Beaming with pure magnificence, tasty meals, welcoming locals, and historic websites, Aomori has a bit one thing for everybody — there are quite a few issues to do in Aomori to maintain you busy.
Situated on the northern tip of the primary Honshu Island in Japan, the Aomori prefecture stunned and delighted us at each flip, and left us wanting extra.
With straightforward transport choices from the capital metropolis of Tokyo and comparatively untouched nature, it’s straightforward to see why Lonely Planet listed the Tohoku area as certainly one of their “Greatest In Journey” locations.
The Tohoku area is comprised of 6 prefectures (that are just like states or provinces): Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Yamagata. However, the capital metropolis of the Aomori prefecture can be referred to as Aomori. It’s a bit bit complicated!
On this publish, I’ll checklist the highest issues to do in Aomori, plus particulars on getting across the prefecture, what to anticipate, the place to remain and extra.
An Introduction to Aomori
Throughout our current journey to Japan, we visited the Tohoku area and loved the prefectures of Aomori and Akita. It was only a teaser of what this lovely a part of the nation has to supply.
Tohoku is understood for its unbelievable pure magnificence and welcoming locals, however on prime of these issues, Aomori, particularly, can be well-known for its tasty meals.
It’s the largest producer of apples within the nation (you’ve most likely heard of Fuji apples?), has an abundance of seafood on supply (scallops and reasonably priced sushi), and as a result of chilly winters, some hearty, consolation meals are served right here as properly (strive the meat bara-yaki, and the vegetable soup kenoshiru).
With volcanoes, mountains, lakes, scorching springs, historic websites, parks, and meals…Aomori actually is a hidden gem in Japan.
Our First Impressions of Aomori
From Tokyo Station, we hopped on the Shinkansen bullet practice sure for Shin-Aomori station. The trains in Japan are dependable, environment friendly, clear…and silent.
Speaking loudly on a practice is an enormous no-no in Japan, so we sat quietly shifting our gaze between our laptops and the beautiful views outdoors.
With a 3-hour and 10-minute journey forward of us, we knew we may get a bit work accomplished, but it surely was arduous with the beautiful Japanese countryside zipping previous our peripheral outdoors.
Not solely are the trains snug, however they’ve plug-ins, free wifi, bogs and an attendant that comes round providing drinks and snacks.
We arrived at our lodge round 4:00 pm, and between that point and once we went to mattress, we had so many fantastic encounters with the folks of Aomori Metropolis.
One man invited us to observe a rugby match on TV with him and his pals, one other stopped us on the street to speak about what we have been doing in Aomori (and to observe his English), and one other simply wished us a pleasant journey.
After assembly some variety folks, and devouring a few of the freshest, most scrumptious and most reasonably priced sushi we’ve had in Japan (at Asuka Sushi Bar), it was time to name it an evening. Our first impressions of this area of Japan have been very optimistic and we couldn’t wait to discover extra.
12 Greatest Issues To Do in Aomori Prefecture
Throughout our earlier visits to Japan, we hung out in Kyoto, Tokyo and Takayama. However, there are such a lot of extra issues to see and do in Japan and this time round, we have been trying ahead to exploring the pure fantastic thing about the nation — which Tohoku has in spades.
There are a couple of fundamental areas which can be of curiosity to vacationers on this prefecture — Hirosaki, Aomori Metropolis, Towada Hachimantai Nationwide Park, and Fukaura.
Lots of the issues to do in Aomori are targeted across the beautiful Towada Hachimantai Nationwide Park, which spans 862 sq. km (333 sq. miles). Should you’re questioning what to do in Aomori, take a look at my checklist of the highest issues to do within the Aomori prefecture, primarily based on my firsthand expertise.
1. Canoeing on Lake Towada
A spotlight of our whole journey to the area was the hours spent canoeing on the crystal-clear Towada Lake. This crater lake spans between the prefectures of Akita and Aomori, and has a surprisingly undeveloped shoreline.
After a fast security briefing and demonstration from the canoe information (Ota-san) at Towadako Guidehouse, we have been able to hit the lake. We’ve accomplished numerous kayaking previously, however surprisingly, neither of us had correctly canoed earlier than!
Discovering our steadiness on the boat was straightforward and earlier than we knew it we have been gliding throughout the calm, crystal-clear water. This was such a peaceable expertise and we loved paddling alongside the colorful autumn leaves and rocky shoreline.
Lake Towada might be loved year-round, however public transport solely operates from April – November. To get right here from Aomori Metropolis, take a bus to Yasumiya, which is the primary transport hub of Lake Towada.
If in case you have a JR Rail Go, the bus is included with that move. To be taught extra about canoeing on the lake with the corporate we paddled with, click on right here, and for extra info on how one can get from Aomori to Lake Towada, click on right here.
2. Discover the Oirase Gorge
Flowing from Lake Towada is the Oirase Stream. Operating alongside this stream is a 14-kilometer nature path. This has been listed in lots of articles as probably the greatest issues to do in Aomori, however for us, regardless that it was fairly, it wasn’t a significant spotlight.
Right here’s the explanation: it runs alongside a street.
On one facet, you’ve a stupendous stream, some small waterfalls, and a lush forest. However, on the opposite facet of the path, simply steps away, is the street.
I’m certain that it’s not at all times this busy, however once we visited, it was an extended weekend and plenty of locals have been right here having fun with their day without work — which meant numerous foot visitors, and autos passing by.
No matter how busy it was, we gave the impression to be the one ones who minded! And, we nonetheless loved the recent, humid air, the Kumoinotaki waterfall, and watching the native artists portray and photographing their lovely yard.
To get right here, take the identical bus that you’d take to Lake Towada. Beginning in Aomori, it passes by the Oirase Stream earlier than terminating on the lake. Click on right here for particulars on the bus route — once more, this bus is included together with your JR Rail Go.
3. Go to the Jogakura Bridge
The 122m excessive Jogakura Bridge is a stupendous viewpoint! This bridge connects two areas of the Aomori prefecture (Tsugaru and Nambu) and was in-built 1995 to make crossing the Jogakura River simpler.
After we visited, folks have been parking at both finish of the bridge and strolling the size to take pictures from completely different angles. Whereas it’s not someplace you’d probably go and see only for pictures, it’s a fantastic cease in between locations.
The Jogakura Bridge gives a tremendous view of the autumn colors within the fall and snowy bushes in winter.
4. Eat All The Apples (In every single place)
Since Aomori is understood for its apple manufacturing, it’s no shock that consuming something and every thing to do with apples is a should. At just about each restaurant, you’ll discover some form of apple-inspired dish.
We stayed on the aptly named Apple Land Lodge, which had a stupendous ryokan-style room and apples floating within the onsite onsen. There was an apple orchard within the yard and a large restaurant with implausible meals that includes (you guessed it) apples!
Apple desserts, apple curry, apple sauces, apple sake and apple beer have been simply a few of the objects on supply and it was all very tasty.
One other excellent spot to pattern some apple delights is on the French restaurant in Hirosaki, Chez Moi. Right here, we dined on a 5-course lunch of cod, beef cheek, soup, and dessert — with apples infused into each dish. Should you’re a foodie, you received’t need to miss this spot.
Need extra apple motion? You possibly can really choose apples at one of many many orchards in Aomori. Click on right here to be taught extra about that.
5. Discover Shirakami-Sanchi Forest (Fukaura)
The pristine Shirakami-Sanchi forest space is definitely a World Heritage Web site.
Spanning 130,000 hectares (321,000 acres) throughout the southwestern a part of the Aomori prefecture and the northwestern a part of the Akita prefecture, this lovely place is a superb spot to do some climbing round lakes whereas having fun with East Asia’s largest virgin beech forest.
There are quite a few trails to discover right here, plus 33 lakes. “Juniko” interprets to “twelve”, so it’s unusual that an space with 33 lakes and ponds is definitely referred to as Juniko, however who’s counting?
We spent a few hours climbing round right here and loved the crimson, orange, and yellow leaves reflecting off of the various lakes. That is someplace you can spend a complete day absorbing the pure magnificence. Click on right here for a fantastic (English) map of the realm. From Fukaura, it’s a 35-minute direct practice journey to Juniko Station.
6. Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Metropolis)
Situated within the metropolis with the identical title, this massive park is a pleasant spot to wander round.
That is thought-about one of many prime spots to view the cherry blossoms within the springtime (there are 2,600 bushes planted right here), and within the fall, you possibly can benefit from the autumn leaves.
Not solely are the bushes a spotlight right here, however your entire park is surrounded by a moat with small crimson bridges crossing the water, and historic gates.
The actual spotlight of Hirosaki Park is the 400-year-old fortress — which is the final remaining one from the Edo Interval within the Tohoku area.
After we visited, the fortress had moved. That’s proper, your entire fortress itself was picked up in a single piece, and moved 70m!
Apparently, the bottom was turning into weak, and to be able to protect it, the fortress was slowly moved to the facet for the construction to be repaired. It’ll take round 10 years to fully restore the bottom and it’s anticipated to be moved again to its unique place in 2026.
Additionally, don’t miss the view of the Iwake Volcano from the park.
Hirosaki Park is open from 9:00am to five:00pm, and whereas it doesn’t price something to enter the primary space of the park, if you wish to see the fortress, you’ll have to pay 320 yen ($2.95).
You too can buy a ticket that grants you entrance to the fortress, botanical backyard and memorial backyard for 520 yen ($4.75). From Aomori Metropolis station, it’s round a 1-hour practice journey to Hirosaki Station. From there, it’s a 25-minute stroll to the park, or you possibly can take a taxi.
7. Go to a Shinto Shrine
We’ve seen a couple of Shinto shrines round Japan, and right here in Aomori prefecture, we visited the 1,200-year-old Iwakiyama Shrine and loved the view of Mount Iwaki volcano within the background.
You’ll know you’re at a Shinto shrine primarily based on the Torii Gates on the entrance.
As with all non secular constructing (church, mosque, temple, and so forth.) there are do’s and don’ts in the case of visiting and praying at one, however there’s no have to stress and it’s best to positively go to one throughout your journey. Needless to say as a vacationer/visitor, you received’t be anticipated to know all of those guidelines.
- The principle factor to remember when getting into a Shinto shrine is to bow earlier than getting into the torii gates and stroll on both the left or right-hand facet of the gates, as the middle is reserved for the gods.
- Earlier than going into the primary shrine, make certain to purify your self with the water out entrance.
- Utilizing the ladle, pour water over your left hand, adopted by your proper hand, and put some water into your hand to rinse out your mouth (however, don’t swallow the water).
- Take away your footwear the place indicators instruct.
- When you’re on the shrine, put a coin into the donation field for the deity.
- Following that, clap your arms two instances, say your prayer, clap two extra instances, and bow.
That’s it.
Shintoism is a perception within the ancestors, nature and sacred powers. This religion originated in Japan within the eighth century and is as outdated because the tradition itself. Shintoism has no scripture, books or propaganda and alongside Buddhism, it’s one of many prime two beliefs in Japan.
Iwakiyama is likely one of the most essential religious websites in Aomori, so it’s a fantastic place to expertise this tradition firsthand.
To go to the Iwakiyama Shrine from Hirosaki, take the Konan bus sure for Karekitai from the Konan bus station, which is in entrance of the Hirosaki Practice Station. It’s a few 40-minute bus journey. Alternatively, you possibly can go on a tour, rent a driver, or lease your individual car.
There’s a hike you are able to do from the Iwakiyama shrine to the summit of Mt. Iwaki. This hike takes round 4 hours and if we had extra time, we’d’ve liked to trek that route. Be taught extra right here.
8. Strolling Tour of Aomori
A good way to be taught concerning the metropolis of Aomori is with a licensed, English-speaking information. On this non-public tour, you’ll go to a couple of of the primary highlights of the town together with Wa Rasse Arts and Cultural Heart, and the Sannai-Maruyama archaeological web site.
However, the wonderful thing about this journey is that it’s customizable. You’ll see these two websites above after which with assist out of your native information, you get to resolve what you need to see and do within the metropolis. Be taught extra and e book your spot right here.
Extra Issues To Do in Aomori
Throughout our go to, the Hakkoda Ropeway (gondola) was beneath restore and sadly we weren’t in a position to journey it. However, this is likely one of the hottest issues to do within the space, particularly within the fall when you possibly can take pleasure in a tremendous vantage level of the mountains coated in fall colors.
Within the Aomori prefecture alone, there are 15 ski resorts. Evidently, snowboarding is a well-liked winter exercise right here. To be taught extra concerning the quite a few ski resorts within the space, click on right here.
The street between the Hakkoda Lodge and Sukayu Onsen is closed throughout the winter however reopens on April 1st annually. With excessive snowbanks on both facet, strolling and driving by this 10-meter-high snowy hall could be a fairly wonderful sight — take a look at the cherry blossoms someday, and the snow wall the subsequent!
For seafood lovers, don’t miss the Furukawa fish market (Aomori Gyosai Heart) in Aomori Metropolis. Right here you possibly can create your individual seafood rice bowl, referred to as nokkedon. Fill your bowl with rice and prime it together with your selection of seafood — crab, squid, fish, scallops and extra.
Getting To and From Aomori Prefecture
There are a couple of methods to get to Aomori. Listed here are the most effective modes of transportation.
By Airplane
From Tokyo, you possibly can fly with Japan Airways to Aomori. The flight is about 1 hour and quarter-hour and prices round $150 USD.
By Practice
From Tokyo, you possibly can take the Shinkansen bullet practice (which is what I like to recommend). This fashion, you get to benefit from the surroundings alongside the way in which.
We travelled from Tokyo Station to Shin Aomori on the Shinkansen Hayabusa practice (utilizing our JR Rail Go). This journey was round 3 hours and 20 minutes lengthy.
As soon as we arrived at Shin Aomori, we merely disembarked, walked down some stairs and located the native practice line. It was a few 5-minute practice journey on the JR Specific Tsugaru from Shin Aomori station to Aomori.
Practice stations in Japan could be a bit overwhelming. My largest suggestion is to present your self quite a lot of time on journey days. Arrive on the bigger stations with loads of time so that you’re not feeling rushed or wired.
By no means be afraid to ask the attendants which gate try to be at, and how one can get there. There are many them at the entire bigger stations, they communicate sufficient English and are greater than prepared that will help you out.
By Automotive
Throughout our journey to Tohoku, we saved saying that having our personal rental automobile would’ve been one of the best ways to see the entire pure websites of Aomori.
You can do it by public transport, however having your individual wheels will help you cease in any respect the wonderful viewpoints, and discover your individual quiet place for a picnic or a hike.
I don’t suggest hiring a automobile for your entire period of your journey to Japan (as it may be expensive and public transport is so environment friendly), however possibly only for a day journey to the lakes or mountains within the space.
When to Go to Aomori
One of many nice issues about travelling to Japan is that it’s a vacation spot that may be loved year-round. Aomori isn’t any exception.
Every season within the prefecture gives one thing completely different, so plan your journey across the actions you need to do and the kind of climate you need.
To witness the beautiful cherry blossoms, you’ll need to go to on the finish of April. Hirosaki Park is likely one of the prime spots in the entire nation to see the blossoms, so anticipate crowds, however some unbelievable picture alternatives as properly.
For many who need to hit the slopes, December – March is once you’ll need to go to. Needless to say Aomori is likely one of the snowiest cities in your entire world — receiving round 20 ft of snow!
The prefecture transforms right into a winter wonderland with folks soaking further lengthy within the steamy onsens and partaking in festivals (time your journey for the Lake Towada Winter Story and the Hachinohe Emburi, each of that are held in February).
For each the cherry blossom season and the ski season, make certain to order your lodging upfront as a result of these are peak months.
If you wish to swim in Towada Lake, do some strolling alongside the Tanasashi coast, expertise the well-known Nebuta Matsuri lantern pageant, and luxuriate in a extreme temperature, go to Aomori in the summertime months (August for the pageant).
For a cooler, snug temperature and to witness the autumn leaves altering color, go to Aomori in October/November. The leaves might be seen from many elements of the prefecture, however the Towada-Hachimantai Nationwide Park and the Hakkoda Ropeway are nice locations to benefit from the view.
Remaining Ideas On Visiting Aomori
Previous to planning our journey to Aomori, we hadn’t even heard of the area of Tohoku, not to mention the Aomori prefecture.
Most individuals have heard of the favored spots in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and so forth.), however if you wish to escape the crowds and luxuriate in a extra offtrack a part of Japan, don’t miss this Northeast area of the nation.
We have been right here on a fast go to to only get a really feel for the prefecture — and regardless that it was a quick journey, we had a fantastic expertise! As a consequence of all of the wonderful climbing and nature alternatives, we may’ve spent about 10 days – 2 weeks right here and loved a extra relaxed journey tempo.
If you’re planning your subsequent journey to Japan, contemplate Tohoku. With quick access from the capital, tasty meals and fewer vacationers, it’s an space of the nation you received’t need to miss.
We have been invited by the Tohoku Tourism Board to discover the area and share our findings with you, our readers. That is an space of Japan we’d fortunately return to and would like to spend extra time right here. As with all promotional campaigns on Goats On The Highway, all ideas, evaluations and opinions stay our personal — regardless of any complimentary providers obtained.
