Home to majestic mountains and beautiful valleys, it is a popular tourist destination. Aomori means “blue forest”—aptly named for the blue oceans that surround it and the green forests that dot the landscape. Whether you visit in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, there are countless activities to do and sights to see.
INDEX
Experience the wonder of Shirakami Sanchi - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
See the breathtaking Hotokegaura Rock Formation
View the stunning Oirase Gorge
Let Hakkoda Mountains become your winter playground
Gaze at the Lake Towada crystal-clear waters
Explore Hirosaki City against the backdrop of beautiful cherry blossoms
Between Aomori and Akita prefecture in northern Japan lies Shirakami Sanchi. This extensive mountain range is home to maple and pine trees and some of the last virgin beech forests in Japan. It is one of the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage sites, with miles of scenic views, waterfalls, lakes, valleys, peaks, and gorges.
Explore Shirakami Sanchi by taking the various hiking trails leading to many peaks around the mountain range. Mount Futatsumori is an easy trail that only takes an hour to reach the peak, though the ascent is pretty steep. The sights are worth the climb, as hikers get to see the mountains and valleys of the World Heritage zone that isn’t accessible by all tourists.
If you are looking for a less strenuous activity, you can walk the scenic trails of Dairakyo Gorge. Nearby is the picturesque Tanashiro Swamp, which sits near the trail leading to the peak of Mount Komagatake.
One of the best sights in the Shirakami Sanchi is Juniko (meaning 12 lakes). See breathtakingly beautiful lakes and ponds, all connected by hiking trails. Aoike (meaning blue pond) is one very special lake with blues so enchanting and water so clear you can see the bottom of the 10-meter pond.
All around Lake Juniko are walking trails for you to enjoy. Other activities include hiking, mountain climbing, and camping. If you visit in the winter, go snow trekking to see the towering beaches and discover the different hidden lakes.
Another popular tourist attraction is the Anmon Falls, made up of three distinct waterfalls (named First, Second, and Third). With its surrounding beech and pine trees and the towering walls of rock nearby, the falls give off a mystical aura.
How to get to Shirakami Sanchi:
From Aomori Airport, take the two-hour bus to Shirakami Sanchi via Hirosaki. You can also take the train from the airport to Aomori City, then take the Ou Line from Shin-Aomori Station to Hirosaki. From Hirosaki Station, you'll get to enter the site by train. From June to November, there is a seasonal bus service, the Konan Bus, that can take you to some areas in the park.
Close to the Shirakami Sanchi is the Hotokegaura Rock Formation. These striking rock formations sit around the western Shimokita Peninsula coastline. Rough waves from the Tsugaru Straits have eroded the rocks into the dramatic shapes you see today.
This wild, rugged beauty in northern Japan is a National Natural Monument. It is a sacred spot to locals who consider it a gateway for spirits of the deceased to pass between this world and the next. In July, locals gather by the beach to offer prayers to the Buddhist deity, Jizo Bosatsu, and the surrounding rock formations.
The best way to appreciate these majestic rocks is through one of the sightseeing cruises that depart from Sai Village. Views from the boat are stunning, with the emerald sea and verdant hillside adding to the breathtaking seascape of the ivory-white rocks. Some tours allow you to disembark and admire the rocks up close.
How to get to the Hotokegaura Rock Formation:
From Aomori Airport, take the JR Bus to Aomori Port and board the Polar Start high-speed ship from there to Sai Village.
Oirase Gorge is one of the most beautiful river valleys in Japan. It runs between Yakeyama and Nenokuchi, and the river flows parallel to the road through a thick forest famous for its beautiful autumn colors. It’s a popular spot for hikers and cyclists who take their time to explore the many waterfalls and icy rapids, as well as interesting rock formations.
Visit in the fall when you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the world bathed in gorgeous fall colors. If you want to go apple-picking, check out the various orchards nearby, like the Tajima Apple Orchards. In the winter, the waterfalls freeze, allowing you to see the illuminated frozen waterfalls and icicles, including Makado Iwa, Kumoi no Taki Falls, and Shironuno Falls. The Inaichō General Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization has a tour that lets you see this wonderful phenomenon of the Oirase Ice Falls during a day tour or at night.
How to get to Oirase Gorge:
From Aomori Airport, take the bus to Aomori Station. From Aomori Station, take the JR Bus bound for Towada-ko. Disembark at Oirase Keiryū-kan stop, which is located at the downstream entrance of Oirase Gorge.
The Hakkoda Mountains boast spectacular natural scenery throughout all four seasons. The range is located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park where you will see many rivers, waterfalls, and other enchanting views.
While the fall and winter months bring out the most stunning landscapes in Hakkoda Mountains, the place is worth a visit any time of the year. Hike and trek around the Suirennuma Pond, Sukayu Onsen, and some peaks in the mountains. Some of these need safety gear and are only for experienced hikers. It’s best to check first which trails are suitable for you.
If you’re looking for a stunning show, come in the winter when the world is covered in a blanket of white and trees mysteriously transform into “snow monsters.” Forests that withstand harsh and icy winds undergo a unique natural phenomenon. This gives them the appearance of creatures emerging frozen with layers of snow. Visitors can walk through these wintery structures or head to the Hakkoda Ski Resort for deep, powdery snow, thrilling trails, and stunning views.
Take the year-round gondola service to Tamoyachi-dake and enjoy the panoramic landscape and hiking trails. For those looking to push their limits, there are more demanding and athletic routes. Go on a hike to Mount Odake—the highest peak in the Hakkoda—where climbers can catch a glimpse of breathtaking vistas.
How to get to Hakkoda Mountains:
From Aomori Airport, take the bus to Aomori Station or Shin-Aomori Station. From either of the two stations, ride the JR bus to the Hakkoda Ropeway Sanroku Station.
Lake Towada is a caldera lake shaped about 200,000 years ago by volcanic activity. Over the years, it has built up stored rainwater and is now the third-deepest lake in Japan. With its beautiful, mirror-like waters that reflect the sky and surrounding mountains, the panoramic views inspire visitors to take a deep breath of fresh air and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Go canoeing and hiking in the fall when you can enjoy the foliage as they turn red, brown, and gold. There are many traditional inns and hot springs around Lake Towada. Take a dip in an onsen and sample the delicious local cuisine, starting with fresh red salmon and kiritanpo (pounded rice cooked over an open hearth).
How to get to Lake Towada:
From Aomori Airport, take a bus to Aomori Station, then transfer to a JR bus bound for Towada-ko.
Hirosaki is the home of Hirosaki Castle and is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. It is the sole surviving structure of its kind in Tohoku, dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). With over 2,000 cherry trees planted in the park, it is one of Japan's top 100 places to see the famed sakura.
Along the Western moat of Hirosaki castle, the cherry trees line both sides of the walk, creating a tunnel-like walking path. Experience the annual Sakura Festival (usually held late April to Golden Week) and walk along a flower-lined path while taking in the different sights and sounds. Enjoy the magnificent views against the historical backdrop of the castle as the petals frame the moats, gates, and turrets in shades of pink.
In the winter, you can still experience a wonderful world of pink through the Snow Cherry Blossoms—over 200 trees decorated with pink LED illuminations. The best time to enjoy this is at night through the Winter Cherry Blossom Light Up, where the trees look like real cherry blossoms. Take a short walk by the frozen moat under the gleaming petals and enjoy the charming scenery.
Hirosaki is also home to the Snow Lantern Festival (held every February), when the twinkling candle lights of hundreds of lanterns illuminate the park. Enjoy the snow sculptures modeled on historic buildings, go down the snow slide, and watch the winter fireworks.
Nestled within Hirosaki Park is the Fujita Memorial Garden. It is a Japanese landscape garden featuring a central pond, a waterfall, a traditional Japanese house, and a tea house. Stroll around this tranquil enclave and the vast grounds beyond. Breathe in the fresh air and welcome that sense of serenity that envelops you as you gain a deeper appreciation for the traditional Japanese aesthetic and way of living.
Aomori is also known for its apples, just like Washington state in the United States. Hirosaki is also home to over a thousand apple trees with different varieties. From August to mid-November, you can enjoy picking apples. Near Hirosaki City are other apple orchards you may enjoy, including Iwakisankankoringo Orchards and Morinonakanokaju Orchards.
How to get to Hirosaki Castle from Aomori:
From Tokyo Airport, you can opt to fly to Aomori Airport or take the Hayabusa train along the Tohoku Shinkansen. If you take the train, get down at Shin-Aomori Station and transfer to a local train to Hirosaki.
From Aomori Airport, take the bus that runs between the airport and Hirosaki Station and Bus Terminal.
Between rock formations jutting out into the sea and majestic peaks with stunning panoramic views, Aomori is a must-see for those who want to explore the wonders of nature. Whether you hike leaf-covered trails or go on a snowshoe trek to see frozen waterfalls, you’ll find that there is a lot to discover.
Enjoy Aomori’s natural beauty the whole year-round.
Aomori cuisine is one of its many hidden treasures. No matter where you go in Aomori, you'll have a great food experience.
Known for its history, cuisine, and unrivaled nature views, Aomori is the northernmost prefecture in Japan’s Tohoku region.
Aomori is a destination to explore World Heritage Site Mt. Shirakami as well as many other beautiful natural areas like Juniko Lakes and Juniko Forest.
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