is specially blended to be enjoyed warm, making it particularly appealing during the cold months of northern Japan....»

Kininaru Ringo is a distinctive apple pie made with an entire Fuji apple grown in Aomori Prefecture. Instead of cutting the apple into pieces and simmering it until soft, the whole apple is soaked in a special syrup, wrapped in thin pastry, and slowly baked. The most remarkable feature is its crisp, juicy texture. With every bite, the apple retains so much of its natural crunch that it can almost...»

Soft Ringo is a unique Japanese apple snack made by freeze-drying fresh apples from Aomori Prefecture. The apples are cut into slices approximately 1 cm thick and then freeze-dried without adding unnecessary ingredients. The slices retain the natural shape and character of the apples. In some pieces, the center is neatly cut out in a circle where the core was removed, while the original seeds may...»

Stamina Gen Tare is a popular all-purpose seasoning sauce from Aomori Prefecture, made by bringing together a generous selection of local ingredients. It is a familiar staple in many Aomori households and is widely used for cooking, dipping, marinating, and seasoning. The sauce is produced by Kamihoku Agricultural Products Processing Cooperative, an agricultural cooperative that has continued to ...»

Asa no Hakkoda, meaning “Morning in Hakkoda,” is a distinctive cheesecake inspired by the peaceful scenery of the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori Prefecture. Imagine a morning on a lush green highland. A soft white mist drifts across the landscape, while the sounds of birds beginning to sing and animals stirring in the distance gradually fill the quiet air. This gentle and refreshing atmosphere inspi...»

Tawawa is a distinctive confectionery created in Aomori, one of Japan's best-known apple-growing regions. It is a unique Japanese-style apple pie that combines sweet-tart Aomori apples with rich, buttery pastry....»

Pâtissier's Ringo Stick is a popular stick-shaped apple pie made with Aomori-grown apples. It combines three enjoyable textures—crisp, juicy apple; soft sponge cake; and flaky, crunchy pastry—in a convenient snack-sized format....»

Tabisachi is a charming miniature apple pie made with Aomori-grown apples. Its most distinctive feature is its shape: the pastry resembles an apple that has been cut in half, creating a playful appearance that reflects the sweet at the heart of Aomori's apple-growing culture....»

Dakekimi Ice Cream is a distinctive local ice cream made with Dakekimi, a premium variety of sweet corn grown in the Dake Highlands at the foot of Mount Iwaki in Aomori Prefecture....»

Nawa Karintō is a traditional confectionery from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture. It is a distinctive type of karintō, a classic Japanese snack made from fried wheat-flour dough, known for its hard, crunchy texture and gentle sweetness....»

Mame Shitogi is a traditional Japanese sweet from the Nanbu region of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. It is made by kneading rice flour with cooked soybeans rather than wrapping the dough around sweet red bean paste. With its simple ingredients and gentle sweetness, Mame Shitogi is a distinctive example of the region’s traditional food culture....»

Lovely Pie is a popular apple pie from Aomori Prefecture, a region famous throughout Japan for its high-quality apples. It combines the gentle sweetness of custard cream with the refreshing tartness of apples, all wrapped in layers of fragrant, flaky pastry....»

Dake Kimi Pudding is a rich and creamy Japanese pudding made with “Dake Kimi,” a famous brand of sweet corn grown in the foothills of Mount Iwaki in Aomori Prefecture. The pudding captures the natural sweetness and distinctive flavor of this locally grown corn in a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth dessert....»

Dake Kimi Roll Cake is a Japanese dessert made with “Dake Kimi,” a premium brand of sweet corn grown in the foothills of Mount Iwaki in Aomori Prefecture. The natural sweetness and delicate aroma of the corn are incorporated throughout the cake, creating a gentle flavor that is easy to enjoy....»

Koyama Senbei is a traditional Japanese rice cracker from Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, known for combining the familiar crisp texture of senbei with high-quality nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. Each cracker is carefully hand-baked one by one by skilled craftsmen, preserving the satisfying crunch of traditional senbei while adding the rich flavors and textures of premium nuts....»

Kombu Yokan is a distinctive Japanese sweet from Aomori Prefecture, a region long known for its production of kombu, or edible kelp. This traditional yokan combines the smooth texture of a classic Japanese confection with the subtle aroma of the sea....»

Cassis Yokan is a unique Japanese confection from Aomori Prefecture that combines the traditional texture of yokan with the sweet and tart flavor of locally grown cassis, also known as blackcurrant. The refreshing acidity of the fruit creates a flavor profile that is somewhat reminiscent of a Western-style dessert....»

Minamiya Mackerel in Water is a popular canned seafood product made with fatty autumn-caught mackerel from Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. Aomori is one of Japan's major mackerel-producing regions, and mackerel has long been an important part of the area's seafood culture....»

Aomori Gift: Chilled Apple Soup is a smooth and refreshing soup made entirely with 100% Aomori-grown apples and cream cheese. With a gentle sweetness and a pleasant balance of fruity acidity and creamy richness, it offers a unique way to enjoy one of Aomori's most famous agricultural products....»

Apple Vinaigrette is a light and fruity dressing made with apples from Itayanagi Town in Aomori Prefecture. Combining the gentle sweetness and refreshing character of ripe apples with vinegar, this oil-free dressing adds a delicate fruity flavor to a wide variety of dishes....»

Hotate Fish Sauce is a distinctive Japanese fermented seasoning developed in Yokohama Town, Aomori Prefecture, one of the region's major scallop-producing areas. Made with scallops from Mutsu Bay and apples from Aomori, this unique fish sauce combines the rich umami of scallops with the gentle aroma and freshness of local apples....»

Basashi Ham is a distinctive specialty made from high-quality horse meat produced in Aomori Prefecture. It combines the tender texture and delicate flavor associated with basashi—Japanese-style raw horse meat—with the familiar form of ham....»

Usu-Beni is a luxurious Japanese confection made from Jonathan apples grown in Aomori Prefecture. The apples are sliced into round pieces, gently simmered in sugar, and then dried to create a fruit glacé with a pleasantly chewy texture and a refined balance of sweetness and acidity....»

Tsugaru Nabeyaki Udon is a popular local udon dish from the Tsugaru area of Aomori Prefecture. It is so widely known and enjoyed throughout the prefecture that it is sometimes described as a food that almost every Aomori resident knows. The product is made by Takasago Foods, a long-established food manufacturer founded in 1907 (Meiji 40). The company reportedly sells around 2.5 million servings e...»

Honey-Infused Apple Vinegar is a flavorful health-oriented drink made by adding honey to naturally fermented apple vinegar aged in oak barrels. Apple vinegar is widely known as an ingredient associated with beauty and healthy eating, but its sharp acidity can make it difficult to drink on its own. This apple vinegar offers a gentler way to enjoy it, thanks to the natural sweetness of honey. It ca...»

Aomori Nebarigoshi Udon with Soy Sauce is a regional Japanese noodle specialty made by Takasago Foods, a long-established food manufacturer founded in 1907 (Meiji 40). The company has developed its own noodle-making techniques while making the most of locally sourced ingredients from Aomori. The highlight of this udon is the noodle itself. Made with 100% Aomori-grown wheat flour from Nebarigoshi ...»

Mejaa Hiyamugi is a popular summer-only noodle from Aomori Prefecture. The name “Mejaa” comes from the Tsugaru dialect of Aomori and means “delicious.” True to its name, this refreshing hiyamugi has become such a familiar local favorite that it is said to be well known among people throughout the prefecture. Hiyamugi is a traditional Japanese wheat noodle that is thinner than regular udon and is ...»

Yaki-Boshi Ramen is a distinctive local ramen from Aomori Prefecture, known for its deeply flavorful broth made from yaki-boshi, a traditional Japanese method of roasting and drying sardines. The sardines used for this specialty come from Mutsu Bay, where high-quality sardines have long supported the region's food culture. Yaki-boshi is valued for its ability to concentrate the natural umami and ...»

Beni-Zake Izushi is a traditional preserved food from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, created through the wisdom of people living in Japan's cold northern regions. It combines the natural bounty of Tsugaru with traditional fermentation techniques that have been passed down through generations. Izushi is a type of narezushi, a traditional Japanese fermented food in which fresh fish is pre...»

Banfu Art Museum is a privately operated art museum located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. The museum is operated by Hafu Co., Ltd. Rather than maintaining a permanent collection of original artworks, the museum specializes in exhibitions of highly detailed reproductions created using an original technique known as “Digital Hikobide-ga”, or digital light-brush paintings. By combining advan...»

Yokien Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located in Kikkocho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. It is situated within the grounds of the tourist attraction Tsugaru-han Neputa Village and is one of the representative gardens of the Oishi Bugaku-ryu style of landscape gardening that flourished in the Tsugaru region. Recognized for its historical and artistic value, Yokien Garden is designated a...»

Yachi Onsen is a secluded hot spring resort in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of the Hakkoda Mountains. Known as one of Japan's “Three Great Secret Hot Springs”, the hot spring is said to have a history of approximately 400 years. Located at an elevation of around 800 meters in the mountains, Yachi Onsen consists of a traditional single lodging facil...»

Asamushi Onsen is a historic seaside hot spring resort in Asamushi, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Located along Mutsu Bay and surrounded by mountains, it has long been enjoyed as both a traditional hot spring retreat and a sightseeing destination. Once known as the “Atami of Tohoku” and the “inner parlor of Aomori,” Asamushi Onsen developed as a resort where visitors could enjoy hot springs, co...»

Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse is a cultural and tourism facility located in the waterfront area of Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Opened on January 5, 2011, the museum introduces the history, artistry, and excitement of the Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of Aomori's most famous summer festivals, throughout the year. The facility offers visitors an opportunity to experience the world of Nebuta beyond the f...»

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...»

Aomori Waterfront, also known as the Aomori Bay Area or Aomori Bayside, is a lively sightseeing and cultural district stretching along the coast northeast of Aomori Station. Once an important base for the Seikan Ferry, which connected Aomori and Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait, the waterfront was redeveloped after the ferry service ended. Today, the area is home to a collection of museums, cul...»

Tappizaki Cape is the northernmost point of the Tsugaru Peninsula, located in Sotogahama Town, Higashitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. Jutting dramatically into the Tsugaru Strait, the cape offers spectacular views of the surrounding sea. On clear days, visitors can see across the strait to the Matsumae Peninsula of Hokkaido. Designated as part of the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park, Tappizaki is...»

Michi-no-Eki Namioka, also known as Apple Hill, is a popular roadside station located along National Route 7 in Namioka, Aomori City. Situated roughly halfway between Aomori City and Hirosaki City, it is a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region by car. Like other Michi-no-Eki, or Japanese roadside stations, Apple Hill provides a comfortable place to take a break during a journey. The ...»

Mount Bonju, standing 468 meters above sea level, is a scenic mountain located between Aomori City and Goshogawara City in Aomori Prefecture. Known as a peaceful forest recreation area, the mountain offers beautiful scenery throughout the year and is a popular destination for hiking, nature observation, and leisurely walks. From the summit, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the Tsugaru Pla...»

Aomori City Forestry Museum is a comprehensive museum dedicated to forests, forestry, and the relationship between people and nature. It is located in Yanagawa, Aomori City, and occupies the former Aomori Forestry Bureau building, constructed in 1908 during the Meiji period. The historic building is a beautiful example of Western-style wooden architecture influenced by the Renaissance style. It i...»

The Aomori Contemporary Art Centre (ACAC), officially known as the International Art Center Aomori at Aomori Public University, is a public art center surrounded by the forests and natural landscapes of Aomori City. As an affiliated facility of Aomori Public University, it serves as an important cultural hub where artists, students, local residents, and visitors can encounter contemporary art. AC...»

Seiryu-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple and the Aomori branch temple of Koyasan, located in the countryside on the outskirts of Aomori City. It attracts worshippers and visitors from Japan and abroad with its impressive temple buildings, peaceful natural surroundings, and the enormous Showa Great Buddha. The temple grounds are home to the Showa Great Buddha, a monumental bronze seated statue of Dai...»

Hirota Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Nagashima, Aomori City, with a history of more than 1,000 years. Situated along National Route 4, east of JR Aomori Station and close to Aomori City Hall and the Aomori District Court, the shrine is conveniently located in the heart of the city. Despite its urban surroundings, the shrine grounds have a peaceful and solemn atmosphere. For centur...»

Gappo Park is a historic urban park located on the eastern side of central Aomori City. Loved by local residents for generations, it is one of the city's best-known green spaces and a popular destination for enjoying nature and outdoor activities throughout the year. Covering approximately 17 hectares, the park is home to a variety of facilities, including a baseball stadium, tennis courts, and a...»

Aomori Kita no Mahoroba History Museum is a museum in Aomori City that introduces the region’s history, traditional culture, and everyday life. It opened in July 2015 as a place where visitors can learn about Aomori through a wide variety of historical and folk-cultural materials. The museum’s collection covers a remarkably broad period, from the Jomon period to the modern era. Exhibits include J...»

Mutsu City is located in the Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori Prefecture and is the northernmost city on the island of Honshu, Japan’s main island. With a vast municipal area, Mutsu is the largest municipality in Aomori Prefecture by administrative area and serves as a central city for the Shimokita region. Surrounded by mountains, forests, bays, and lakes, Mutsu offers a remarkable combination of n...»

Lake Usori is a mysterious crater lake located in the heart of the Shimokita Peninsula in northern Aomori Prefecture. Surrounded by the mountains of Mount Osore, the lake forms part of the sacred landscape of Osorezan. The entire lake lies within Mutsu City and is included in the Shimokita Peninsula Quasi-National Park. The official name used by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan is Us...»

Mount Kamafuse is a prominent mountain in Mutsu City on the Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori Prefecture. Rising to 878.2 meters, it is the highest peak in the Osorezan mountain range and is known for its distinctive volcanic landscape. Surrounded by the beautiful nature of northern Japan, Mount Kamafuse offers impressive scenery throughout the year. From its observation area, visitors can look acros...»

Kawauchi Dam is located in Fukuurayama, Kawauchi Town, Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. The dam was constructed on the upper reaches of the Kawauchi River, a Class B river in the Kawauchi River system. It is widely known as the northernmost dam on Honshu, Japan’s main island. The dam plays an important role in flood control and securing a stable water supply for the surrounding region. At the same ...»

Taijima Island is an uninhabited island located approximately 800 meters offshore from Cape Ushinokubi in the Wakinosawa area of Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. The island lies in Mutsu Bay and is part of the Shimokita Peninsula Quasi-National Park. On December 10, 1975, the waters surrounding the island were also designated as a marine park, formerly known as an underwater park. With its unusual ...»

Yagen Hot Springs Resort is a peaceful hot spring destination along the Ohata River in the Ohata area of Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. Surrounded by the primeval forests of the Shimokita Peninsula Quasi-National Park, the resort offers visitors a chance to relax while listening to the gentle sound of the river and enjoying the rich greenery of the mountains. The name “Yagen” is said to have orig...»

Yunokawa Hot Spring is a historic hot spring destination in Yunokawa, Kawauchi Town, Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. Tucked deep within the natural landscapes of the Shimokita Peninsula, the hot spring area lies quietly along the Yunokawa mountain stream. Surrounded by forests and the sound of flowing water, Yunokawa Hot Spring has long provided visitors with a peaceful place to relax and recover ...»

Mutsu Science and Technology Museum is a science museum located next to Sekinehama Port in the northern part of Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. The museum was opened on Marine Day in 1996 to preserve the history of Mutsu, Japan's first nuclear-powered ship, while providing visitors with opportunities to discover the fascinating world of science and technology. The building itself is designed to re...»

Keiran is a traditional local dish associated particularly with the Shimokita region of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. It consists of smooth, white mochi-like dumplings filled with sweet anko, or sweet red bean paste. The dumplings are placed in a bowl and served with a fragrant, soy sauce-based broth made from ingredients such as kelp and shiitake mushrooms. The name “Keiran” is said to co...»

Ominato Nebuta is a traditional summer festival held every year in early August in the Ominato and Jogasawa districts of Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. With a history spanning more than 130 years, the festival features large illuminated nebuta floats created by local neighborhood associations and community groups. The floats are paraded through the streets accompanied by traditional drums, bamboo ...»

Tanabu Festival, also known as the Tanabu Shrine Annual Festival, is a traditional festival held from August 18 to 20 every year in the Tanabu district of Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. With a history of more than 370 years, it is one of the largest traditional summer festivals on the Shimokita Peninsula and has been designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Aomori Prefecture. The festiv...»

Omasaki Lighthouse stands on Benten Island, approximately 600 meters offshore from Cape Omazaki, the northernmost point of Japan's main island of Honshu. With its distinctive black-and-white exterior, the medium-sized lighthouse is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the northern coast of the Shimokita Peninsula. Because of its scenic beauty and historical importance, Omasaki Lighthouse ...»

Oma Town, located in Shimokita County, Aomori Prefecture, is famous as the northernmost town on Japan's main island of Honshu. Facing the Tsugaru Strait at the northwestern tip of the Shimokita Peninsula, Oma is surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery, forests, and the waters that have sustained a long-standing fishing culture. The town is particularly famous for Oma Tuna, a premium tuna brand kno...»

Cape Shiriyazaki is located in Higashidori Village, Shimokita County, Aomori Prefecture, and forms the northeastern tip of the Shimokita Peninsula. The cape faces the Tsugaru Strait to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the east, creating a dramatic coastal landscape where different ocean currents meet. The area is particularly famous for the Kandachime, hardy horses that are allowed to graze fre...»

Shimofuro Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in the Shimofuro district of Kazamaura Village, Shimokita County, Aomori Prefecture. Located on the northernmost peninsula of Honshu, the resort faces the Tsugaru Strait, with views toward Hokkaido across the water. Because of its location, Shimofuro Onsen is known as the third-northernmost hot spring resort on Honshu. One of its greatest attraction...»

Shiriyazaki Lighthouse stands at the tip of Cape Shiriyazaki in Higashidori Village, Shimokita County, Aomori Prefecture. Its brilliant white exterior makes it an iconic landmark at the northeastern edge of Honshu, Japan's main island. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and selected as one of the 50 Best Lighthouses in Japan, the lighthouse has considerable historical and cultu...»

A-FACTORY is a food and culture complex located just a two-minute walk from Aomori Station. Situated in Aomori's waterfront district, the facility enjoys an open and scenic setting with Mutsu Bay directly in front and the Aomori Bay Bridge rising behind it. The building is instantly recognizable by its row of six triangular roofs. Its design combines the character of Aomori as a historic port tow...»

Aomori Gyosai Center, also known as Furukawa Market, is one of Aomori City's best-known food markets. Located about a five-minute walk from JR Aomori Station, the market is an easy stop for travelers exploring the city. With Aomori Bay nearby, the market brings together fresh seafood and other local foods from the surrounding region. Locals have affectionately called it “Furukawa Market” for many...»

Auga Fresh Market is a lively food market located on the basement level of the Auga shopping and commercial complex, just in front of Aomori Station. Known as a “kitchen for the people of Aomori,” the market is loved by local residents for its fresh ingredients and emphasis on quality. Its convenient location makes it an easy stop for travelers arriving by train, while its lively atmosphere also ...»

Aomori Bay Bridge is a large bridge spanning the waterfront of Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. It plays an important role in supporting traffic around Aomori Port and was originally constructed to help reduce congestion caused by freight transportation in the port area. Today, however, the bridge is appreciated not only for its practical function but also for its distinctive appearance. With its ...»

Aomori Station Beach is an artificial beach created by restoring a former waterfront pier used by the Seikan Ferry, which once connected Aomori on Honshu with Hokkaido. The project aimed to recreate the area's former sandy shoreline while helping restore local ecosystems and the traditional relationship between the people of Aomori and the sea. The beach opened in July 2021 as a new waterfront at...»

Yogoshiyama Forest Park is a municipal forest park in Hiranai Town, Higashitsugaru County, Aomori Prefecture. Surrounded by abundant nature, the park combines botanical gardens, outdoor recreation facilities, a ski area, a campground, and hot springs, making it one of the area's major destinations for enjoying the outdoors. With something to experience in every season, Yogoshiyama Forest Park wel...»

Uto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Yasugata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. The shrine is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Aomori City and has long been closely connected with the history and daily life of the local community. For more than 1,200 years, Uto Shrine has been regarded as the general guardian shrine of Aomori. It has stood here since the area was known as U...»

Jogakura Ohashi Bridge is a spectacular bridge located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Aomori Prefecture. It carries National Route 394, an important road connecting the Tsugaru and Nanbu areas of northern Aomori. Opened on October 27, 1995, the bridge stretches approximately 360 meters across the Jogakura Valley. With an arch span of approximately 255 meters, it is known as one of Jap...»

Jomon Jiyukan is the visitor and guidance center at the entrance to the Sannai Maruyama Site, a Special Historic Site in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Sannai Maruyama is one of the central sites of the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, which were inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage property. The facility provides an introduction to the archaeological site and helps visitors u...»

Jogakura Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Arakawa, Aomori City, at the western foot of Mount Ōdake, the highest peak of the Hakkōda Mountains. Surrounded by a vast natural forest of Japanese beech trees, the area offers a tranquil setting where visitors can relax while feeling closely connected to the surrounding wilderness. The hot spring water is used at the bathing facilities of HOTEL J...»

Asamushi Onsen Nebuta Festival is a traditional summer festival held in the Asamushi Onsen district of Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Nebuta festivals are best known through major events in Aomori City and Hirosaki, but Asamushi Onsen is also said to be one of the places where the tradition originated. Because the festival takes place in a historic hot-spring town, it offers a distinctive atmosp...»

Hotate Plaza is a sightseeing and local food facility in Hiranai Town, Aomori Prefecture, an area renowned for producing some of Japan's largest quantities of farmed scallops. The facility offers visitors an opportunity to taste, see, and learn about Aomori's rich marine resources, with scallops from Mutsu Bay taking center stage. Fresh seafood, local agricultural products, processed foods, and r...»

Yunoshima Island is a small uninhabited island floating in Aomori Bay, in the western part of Mutsu Bay, just offshore from Asamushi Onsen. The entire island belongs to Aomori City and has long been cherished as a symbol of Asamushi Onsen. The distinctive silhouette of the island can be seen across the water from the hot-spring town, creating one of the most recognizable scenic views of Asamushi....»

Sunset Beach Asamushi is an artificial beach located in the Asamushi Onsen area of Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. The beach takes its name from its spectacular views of the sun setting over the Tsugaru Peninsula. With the calm waters of Mutsu Bay stretching out before you and the distinctive island of Yunoshima just offshore, the beach is a popular destination for swimming, sightseeing, and enjoy...»

Roadside Station Asamushi Onsen “Yu~sa Asamushi” is a roadside station in the Asamushi area of Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Combining a hot spring facility with shops, dining, and tourist information, it serves as a convenient base for exploring the Asamushi Onsen area. The facility is located along National Route 4, directly in front of Asamushi-Onsen Station on the Aoimori Railway Line. Its ...»

A Simple Local Confection with a Long History Kujira Mochi is a traditional Japanese steamed rice cake that has been enjoyed for generations, particularly in Ajigasawa Town and the Asamushi Onsen area of Aomori City. Although it is commonly written with the Japanese character for “whale” (鯨), it contains no whale meat. Instead, it is a simple confection made primarily from rice flour. The same t...»

A Beautiful Island at the Tip of the Natsudomari Peninsula Oshima Island, also known as Mutsu Oshima, is located in Hiranai Town, Higashitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. The island lies in the central part of Mutsu Bay, just offshore from Natsudomari Cape, the northern tip of the Natsudomari Peninsula. One of the island's greatest attractions is its easy access. A footbridge connects Oshima ...»

Natsudomari Peninsula is a scenic, nature-rich peninsula that extends prominently into Mutsu Bay in central Aomori Prefecture. The entire peninsula is located within Hiranai Town and has long been appreciated for its beautiful combination of mountains, coastline, history, and local culture. The area was designated as part of Asamushi-Natsudomari Prefectural Natural Park in 1953. Its varied landsc...»

A Town Shaped by Japan's Northern Maritime History Ominato, in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, has a long history as an important maritime and defense base in northern Japan. Its development as a military port began in 1902, when the former Imperial Japanese Navy Ominato Torpedo Squadron was established here. After the end of World War II, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Ominato District wa...»

A Lighthouse Surrounded by Three Seas Tappizaki Lighthouse stands at the tip of Cape Tappizaki, the northernmost point of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture. Its striking white cylindrical structure stands against the dramatic coastal landscape, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in this remote part of northern Japan. The area around the lighthouse is part of the Tsugaru Qu...»

Roadside Station Minmaya, also known by the nickname “Tappizaki,” is located along National Route 339 in Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture. Situated at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, it is a convenient base for exploring an area surrounded by the Sea of Japan and the Tsugaru Strait. The surrounding area is part of the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park, where visitors can experience the...»

Seikan Tunnel Memorial Museum is located at Cape Tappizaki, at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture. The museum tells the story of the Seikan Tunnel, one of Japan's most ambitious civil engineering projects, and allows visitors to learn about the technology, history, and human effort behind its construction. Connecting Honshu and Hokkaido, the Seikan...»

Staircase National Route 339 is one of Japan's most unusual roads. Located near Cape Tappizaki in the Tatsuhama area of Minmaya, Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture, this remarkable section of National Route 339 is officially designated as a national highway even though it consists entirely of stairs. Cars and motorcycles cannot use this section. It is reserved for pedestrians, making it a truly u...»

Seikan Tunnel Entrance Plaza is located in Imabetsu Town, Aomori Prefecture, and offers visitors a rare opportunity to see the Honshu-side entrance of the Seikan Tunnel up close. The Seikan Tunnel is one of Japan's most ambitious national infrastructure projects, connecting the main island of Honshu with Hokkaido beneath the Tsugaru Strait. Standing at the entrance plaza, visitors can appreciate ...»

Roadside Station Imabetsu Hanto Plaza Askuru: A Convenient Gateway to Okutsugaru Roadside Station Imabetsu Hanto Plaza Askuru is located in Imabetsu Town, Aomori Prefecture, and serves as a convenient base for exploring the Okutsugaru area. The facility is particularly distinctive for its exterior design inspired by the Seikan Tunnel, reflecting Imabetsu's role as an important transportation gate...»

Horozuki Coast and Cape Takanosaki are located in Imabetsu Town, Aomori Prefecture, and are recognized as one of the most scenic areas of the Tsugaru Peninsula. The coastline, which stretches from Cape Igamazaki toward Cape Takanosaki, is part of Tsugaru Quasi-National Park and is characterized by dramatic cliffs, unusual rock formations, and rugged coastal scenery. Facing the Tsugaru Strait, the...»

Roadside Station Tairadate “Oh! Daiba” is located in the Tairadate area of Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture, within Tsugaru Quasi-National Park. Situated along National Route 280 on the eastern side of the Tsugaru Peninsula, the roadside station enjoys a beautiful location overlooking Mutsu Bay. Surrounded by the sea, mountains, and historic landscapes, the area offers a peaceful setting where ...»

Mutsu Bay Ferry is a car ferry service connecting Aomori Prefecture's two major peninsulas—the Tsugaru Peninsula and the Shimokita Peninsula. The crossing takes approximately 60 minutes, offering a much faster alternative to traveling by road, which can take around three hours. Because cars, motorcycles, and bicycles can also be carried aboard, the ferry is a convenient choice for road trips and ...»

Obijima Island is a small island located at the tip of Cape Tappizaki in Minmaya-Tatsuhama, Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture. Situated at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, the island is a scenic destination where history, legend, and dramatic coastal landscapes come together. The island is now connected to the mainland by a concrete bridge, making it easy to visit on foot. Obijima ...»

Ryubazan Gikeiji Temple is located in Minmaya, Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture. Quietly standing halfway up a mountain overlooking the Tsugaru Strait, the temple is a historic site closely associated with the legendary northern journey of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, one of Japan's most famous and tragic historical figures. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Gikeiji offers visitors not only a glimpse...»

The Tatsudomari Line is the northern section of National Route 339 that crosses the Tsugaru Peninsula. Stretching for approximately 20 kilometers between Kodomari in Nakadomari Town and Cape Tappizaki in Sotogahama Town, it is a popular scenic driving route in northern Aomori. Along the way, the scenery changes dramatically from the rugged coastline of the Sea of Japan to the mountains of the nor...»

Cape Tappizaki Tourist Information Center “Tappikan” is a tourist information facility located at Cape Tappizaki, the northernmost point of the Tsugaru Peninsula. The building was created by renovating the former Okutani Ryokan, an inn where numerous cultural figures once stayed, including renowned writer Osamu Dazai and internationally acclaimed woodblock artist Shiko Munakata. The historic buil...»

Horikoshi Castle Ruins is a nationally designated historic site in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. The castle was the final residence of Tsugaru Tamenobu, the founder and first lord of the Hirosaki Domain, and played an important role as a political, military, and administrative center of the Tsugaru region from the Warring States period through the early Edo period. Today, the former castle gr...»

Wind Town Exchange Plaza “Topmast” is a landmark tourist facility in the Kanita area of Sotogahama Town, Aomori Prefecture, offering spectacular views across Mutsu Bay. The glass-fronted building stands beside Karanoyama Park Beach and opened in 1996. With its combination of sea, sky, and the magnificent landscapes of the Tsugaru Peninsula, Topmast is a popular place to enjoy the scenery of north...»

Taga Shrine is a historic shrine located in the Higashimenya area of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. It is widely known as one of the shrines associated with the “Tsugaru Ichidai-sama” tradition, a unique form of folk worship in the Tsugaru region in which each zodiac sign has its own guardian deity. Taga Shrine is associated with the zodiac sign “Ne” (the Rat). People born in the Year of the R...»

Roadside Station Rokunohe “Maple Fureai Center” is located in Rokunohe Town, Kamikita District, Aomori Prefecture. A Roadside Station is a Japanese roadside facility where travelers can take a break while discovering local food, products, and tourist information. Maple Fureai Center is conveniently located along National Route 45, roughly halfway between Hachinohe and Towada. It is also close to ...»