Aomori Travel Guide

Discover Tradition, Nature, and Quiet Beauty in Northern Honshu

I’ve had the chance to visit Aomori several times, and each trip left me with a quiet sense of wonder. While I’ve never lived there, my visits gave me a glimpse into a region where deep-rooted traditions and breathtaking nature exist side by side. At the northern tip of Honshu, Aomori feels far from the noise of big cities, yet closer to the heart of old Japan.

Nature & Climate

• Snowy Winters: Aomori experiences some of the heaviest snowfalls in Japan. When I visited Hirosaki in winter, the streets were blanketed in snow, and the sight of snow-covered temples brought an overwhelming sense of peace.
• Fresh Spring: I was lucky enough to see the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle in late April—truly one of the most breathtaking hanami experiences I’ve ever had.
• Cool Summer: Unlike the muggy heat in other parts of Japan, Aomori’s summer felt refreshing. Walking through Shirakami-Sanchi’s beech forests was both calming and humbling.
• Colorful Autumn: Mt. Hakkoda and Oirase Gorge are famous for their vibrant autumn foliage. One afternoon I spent there, surrounded by golden leaves and the sound of a mountain stream, felt like time had slowed down.

Places to Visit

• Hirosaki Castle: Known for its iconic cherry blossom festival, but equally magical in winter with snow lanterns and a tranquil atmosphere that feels centuries old.
• Oirase Gorge: A scenic trail that runs alongside a clear mountain stream, lined with moss-covered rocks and cascading waterfalls. A perfect spot for slow, meditative walks.
• Lake Towada: On my last visit, I took a boat ride on this serene lake nestled between mountains. The reflection of autumn colors on the surface was unforgettable.
• Shirakami-Sanchi: A UNESCO World Heritage site and home to ancient beech forests. Even a short hike there feels like stepping into a different world.

Local Food

• Apple Dishes: Aomori is Japan’s top apple producer. I tried fresh apple juice at a roadside station—it was so sweet and crisp, I bought a bottle to take home.
• Senbei-jiru: A warm, comforting soup with rice crackers, chicken, and vegetables. I had it in a small local restaurant on a cold evening—it was the perfect meal.
• Maguro Don: Tuna rice bowls in Aomori are incredibly fresh. At a market near the bay, I had one that was simple but absolutely delicious.

Wabi-Sabi Moments in Aomori

• Watching cherry blossoms fall gently around Hirosaki Castle
• Standing alone by a misty mountain stream in Oirase Gorge
• Hearing only the crunch of snow underfoot on a quiet winter morning
• Sipping hot soup in a tiny eatery while snowflakes drift past the window

These quiet, fleeting moments are what make Aomori feel timeless and real.

How to Get There

• From Tokyo: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station (about 3.5 hours).
• From Hokkaido: Travel via Shinkansen through the Seikan Tunnel—an engineering marvel connecting Honshu and Hokkaido.