Aomori, Ancient History and Nature

Aomori is the northernmost prefecture of Japan’s main island, Honshu, in the region called Tohoku. A gem relatively unexplored by tourists but offering dreamy natural landscapes and virgin forests, the country’s most delicious apples, pictorial art in the rice fields, higher quality sake drinks, gourmet seafood, unique festivals, historical and natural treasures of humanity, and winter sports for the more active.

Several of Aomori ‘s attractions are located in its capital city of the same name, the most famous being the Nebuta Matsuri , a festival that takes place from August 2 to 7 each year . In this popular summer festival, huge colorful “floating” lamps are paraded through the streets and displayed with great pride. Each of these lamps takes a year to build, and they typically feature themes from Japanese mythology or even pop culture.

Huge colorful “floating” lanterns roam the city streets at Nebuta Matsuri

And if it is not possible for us to visit Aomori during August, it is possible to enjoy the spirit of this festival and admire elements of it, in the Nebuta Warasse museum, located in the civic center of the city. This artistic space displays various lamps used in previous festivals, as well as performances by musicians and dancers involved in the festival on weekends and holidays.

Honoring its impeccable sea and wonderful marine fauna, the Furukawa and Augu markets offer its visitors the highest quality marine products, frequently exported with the highest gourmet index. And if you prefer flavors closer to the earth, you can’t stop trying the delicious Aomori apples, famous throughout Japan.

Aomori Prefecture is very famous for its excellent quality apples.

For those with a taste for history and culture, a must-see is the Sannai Maruyama Jomon Ruins and Archaeological Site, where settlements, complete columned structures, and even tombs have been found, dating back to the mid-20th century . Jomon , over 4,000 to 5,500 years old . Other Jomon archaeological sites can be visited throughout Aomori Prefecture, such as the Korekawa Historic Site in Hachinohe and the Kamegaoka Historic Site in Tsugaru .

For those who like history, but a little more recent, the city of Hirosaki , which is the ancient capital of Aomori, presents us with a majestic medieval castle embellished by thousands of cherry trees that surround it. An experience that you must enjoy if you come during the spring.

The surroundings of Hirosaki Castle are a nice place to see the cherry blossoms at night.

When it comes to nature, in Aomori we can enjoy Lake Towada , the largest caldera lake on the main island of Japan. Not forgetting the wonderful forests and rice fields that accompany our journey through Aomori, perhaps one of the most famous natural places is Shimokita Hanto , a wonderful national park that is home to the famous Mount Osore . Considered one of the three holiest places in Japan, with the legend that it is the door to the world after life. Today it is possible to visit a busy Buddhist temple, Bodai-ji, and consult the Itako “fortune tellers” .

Aomori offers dreamlike scenery like this one at Lake Towada.

Aomori is very easy to get to by train , including the super- fast Shinkansen or bullet train , making it a comfortable ride from Tokyo. And although it is possible to travel by plane, bus or boat, the train offers the best prices and convenience of all . For an even better price, we recommend traveling with the Japan Railways universal pass called JR PASS , which you can purchase on their website. This pass is purchased before traveling to Japan , arriving at the airport or at any train station , you can pick up your pass with proof of purchase .

In any case, if you are looking for a unique experience, super colorful festivals, you like history and especially the Jomon period, Aomori is a destination that will surely surprise you!