Off-the-beaten-path travel – Aomori, Japan
11 curious things to do in Aomori- Pick the juiciest apples, forest bathe, visit a thousand Tori gates and fly a simulator
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Want to indulge in authentic local culture and stunning nature within a few hours of Tokyo?
Arriving in Aomori is like receiving a big friendly hug. Within just 3 hours 10 minutes shinkansen ride from Tokyo, you can experience authentic Japanese culture and true local kindness. It’s far less touristy than many parts of Japan, giving you the off-the-beaten-path feel.
Aomori is the capital city of Aomori prefecture (same name). Aomori city is the snowiest city in the world, receiving around 26 feet of snowfall each year. It’s also the perfect place to visit in any season, cooler than Tokyo in summer and vibrant in Autumn and Spring.
1. Lake Towada
Lake Towada is the largest volcanic crater lake on Japan’s island of Honshu and is located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The word Towada is believed to come from the Ainu (Indigenous people of the area) word towatara meaning rocky lake.
Despite listing this as an Aomori activity, Towada also straddles the Akita prefecture on its Western side, so it’s half in, half out of Aomori.
The lake is connected by the Oirase River, an often photographed scene with misty rapids and around 30 waterfalls in lush forest. This area is especially gorgeous in Autumn with yellow birch trees.
If you visit Lake Towada, make time to see the Towada Shrine (jinja). It’s the most beautiful, tranquil shrine hidden away in the forest.
Exit towards the lake and emerge from the forest to see the Otome no Zo (maidens by the lake) statues of two women touching hands in front of the most beautiful backdrop. This artwork was the final work of artist Kotaro Takamura and was completed in 1953.
Walk back to the town via the Avenue of Cedars next to the lake and take in the incredible scenery of the little islands with pines and shrines atop.
There is a clean bathroom building along this walk, so don’t feel as though you have to rush back to the centre.
Winter illuminations
We visited in Autumn, but if you visit the area in winter, check the dates of the winter illuminations by the lake. The photos look magical.
It’s possible to book boat tours on the lake or bike around it. There are also swan paddling boats near this area to rent on beautifully warm days.
2. Hirosaki Castle Park
This place is one of the ‘three best places to view cherry blossoms in Japan’. However, we visited in Autumn and the scene was also incredibly beautiful.
Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 by the Tsugaru Clan. It was struck by lightning in 1627 and the five-storey keep burned down. It was then rebuilt in 1810 with three storeys, making it one of the only remaining castles built in the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Castles in Japan
Most castles in Japan were dismantled after samurai rule (1868) or demolished in WWII. So most castles you see in Japan have been rebuilt in modern times. However, Hirosaki Castle was rebuilt in 1810 making it especially unique and authentic as it’s one of the only castles in Japan built in the Edo period.
Currently, the castle is under construction and has been moved 70 metres from its original site, while works are carried out on the foundations. This is expected to be completed in 2025. However, it’s still possible to view the keep in its temporary location. And it’s still stunning.
Hirosaki Castle Park is a 49 hectare beautiful scene with a backdrop of imposing Mount Iwaki. It’s home to 2600 cherry trees of 52 varieties and in Autumn, you can enjoy around 1000 maple trees in brilliant sunrise colours. There are moats, ponds, playgrounds and more for exploring.
Hours: 9am-5pm (closed 24 November until 31 March)
Cost: 320 yen (castle only), 520 yen (castle, botanical garden and Fujita Memorial Garden)
Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356
Access: Take a train to Hirosaki Station, then take a 15 minute bus ride west on the Dotemachi Loop Bus, get off at Shiyakusho-mae stop.
3. Hirosaki Apple Park
Hirosaki Apple Park is also close by Hirosaki Castle with over 2,300 apple trees of 80 varieties. You can pick these direct from the tree and also buy apple gifts in the beautiful apple-themed store.
You need to register at the apple picking counter inside the main building which displays the time of the next picking event. Sign up, return at the specified time and then follow the guide to the correct trees to pick apples from.
We were allocated three different trees that were absolutely covered in shiny, red Fuji apples. We were allowed to pick up to 5 apples each and were given a plastic bag to put them in.
Apple picking
You can pick up to 5 apples per person on an apple tour in Hirosaki Apple Park. It’s not really a tour, but more just a guide taking you to the trees you are allowed to pick from. They have ladders available for the hard-to-reach high-up ones.
After we collected our shiniest, biggest red apples, we went back inside to the same counter where the apples were weighed and we paid for them per 100 grams. Five apples worked out at around 600 yen (for all five!), great value!
There is also a playground here, clean toilets, a restaurant and cute apple-themed gift shop.
Hours: 9am-5pm (last apple picking tour is at 4pm)
Cost: Entry is free, however if apple picking, you pay per 100 grams of apples collected. Five huge apples works out to be around 600 yen.
Address: Terasawa-125 Shimizutomita, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8262
Access: By car, there is a large, free car park at the centre. It takes around 1 hour from Aomori city. By public transport, take a train to JR Hirosaki Station, then take a taxi for 20 minutes.
4. Tsuru no maihashi Bridge
The Tsuru no maihashi Bridge is 300 metres long and the longest, wooden three-arch bridge in Japan. Its surroundings are stunning with Mount Iwaki in the background and beautiful Tsugaru Fujimi Lake reflecting the wooden arches.
Tsuru at the start of the name of the bridge means cranes, as the bridge looks like a crane with wings outstretched. The area is known as a place to watch cranes and the town, Tsurata Machi is full of crane souvenirs, crane manhole covers and crane light posts. It’s a crane lover heaven.
Walking across the bridge is a peaceful experience spotting cranes in the lake as you walk across and gaze towards the beautiful mountain or back towards the pine forests.
On one side is the Tsugaru Fujimi Park with huge playground for kids with an abundance of climbing frames and slides. Next to this is a gift shop, basic restaurant and toilets. The other side is the Crane Nature Park with around a dozen red-crowned cranes.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free (although there is a small fee for parking)
Address: 81-150 Osawa Mawarizeki Tsuruta, Aomori 038-3542
Access: By car, parking is available for around 200 yen on the Tsugaru Fujimi Parl side. By public transport, take a taxi from JR Mutsu Tsurada Station for about 10 minutes.
5. Takayama Inari Shrine
The Takayama Inari Shrine is dedicated to Okami foxes and is named the ‘Shrine of a Thousand Tori Gates’. It was definitely a highlight of our trip to Aomori.
The area is quite secluded in a forested area near the ocean, so the tranquility is abundant and there’s hardly anyone there. Upon arriving and walking up the many stairs to the first part of the shrine, the zen feeling is washing over you.
There are shrines at the top of the hill overlooking the ocean, but you can also descend the stairs at the back to unveil the incredible sight of the many bright red Tori gates winding their way along a path to another hill. The scene is spectacular.
Visiting shrines (sanpai)
It’s acceptable and welcomed to visit shrines in Japan, no matter what religion you identify with. There is some etiquette to be followed such as bowing before entering under the Tori, purifying hands with water, paying respects with a coin, then bowing twice, clapping twice before saying your internal prayer and bowing once more.
For a comprehensive explanation on shrine etiquette visit the Matcha website.
There is a shrine shop for souvenirs, a small restaurant serving soba and udon and a block of clean toilets.
Hours: 8am-5pm
Cost: Free (it’s customary to donate a coin)
Address: Washinosawa-147-1 Ushigatacho, Tsugaru, Aomori 038-3305
Access: By car, it’s around 1 hr from Aomori city. By public transportation, take the Kodomari Line Konan Bus (Via Lake Jusanko) from JR Gono line Goshogawara Station for around 40 minutes.
6. Oirase Gorge
The Oirase Gorge connects to Lake Towada and has the most beautiful scenery imaginable, especially in Autumn. We were lucky enough to visit mid-October to witness the golden leaves shining amongst the mossy green rocks and sparkling streams.
I think this is one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever experienced. The road winds along all the beautiful sites, but it’s best to get out and walk to make the most of the scenery.
There aren’t many places to park along the way, so I suggest you pick a spot, pack a small backpack and walk. Then come back to the car later.
Shinrin-yoku = forest bathing
In Japan, the practice of shinrin-yoku is immersing oneself in nature using all the senses. Without taking photos or using devices, just take in the moment of relaxation and feel refreshed.
We found a cute cafe (ケイリュウノエキオイラセ) with an incredible backdrop to have some local inspired lunch. We tried the Towada Bara Yaki dish which is a combination of beef and onions in a sweet and spicy soy sauce cooked on an iron plate at the table.
Just buy a ticket at the machine and hand it to the staff for your lunch. It was delicious and cost 1400 yen. They also had a kids’ plain ramen set for 500 yen.
The restaurant is also attached to a cute gift shop with lots of apple products, apple soft serve ice cream and matcha chocolate flavours on soft serve. Yum!
Cafe Hours: 9am-3pm
Cafe Address: Tochikubo-11-12 Okuse, Towada, Aomori 034-0301
Access: Best to do this trip by car, or if feeling adventurous you can bike around the trails. Hire a bike from the Oirase Steam Museum.
7. Misawa Aviation Science Museum
The Misawa Aviation Science Museum is seriously incredible! It’s worth going a little out of your way to visit this place, it’s a kids’ dream. We visited on a weekday and it was almost empty, it was amazing to have this place to ourselves.
The museum is very large and divided into three zones: Science, Aviation and Space.
Each section has a bunch of fun hands-on activities and even rides! You can fly in an aircraft simulator, helicopter simulator, feel gravity on the moon and Mars, even fly around the museum on a track like a superhero!
Outside the museum there are a number of retired aircraft to explore. There are also a couple of playgrounds and a cafe with American food such as burgers and a kids’ set that comes in a little plane plate! Adorable!
This museum is right next to the Misawa Air Base which is under joint operation with the US. If you’re lucky you may witness a squadron of fighter jets taking off and flying around doing drills while you visit the museum.
Hours: 9am-5pm (closed Mondays)
Cost: Adults 510 yen; high school students 300 yen and younger children are free
Address: Kitayama-158 Misawa, Aomori 033-0022
Access: This museum is in quite a rural area, so best to drive here. It’s around 30 minutes from Hachinohe or 1 hour 30 minutes from Aomori city. During busy periods, the museum also offers a shuttle bus tour of the area. Details here.
8. Sannai Maruyama Site (historical Jomon)
The Sannai Maruyama Site is a recreation of a prehistoric Jomon period village discovered at this location dating back to the Early to Middle Jomon Period (approx 3,900 to 2,200 BCE).
In 1992 an excavation here uncovered many pit buildings, pillar-supported buildings, implements, burial sites, pottery and more. In 1995 the area was opened to the public.
World Heritage
In 2021, Sannai Maruyama and other Jomon Prehistoric sites in Aomori were registered as World Heritage areas.
You can walk inside the pit buildings and the large communal building pictured above. There is also a theatre and large museum housing artefacts found at the site, such as jade beads, clay figurines and pochettes (little bags).
There are guided tours conducted here in Japanese, but they also provide English brochures.
There is a restaurant that uses Jomon ingredients and serves things such as chestnut soft-serve. It’s possible to partake in a workshop to experience making Jomon period items such as a curved bead, replica amber pendant and knitted cloth. These take around 2 hours and you need to buy the materials from the shop prior.
More details of the workshops in Japanese, use a translator app.
Hours: 9am-5pm (closed 4th Monday of every month)
Cost: Adult 410 yen, high school and university students 200 yen, younger children are free.
Address: 305, Maruyama, Sannai, Aomori City 038-0031
Access: This site is very close to the Shin-Aomori station. It’s a great jumping-off point from the station (or somewhere to stop by if you’re too early for the Shinkansen).
By car, this site is just 5 minutes drive from the Shin Aomori Station. By public transport take the Nebutan-go bus from Shin-Aomori.
9. Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse
Aomori is well known for its summer Nebuta Festival which attracts thousands of visitors every August.
The huge floats called Nebuta (5 metres high, 7 metres deep and 9 metres wide) are made from Washi paper and lit up. They are the star attractions of the festival and are paraded around the streets of Aomori with dancers and bands accompanying them.
If you visit Aomori outside of the festival, you can still see the floats by visiting the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse near the port area. It’s absolutely worth it, these floats are incredible.
Each float tells a Japanese mythology story. The nice thing about the museum is that each float has an explanation in English as well as Japanese.
Stop by A-Factory next door to buy some Aomori souvenirs and snacks.
Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse
Hours: 9am-6pm
Cost: Adult 620 yen, high school student 460 yen, younger student 260 yen
Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Yasukata, Aomori, 030-0803
Access: The museum is within easy walking distance of Aomori Central Station
10. Hakkoda Ropeway
Hakkoda Ropeway looks like a wonderful experience, however we weren’t able to enjoy it as the service was suspended the day we arrived due to wind. It’s best to check their website the day of, to see if the service is running.
The ropeway runs year-round and takes alpine skiers to the top of the mountain during winter and sightseers the rest of the year.
We hope to visit next time!
Hours: 9am-3:40pm
Cost: Adult (13 years and up) 2,000 yen return, child (under 5-13 years old) 700 yen, under 5 free
Address: 1 – 12, Kansuizawa, Arakawa, Aomori-shi, Aomori-ken, Japan 030-0188
Access: The area is quite remote, so probably best accessed by private car. It’s on the way to Oirase Gorge from Aomori and will take around 30 minutes driving to get there. It is possible to get a JR bus from Aomori Station or Lake Towada. More details here.
11. Hachinohe Yanagi Village
Hachinohe is a port city that seems sleepy during the day, but at night it comes alive with its iconic alleys (yakocho). Each alley has a number of izakayas (bars) and restaurants that serve an intimate amount of people around the bar. This place reminds me of Midnight Diner on Netflix!
The streets are atmospheric to wander around and explore. Although this type of dining and drinking is not particularly kid-friendly, there are options for families here.
We took the family to Miraizaka which is a larger restaurant/izakaya on the main street. Remove your shoes as you enter and place them in a locker, then enjoy your private room or recessed floor seating. The menu suits kids who are weary of Japanese food offering fries and chicken yakitori.
Hours: 11:30am-2:30pm then 5pm-2am
Address: 〒031-0032 Aomori, Hachinohe, Mikkamachi, 23 1F
Access: This restaurant is on the main street of Hachinohe, so likely within walking distance to your hotel
Where is Aomori?
Aomori is the snowiest city in the world! It has around 8 metres of snow on average every year.
Aomori is the most northern prefecture on Japan’s island, Honshu. Aomori is around 700km north from Tokyo, but just 3 hours and 10 minutes on the Hayabusa, Japan’s fastest bullet train.
Aomori (of the same name) is the capital of the prefecture and is a port city. Aomori shares borders with Iwate and Akita prefectures.
Aomori prefecture has around 1.2 million population with around 45% living in either Aomori city or Hachinohe. People who live here are called Aomorion.
What is Aomori famous for?
Aomori is famous for apples! It’s the leading apple producer in Japan. It also produces large amounts of the Hiba cypress tree, garlic, burdock (root with health benefits) and redcurrant.
Aomori creates the most amount of wind energy in Japan with most wind farms on the Shimokita Peninsula.
Aomori is also known for its traditional crafts such as Tsugaru lacquerware, embroidery and horse figurines.
The Nebuta Festival is the biggest drawcard to the region with thousands flocking each year in summer to see the huge floats and festivities.
How to get to Aomori?
From Tokyo, Aomori is around 700km however, it’s a short 3 hour 10 minute trip on the Hayabusa, Japan’s fastest train. Or it’s around 1 hour 15 minutes to fly from Tokyo.
By train
The JR East Tohoku Pass is great value at 20,000 yen per adult and 10,000 yen per child for unlimited travel for 5 consecutive days. Plus it’s available for foreign residents as well as tourists. For more details check our JR East article.
If you visit Japan on the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), you can also access the Hayabusa to Aomori and its surroundings. This is a good option if you want to combine the Tohoku region (where Aomori is) with other trips such as south to Kyoto or Osaka or around Tokyo to Kamakura for example.
By plane
Aomori has an airport and it’s possible to fly there from Tokyo on major carriers. The flight takes around 1 hr 15 mins and costs anywhere from 19,000 yen to 40,000 yen one way.
By car
The drive to Aomori is 700km so you can expect it to take at least 8 hours. If you have a lot of time and want to experience many towns along the way, it could be an incredible trip.
What to eat in Aomori?
Apples! Apple everything! As Aomori is Japan’s biggest producer of apples, you can find apple everything here from fresh, dried, turned into pie, apple curry, cakes, and more.
As Aomori has such a variation in temperature throughout the seasons, it’s said the crops, seafood, and meat are especially sweet and tasty as they store fat and sugars to survive the harsh conditions. Therefore Aomori has exceptionally tasty and high-quality food!
Oma Tuna is everywhere in Aomori and is especially tasty and fatty as it comes from the frigid waters around Aomori. It’s not unusual to have huge chunks of raw tuna at breakfast. There are also restaurants that specialise in tuna bowls.
Definitely try Kayaki Miso or grilled miso scallops. These are scallops and eggs grilled together with Dashi in a large scallop shell at the table.
Nokke Don is a rice bowl covered in raw seafood and it’s possible to visit the Aomori fish market and then get tickets to pick toppings of your taste to add to your rice bowl.
Towada Bara Yaki is a delicious beef and onion dish cooked on an iron plate at the table with a sweet and spicy soy sauce.
There is also Hachinohe’s senbei soup with rice crackers that are added to the meaty soup and soak up flavours as the crackers become soft. It sounds like it would be soggy but it’s far from it. It’s as though the rice returns to its plump state once added back to the soup.
Where to stay in Aomori
Aomori city
In Aomori city, the Art Hotel is in a central location and offers quad rooms which are great for families. From here, it’s easy walking distance to the port, Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse and A-Factory. The breakfast offers a plentiful buffet of Aomori delicacies and some western options also. Bonus, the foyer has huge Nebuta decorations to get you in the festival mood.
Hachinohe
The Daiwa Roynet Hotel is an affordable and central hotel with clean and comfortable amenities. As it’s usually a business-style hotel, families may need more than one room, but the affordable price allows for it. Breakfast is a simple buffet style, but there is also a convenience store on the ground floor for a quick egg sandwich (tamago sando) before venturing out.
Lake Towadaso
For an authentic Japanese onsen hotel, try out Lake Towasado. The outdoor onsen overlooks the peaceful forest and the dinner is something of dreams. Indulge in senbei soup, crab, more fish than you can imagine and more.
They also have a lovely gift shop and rooms come with yukata to wear around the hotel. Rooms are Japanese style (sleeping on futon on the floor), which we find is great for families and super comfy.
When should you visit Aomori?
Visit Aomori in Winter to experience the snowiest city in the world!
Visit in early August to experience the vibrant and famous Nebuta Matsuri.
Visit in Autumn to experience the most beautiful fall leaf viewing without the usual crowds.
Visit Hirosaki Castle and gardens in Spring to experience the castle moats filled with pink petals.
Summary of things to do in Aomori
Aomori is one of our favourite locations in Japan. The people are so incredibly friendly, the scenery is spectacular and it’s less touristy than other places we’ve visited.
The whole family will enjoy this beautiful prefecture with cultural experiences, interactive museums, fun activities and more.
Visit Aomori in any season, you won’t be disappointed!
