Beaming with pure magnificence, tasty meals, welcoming locals and historic websites, Aomori has a little 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 principle Honshu Island in Japan, the Aomori prefecture shocked 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 the Lonely Planet listed the Tohoku area as certainly one of their “Best In Travel” locations for 2020!
On this submit, I’ll record the highest 12 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
The Tohoku area is comprised of Aomori and 5 different prefectures (that are just like states/provinces) — Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Yamagata. However, the capital metropolis of the Aomori prefecture can be known as Aomori.
It’s a little bit bit complicated!
Throughout our current journey to Japan, we visited the Tohoku area however solely the prefectures of Aomori and Akita. It was only a teaser of what this stunning a part of the nation has to supply.
Tohoku is understood for its unimaginable pure magnificence and welcoming locals, however on high of these issues, Aomori, in explicit, can be well-known for its tasty meals.
It’s the biggest producer of apples (you’ve in all probability heard of Fuji apples?), has an abundance of seafood on provide (scallops and reasonably priced sushi), and as a result of chilly winters, some hearty, consolation meals are served right here as nicely (attempt the meat bara-yaki, and the vegetable soup kenoshiru).
With volcanoes, mountains, lakes, sizzling springs, historic websites, parks, and meals…Aomori actually is a hidden gem in Japan.
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 gorgeous views outdoors.
With a Three hour and 10-minute journey forward of us, we knew we may get a little bit work executed, however it was onerous with the gorgeous 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 great encounters with the folks of Aomori Metropolis.
One man invited us to observe a rugby match on TV with him and his associates, one other stopped us in the road to talk about what we have been doing in Aomori (and to apply his English), and one other simply wished us a pleasant journey.
After assembly some type folks, and devouring a number 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 constructive and we couldn’t wait to discover extra.
12 Best Things To Do in Aomori Prefecture
Throughout our earlier visits, 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 wanting ahead to exploring the pure fantastic thing about the nation — which Tohoku has in spades.
There are a number of principal areas which might be of curiosity to vacationers in this prefecture — Hirosaki, Aomori Metropolis, Towada Hachimantai Nationwide Park, and Fukaura.
Lots of the issues to do in Aomori are centered across the gorgeous Towada Hachimantai Nationwide Park, which spans 862 sq. km (333 sq. miles). Right here’s an inventory of a number of the high issues to do in the Aomori prefecture, primarily based on our firsthand expertise.
1. Canoeing on Lake Towada
A spotlight of our total 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 executed a number of kayaking in the previous, 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 may be loved 12 months-spherical, however public transport solely operates from April – November. To get right here from Aomori Metropolis, take a bus to Yasumiya, which is the principle transport hub of Lake Towada.
You probably have a JR Rail Cross, the bus is included with that cross. To study extra about canoeing on the lake with the corporate we paddled with, click on right here, and for extra data on the best way to get from Aomori to Lake Towada, click on right here.
2. Wander Alongside the Oirase Gorge in Towada Hachimantai Nationwide Park
Flowing from Lake Towada is the Oirase Stream. Operating alongside this stream is a 14-kilometer nature path. This has been listed on many articles as probably the greatest issues to do in Aomori, however for us, although it was fairly, it wasn’t a serious spotlight.
Right here’s the explanation: it runs alongside a highway.
On one facet, you have got a ravishing stream, some small waterfalls, and luxurious forest. However, on the opposite facet of the path, simply steps away, is the highway.
I’m positive that it’s not at all times this busy, however once we visited, it was a protracted weekend and lots of locals have been right here having fun with their time off — which meant a number of foot visitors, and autos passing by.
No matter how busy it was, we appeared 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 stunning yard.
To get right here, take the identical bus that you’d take for Lake Towada. Beginning in Aomori, it passes by means of the Oirase Stream earlier than terminating on the lake. Click on right here for particulars on the bus route — once more, it’s included along with your JR Rail Cross.
3. Go to the Jogakura Bridge in Towada Hachimantai Nationwide Park
This may not be an historical website, however this 122m excessive bridge is a ravishing viewpoint! This bridge connects two areas of the Aomori prefecture (Tsugaru and Nambu) and was constructed in 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 totally different angles. Whereas it’s not someplace you’d possible go and see only for pictures, it’s an ideal cease in between locations.
The Jogakura Bridge affords a tremendous view of the autumn colors in the autumn, and snowy timber in winter.
4. Eat All The Apples (In all places)
Since Aomori is understood for its apple manufacturing, it’s no shock that consuming something and every little thing to do with apples is a should. At just about each restaurant, you’ll discover some form of apple-impressed dish.
We stayed on the aptly named Apple Land Resort, which had a ravishing ryokan fashion room and apples floating in the onsite onsen. There was an apple orchard in the yard and a large restaurant with unbelievable meals that includes (you guessed it) apples!
Apple desserts, apple curry, apple sauces, apple sake and apple beer have been simply a number of the objects on provide and it was all very tasty.
One other good 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 may truly choose apples at one of many many orchards in Aomori. Click on right here to study extra about that.
5. Discover Shirakami-Sanchi Forest (Fukaura)
The pristine Shirakami-Sanchi forest space is definitely a World Heritage Website.
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 stunning place is a good spot to do some mountain climbing round lakes whereas having fun with the 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 known as Juniko, however who’s counting?
We spent a few hours mountain climbing round there and having fun with the pink, orange and yellow leaves reflecting off of the various lakes. That is someplace you possibly can spend a complete day absorbing the pure magnificence. Click on right here for an ideal (English) map of the realm.
From Fukaura, it’s a 35-minute direct practice journey to the Juniko Station.
6. Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Metropolis)
Situated in town with the identical identify, this huge park is a pleasant spot to wander round.
That is thought-about one of many high spots to view the cherry blossoms in the springtime (there are 2,600 timber planted right here), and in the autumn, you may benefit from the autumn leaves.
Not solely are the timber a spotlight right here, however the complete park is surrounded by a moat with small pink bridges crossing the water, and historic gates.
The actual spotlight of Hirosaki Park is the 400-year-outdated fort — which is the final remaining one from the Edo Interval in the Tohoku area.
After we visited, the fort had moved.
That’s proper, the complete fort itself was picked up in one piece, and moved 70m!
Apparently, the bottom was changing into weak, and in order to protect it, the fort 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 authentic 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 principle space of the park, if you wish to see the fort, you’ll must pay 320 yen ($2.95).
You may also buy a ticket which grants you entrance to the fort, 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 may take a taxi.
7. Go to a Shinto Shrine
We’ve seen a number of Shinto shrines round Japan, and right here in Aomori prefecture, we visited the 1,200-year-outdated Iwakiyama Shrine and loved the view of Mount Iwaki volcano in the background.
You’ll know you’re at a Shinto shrine primarily based on the Torii Gates on the entrance.
As with every non secular constructing (church, mosque, temple, and many others.) there are do’s and don’ts in relation to visiting and praying at one, however there’s no must stress and it’s best to positively go to one throughout your journey.
Preserve in thoughts that as a vacationer/visitor, you received’t be anticipated to know all of those guidelines.
The primary factor to maintain in thoughts when coming into a Shinto shrine is to bow earlier than coming into the torii gates and stroll on both the left or proper-hand facet of the gates, as the middle is reserved for the gods.
Earlier than going into the principle shrine, be sure 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 sneakers the place indicators instruct. When you’re on the shrine, put a coin into the donation field for the deity. Following that, clap your palms two occasions, say your prayer, clap two extra occasions and bow.
That’s it.
Shintoism is a perception in the ancestors, nature and sacred powers.
This religion originated in Japan in 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 high two beliefs in Japan.
Iwakiyama is without doubt one of the most essential non secular websites in Aomori, so it’s an ideal place to expertise this tradition first hand.
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 Prepare Station. It’s a couple of 40-minute bus journey. Alternatively, you may go on a tour, rent a driver, or hire your personal car.
There’s a hike you are able to do from the Iwakiyama shrine to the summit of Mt. Iwaki. This hike takes round Four hours and if we had extra time, we’d’ve liked to trek that route. Study extra right here.
Extra Things To Do in Aomori
Throughout our go to, the Hakkoda Ropeway (gondola) was underneath restore and sadly we weren’t in a position to journey it. However, this is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in the realm, particularly in the autumn when you may get pleasure from a tremendous vantage level of the mountains lined in fall colors.
Within the Aomori prefecture alone, there are 15 ski resorts. Evidently, snowboarding is a well-liked winter exercise right here. To study extra concerning the quite a few ski resorts in the realm, click on right here.
The highway between the Hakkoda Resort and Sukayu Onsen is closed in the course of the winter however reopens on April 1st every year. With excessive snowbanks on both facet, strolling and driving by means of this 10-meter excessive snowy hall can be a fairly superb sight — try the cherry blossoms sooner or later, and the snow wall the following!
For seafood lovers, don’t miss the Furukawa fish market (Aomori Gyosai Heart) in Aomori Metropolis. Right here you may create your personal seafood rice bowl, known as nokkedon. Fill your bowl with rice and high it along with your alternative of seafood — crab, squid, fish, scallops and extra.
Getting To and From Aomori Prefecture
To get to Aomori from Tokyo, you may both fly with JAL Airways or take the Shinkansen bullet practice (which is what I like to recommend).
We travelled from Tokyo Station to Shin Aomori on the Shinkansen Hayabusa practice (utilizing our JR Rail Cross). This journey was round Three 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 couple of 5-minute practice journey on the JR Specific Tsugaru from Shin Aomori station to Aomori.
Prepare stations in Japan is usually a bit overwhelming. My greatest suggestion is to offer your self plenty 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 you have to be at, and the best way to get there. There are many them at the entire bigger stations, they converse sufficient English and are greater than prepared that will help you out.
Throughout our journey in Tohoku, we saved saying that having our personal rental automotive would’ve been one of the simplest ways to see the entire pure websites of Aomori.
You can do it by public transport, however having your personal wheels will will let you cease in any respect the superb viewpoints, and discover your personal quiet place for a picnic or a hike.
I don’t suggest hiring a automotive for the complete period of your journey to Japan (as it may be dear and public transport is so environment friendly), however possibly only for a day journey to the lakes or mountains in the realm.
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 12 months-spherical. Aomori is not any exception.
Every season in the prefecture affords one thing totally different, so plan your journey across the actions you need to do and the kind of climate you need.
To witness the gorgeous cherry blossoms, you’ll need to go to on the finish of April. Hirosaki Park is without doubt one of the high spots in the entire nation to see the blossoms, so anticipate crowds, however some unimaginable photograph alternatives as nicely.
For individuals who need to hit the slopes, December – March is whenever you’ll need to go to. Preserve in thoughts that Aomori is without doubt one of the snowiest cities in the complete world — receiving round 20 toes of snow!
The prefecture transforms right into a winter wonderland with folks soaking additional lengthy in 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, be sure to order your lodging in advance as a result of these are peak months.
If you wish to swim in the Towada Lake, do some strolling alongside the Tanasashi coast, expertise the well-known Nebuta Matsuri lantern competition, and revel in a extreme temperature, go to Aomori in the summer time months (August for the competition).
For a cooler, snug temperature and to witness the autumn leaves altering color, go to Aomori in October/November. The leaves may be seen from many components of the prefecture, however the Towada-Hachimantai Nationwide Park and the Hakkoda Ropeway are nice locations to benefit from the view.
Last 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 many others.), however if you wish to escape the crowds and revel 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 simply get a really feel for the prefecture — and although it was a quick journey, we had an ideal expertise! As a result of all of the superb mountain climbing and nature alternatives, we may’ve spent about 10 days – 2 weeks right here and loved a extra relaxed journey tempo.
Once you’re planning your subsequent journey to Japan, think about 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 Street, all ideas, critiques and opinions stay our personal — regardless of any complimentary companies obtained.
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