Aomori sits at the northern tip of Honshu and is often divided into Tsugaru, Nanbu, and Shimokita regions. From the Nebuta Festival to Lake Towada and the beech forests of Shirakami, the prefecture blends nature and history in abundance.
Three can’t-miss highlights in Aomori.
The river-cut gorge and caldera lake weave a four-season tapestry of nature.
Oirase Gorge was carved by a cataclysmic outburst flood ~12,000 years ago! About 15,000 years ago, eruptive deposits from a flank volcano of Towada piled up. The lake then breached, unleashing a massive flood that incised today’s U-shaped valley. Along the stream you’ll find columnar joints and smoothed bedrock; the contrast of mossy forest and crystal water creates a dreamlike scene. The Towadako sightseeing boat service began in 1903, letting visitors enjoy the lake and gorge from the water in one go—and it remains a classic experience today.
An Edo-period keep and vast park famed for cherry blossoms.
Built in 1611; the park opened to the public in 1935! The original five-story tenshu (keep) was constructed in 1611. The current keep, relocated to the second bailey, is one of Japan’s precious surviving original keeps. Hirosaki Park holds around 2,600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees and has been open to the public since 1935, earning renown as “Japan’s best cherry-blossom spot.” Each mid-April the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival lights up the stone walls at night—an ethereal sight.
A World Natural Heritage site of untouched primeval beech forests and lakes.
Inscribed in 1993 as Japan’s first World Natural Heritage site! Some 130,000 ha of primeval beech forests remain, where centuries-old giants and rare wildlife coexist. The Juniko area is dotted with 33 lakes, including the famed Aoike (“Blue Pond”), whose silica-rich bottom reflects light to create a mesmerizing cobalt hue. The “Juniko Walking Trails” sightseeing route was established in 1973, allowing you to experience the hushed forest up close from well-marked paths.
Get face-to-face with full-sized Nebuta floats and feel the festival year-round.
Opened in 2007 with permanent Nebuta displays! Over 30 real floats—including 12 m–class giants—are on permanent display. Lighting and sound recreate the festival’s feverish atmosphere. The Nebuta Festival is believed to have evolved from Edo-period lantern-floating rituals, and WA-RASSE lets you experience its energy anytime. Each Aug 2–7, the floats parade through the city; magnificent Nebuta gather right in front of WA-RASSE as well.
A vast Jomon settlement park with reconstructed dwellings and exhibits.
Opened as a park in 1992! This large-scale settlement flourished from about 5,900 to 4,200 years ago; pit dwellings and raised-floor storehouses have been reconstructed. Over 10,000 artifacts—including pottery and jade ornaments—reveal extensive trade and lifestyles of the time. The park facilities opened in 1992 with learning spaces and galleries, bringing excavation results directly to visitors.
A historic hot spring on Mt. Hakkoda’s slopes, famed for its giant “Thousand-Bather Bath.”
Discovered in 1691; the Thousand-Bather Bath opened in 1953! Found in 1691 (Genroku 4), Sukayu has long served as a therapeutic spa. The vast mixed-gender bathhouse, built of Aomori hiba cypress, took its current form in 1953. The roughly 43°C sulfur springs are milky white and reputed to aid fatigue recovery and skin conditions.
A venerable brewery founded in 1740—home of “Mutsu Otokoyama” and “Mutsu Hassen.”
Founded in 1740 (Genbun 5) by Komai Shozaburo I! Brewing began in Hachinohe in 1740, mid-Edo period. With local rice and pristine water, the brewery nurtured its Otokoyama and Hassen brands.
Only on early Sunday mornings: 300 stalls stretch along 800 m—one of Tohoku’s largest port markets.
Started in 2004; 800 m long with 300+ stalls! Launched on Hachinohe Port’s wharf in 2004, the market runs only on Sunday mornings and draws tens of thousands of visitors.
A milky sulfur spring by the sea, said to date back to the Muromachi period.
Opened in the 15th century; onsen with views over the Tsugaru Strait! At the tip of the Shimokita Peninsula, this spa town has thrived since the 1400s as a place of recuperation. Soak in white sulfur waters while watching sunsets and night fishing lights—an onsen praised by gourmands and onsen lovers alike.
A year-round mountain resort with a spectacular ropeway and hiking.
The Hakkoda Ropeway opened in Oct 1968! The ropeway rose to the 1,341 m summit with 31-passenger cabins at opening; today, 125-passenger gondolas carry visitors skyward. A museum near the base station tells of the tragic 1902 snow-march disaster. In winter, marvel at rime ice and powder snow; in summer, enjoy alpine flowers—Hakkoda captivates all year.
A mysterious sacred site where sulfurous “hell-scapes” and a temple coexist.
Founded in 857 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi)! The monk Ennin, who went to Tang China in 837 and later returned, is said to have opened Osorezan as a sacred site. Near the summit, fumaroles dot a desolate landscape known as “Jigokudani” (Hell Valley). At the late-July grand festival, itako shamans perform spirit-invoking rituals that attract many pilgrims.
Giant pictures drawn with differently colored rice plants; the evolving designs wow each year.
Started in 1993 with just 3 colors! Launched in 1993 using three rice varieties, the project gradually expanded its palette to seven colors today. Villagers plant and harvest by hand, creating refined “pixel art” applauded in Japan and beyond.
Japan’s longest wooden triple-arched bridge (300 m) over Tsugaru Fujimi Lake.
Completed on July 8, 1994—the nation’s longest triple-arched wooden span! Finished in 1994, the bridge’s graceful arches mirrored on the lake—with Mt. Iwaki behind—evoke a “dancing crane.”
A hands-on culture center with full-sized Neputa lanterns and taiko performances.
Opened in 1981 as the forerunner facility; renamed in 1988! Debuted in 1981 as “Hirosaki Neputa no Yakata,” then took its current name in 1988. Full-size Neputa floats are permanently displayed. With 300+ years of history, the Hirosaki Neputa Festival’s craft and spirit can be experienced here year-round.
Contemporary art in airy spaces, plus an outdoor “Art Plaza” that blends with the townscape.
Opened in 2008; the Art Plaza followed in 2010! The core museum opened in 2008; in 2010 the former tax office site was transformed into the Art Plaza. Designed by architect Kazuyo Sejima, the glassy volumes melt into the surroundings, creating a fluid indoor–outdoor experience.
Home to major works by local and international artists—look for Nara Yoshitomo’s outdoor “Aomori Dog.”
Opened July 22, 2006—“Aomori Dog” is its beloved symbol! Since 2006, visitors have been greeted by Yoshitomo Nara’s “Aomori Dog,” an ~8.5 m sculpture set partially below ground. Around 350 works feature in the permanent collection at any one time, complemented by special exhibitions and workshops.
Surreal coastal towers of pale green tuff—nature’s sculpture garden.
Designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty & Natural Monument on April 23, 1941! Recognized as a prefectural natural monument in 1934, nationally designated in 1941, and added to a Quasi-National Park in 1968. The green tuff formed by Miocene submarine volcanism continues to be shaped daily by erosion.
A traditional merchant street lined with wooden arcades designed for snowy winters.
Designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2005! Merchants’ houses from late Edo to early Showa line the street, selected nationally for preservation in 2005. The roofed “komise” walkways shelter residents from heavy snow, preserving a nostalgic townscape.
A historic spa nicknamed “Aomori’s back parlor,” with open-air baths facing the sea.
Boasts a 1,200-year history! Since opening about 1,200 years ago, Asamushi has welcomed cultural figures like Osamu Dazai and Shiko Munakata for therapeutic stays. Its mildly alkaline simple springs are famed for easing fatigue and benefiting the skin.
A massive market for fresh seafood and local fare—Hachinohe’s culinary hub.
Opened in 1980; welcomes ~1.4 million visitors annually! Launched on Hachinohe’s outskirts in April 1980, the center hosts 100+ shops selling fish, produce, meat, and souvenirs. Build your own “nokke-don” rice bowl at the food court—a signature market experience. Every Golden Week, the “Hasshoku Festival” celebrates the region’s food culture with big crowds.
A prefectural aquarium popular for dolphin and seal exhibits—meet the blue sea up close.
Opened on July 24, 1983! The predecessor aquarium at Tohoku University’s Marine Lab was established in 1924; a new facility broke ground on a former junior-high site in 1982 and opened to the public in 1983. The older lab-side aquarium closed in April 1984, with operations moved to the new venue.
A venerable apple tree in Tsugaru, believed to be 140+ years old.
Planted in 1878 (Meiji 11); designated a Prefectural Natural Monument in 1960! A sapling gifted by Hirosaki pioneer Saburo Kikuchi was planted in 1878. Its hardiness in Tsugaru’s harsh winters made it a textbook example in elementary social studies, and it was designated a Prefectural Natural Monument on Nov 11, 1960.
A retro yatai (food stall) alley evoking the late 1950s–60s—local specialties galore.
Opened in July 2010 with a 1955 motif! Re-creating the feel of 1950s Sambongi (then a town), this alley opened in July 2010 near the Fujiya Hotel. Around 20 shops serve local fare like barayaki beef, lamb, and skewers, with neon gates and signage setting the mood.
Massive lantern floats illuminate summer nights—tradition traced to the Tsugaru clan’s founder.
Origin credited to 1593 (Bunroku 2), when Tsugaru Tamenobu paraded a great lantern at Obon! Some accounts reach back to the Heian era, but one story holds that in 1593 the clan founder recreated a large lantern he saw in Kyoto. By the Genroku era (late 1600s), “Nemuri-nagashi” (sleep-dispelling rituals) became known as “Neputa,” evolving into today’s brilliant float festival.
A sacred-looking cypress (Thujopsis) whose branches divide into twelve; estimated age 300–800 years.
Selected among the “New 100 Trees of Japan”! A natural monument of former Kanagi Town / Goshogawara City, also chosen for the “New 100 Trees of Japan.” Estimates place its age between 300 and 800 years.
Wave-cut platforms line the shore; summer brings swimmers and campers.
Selected among “Japan’s 55 Best Swimming Beaches”! Popular for swimming and camping in summer, with easy access from the JR Gono Line’s resort stop “Senjojiki”—the unmanned station sits right by the coast.
