This is our collection of selected locations (machi) from all around Japan – places with various different cultures, local specialities, and novel customs. In what should a memorable first edition, we feature Aomori Prefecture at the northernmost point of Honshu, best known as an apple region and for its shamisen.

 

Aomori is situated at the northernmost tip of Honshu, with a population of around 1.3 million people; it is one of the country’s best agricultural production regions and the number one producer of apples, Chinese yams, and garlic. With the port of Hachinohe, it also prides itself as a top fishing region of mackerel and squid. So it goes without saying that it’s a great place to travel to for a gourmet getaway. However as a northern region, its true appeal is the clearly differentiated four seasons, and there are many cultural and nature based experiences to be enjoyed.

 

Hirosaki Park: Famous sightseeing spot, representing the Tsugaru Region

Located in the centre of Hirosaki City, Hirosaki Park is made up of over 490,000 square meters of land including a castle. Hirosaki Castle, still with castle tower, turrets and gates remaining, was where the powerful Tsugaru family of daimyo (feudal lord) ruled over a very large area of land and resources for generations. Around Japan it’s rare to have a chance to access a castle of this scale, and being located inside a park it’s an attractive location for sightseers and families alike, and also for hard core history fans.

 

There are events held all year round celebrating the four seasons – a cherry blossom festival regarded as Japan’s best, the autumn leaf festival in which the moat and white castle walls are turned bright red, and the snow lantern festival – including gigantic snow sculptures and mini snow huts, among others.

 

An abundant variation of cherry blossoms ring in the springtime.

The park hosts a great variety of cherry blossom trees, including 100 year old large weeping cherry, Japan’s oldest Yoshino cherry trees and Korean hill cherry – which were first cultivated in the Tsugaru Region. Some of the trees are older than the average tree life span. They still produce wonderful flowers and so are highly praised by Japan’s cherry blossom experts.

 

Hirosaki Park
 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, Japan
HP：https://www.hirosakipark.jp 

 

 

The Aomori Nebuta Festival – An amazing event that attracts over 2 million visitors

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is held every year from August 2nd to 7th, around the vicinity of Aomori station. The combination of the giant hanging lantern festival float (called nebuta) marching through the streets, and the festive cries of the Nebuta festival dancers make this an impressive event. The event has its origins in the star festival (Tanabata) – in which participants send off their “impurity” on lanterns down rivers or into the ocean in what is a sacred event. Having said that, anyone who dresses in the appropriate costume can participate in the Nebuta Festival. The costumes are available at department stores in Aomori for around 10,000 yen per set. Participation is recommended for those who want more excitement than that obtained by just spectating.

 

Further, around JR Aomori station close to the sea, is “Nebuta no Ie – Wa Rasse“. Here you can experience the Nebuta festival at any time of year.

 

Official website of the Aomori Nebuta Festival
HP：https://www.nebuta.jp 

 

 

The overwhelmingly beautiful waterscape of Towada Lake.

Straddling both Aomori and Akita prefectures, Towada Lake is known as the Tohoku Region’s most picturesque spot. The sky, mountains and lake fuse into a large panorama, the freshness of the air and the lake vividly reflecting the stunning colored scenery of each season, is an impressive sight at any time of year. Humans cannot replicate such beauty and any trip to the Tohoku Region should include this spot.

 

 

The Oirase mountain stream has many note-worthy points.

Oirase is a river that runs about 14km from Towada Lake. The stunning natural landmarks of Oirase River including Senryo Rock, Big Choshi waterfall, and Shirogane waterfall make this area a must-do walk for visitors to Towada Lake. The mountain stream course takes around 4 and half hours to trek, and we recommend visiting when the trees have fresh green leaves or during fall. A place truly displaying the beauty of nature in Japan.

 

Towada Lake National Park Association
HP：https://towadako.or.jp

 

In addition, there are many other things to see and do in Aomori – such as the Hakkoda Mountains and Jogakura Ohashi Bridge, and Wasao, the adorably ugly dog who became famous on the internet. If I get another chance to, I’d like to delve deeper into this area and introduce more topics.

 

External resources: Aomori Prefecture Tourist Information Site “Aptinet“

 

 

Edit & Text：K.Sachio

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