Aomori, a region bursting with natural beauty, delicious food, friendly locals, and historical sites, offers something for everyone. Situated at the northern tip of Japan’s main Honshu Island, Aomori prefecture surprised and delighted us, making us eager to return.
Getting to Aomori is easy, with convenient transport options from Tokyo. It’s clear why Lonely Planet listed the Tohoku region, which includes Aomori, as one of their “Best In Travel” destinations.
The Tohoku region consists of six prefectures: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Yamagata. The capital city of Aomori prefecture is also called Aomori, which can be a bit confusing. I’ll share the top activities in Aomori, tips on getting around, where to stay, and more based on our trip to this beautiful region.
Known for its incredible natural beauty and hospitable locals, Aomori stands out for its delicious food. It’s Japan’s largest producer of apples and offers a variety of seafood, including scallops and affordable sushi. Due to its cold winters, you’ll find hearty comfort foods like beef bara-yaki and kenoshiru vegetable soup.
Aomori has volcanoes, mountains, lakes, hot springs, and parks, making it a hidden gem in Japan. From Tokyo Station, we took the Shinkansen bullet train to Shin-Aomori station. The trains in Japan are reliable, efficient, clean, and quiet. During our three-hour journey, we enjoyed the stunning countryside views.
We arrived at our hotel around 4:00 pm and immediately felt the warmth of Aomori City. We were welcomed by locals eager to share their culture, practice English, and wish us a pleasant trip. After immersing ourselves in the local atmosphere and enjoying some of the freshest sushi, our first impressions were incredibly positive.
On previous trips to Japan, we had explored Kyoto, Tokyo, and Takayama. This time, we focused on the natural beauty of Tohoku. Tourist spots in Aomori prefecture include Hirosaki, Aomori City, Towada Hachimantai National Park, and Fukaura.
A major highlight was canoeing on Towada Lake, a crystal-clear crater lake with an undeveloped coastline. After a safety briefing from our guide, we easily found our balance and enjoyed paddling in the peaceful waters, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves.
The Oirase Stream, flowing from Lake Towada, features a 14-kilometer nature trail. Though scenic, the trail runs alongside a road, which can be busy. Nonetheless, we appreciated the beautiful stream, waterfalls, and lush forest.
The Jogakura Bridge, 122 meters high, offers breathtaking views, especially during autumn and winter. This bridge connects two areas of Aomori and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Aomori is famous for its apple production. We stayed at the Apple Land Hotel, featuring ryokan-style rooms and an onsen with floating apples. The hotel’s restaurant offered numerous apple-inspired dishes, all delicious. Hirosaki’s Chez Moi restaurant also impressed us with a five-course lunch infused with apples.
The Shirakami-Sanchi forest area, a World Heritage Site, spans both Aomori and Akita prefectures. We enjoyed hiking here, surrounded by East Asia’s largest virgin beech forest and numerous lakes. The park’s colorful autumn leaves reflecting off the lakes made for a serene experience.
Hirosaki Park, located in the city of the same name, is renowned for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. The park features 2,600 cherry trees, a moat, red bridges, and historical gates. The 400-year-old Hirosaki Castle, currently under restoration, is a must-see.
We visited the 1,200-year-old Iwakiyama Shrine, offering a beautiful view of Mount Iwaki volcano. Shinto shrines are identified by their Torii Gates, and visiting one provides a glimpse into Japan’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
A licensed, English-speaking guide led us on a private tour of Aomori City, including the Wa Rasse Arts and Cultural Center and the Sannai-Maruyama archaeological site. This customizable tour allowed us to explore other city attractions based on our interests.
Unfortunately, the Hakkoda Ropeway was under repair during our visit, but it’s a popular attraction, especially for its fall foliage views. Aomori also boasts 15 ski resorts, making it a winter paradise. The winter closure of the road between Hakkoda Hotel and Sukayu Onsen reopens on April 1st, revealing towering snowbanks.
Seafood enthusiasts should visit the Furukawa fish market in Aomori City to create a personalized seafood rice bowl, or nokkedon, with a variety of fresh options.
The best ways to get to Aomori include flying from Tokyo or taking the Shinkansen bullet train. We recommend the train for its scenic route. Renting a car for a day trip can enhance your exploration of Aomori’s natural sites.
Aomori is a year-round destination. Witness the cherry blossoms at the end of April, ski from December to March, or enjoy the Nebuta Matsuri lantern festival in August. For fall foliage, visit in October or November.
Before planning our trip, we hadn’t heard much about Tohoku or Aomori. Most people know popular Japanese destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto, but Tohoku offers a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience. Our brief visit was enough to convince us to return and explore further.
When planning your next trip to Japan, consider Tohoku for its easy access, delicious food, and fewer tourists. We were invited by the Tohoku Tourism Board and had an unforgettable experience, eager to return for a longer stay.