Explore Aomori: 18 Popular Sightseeing Spots

Hirosaki Castle was originally planned by Tamenobu Tsugaru, the founder of the Hirosaki Domain, and was completed in 1611 by his successor, Nobuhira Tsugaru. The castle’s gates and keep remain in their original condition, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The castle grounds are famous for cherry blossoms, with approximately 2,600 trees of 50 varieties, predominantly Somei-Yoshino. Seasonal highlights include the "Hanakada," where cherry petals float on the moat's surface, and the "Sakura Carpet," where petals cover the water entirely. The annual "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival," celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020 and is one of Japan's most famous festivals.

Oirase Gorge stretches approximately 14 kilometers from Nenokuchi at Lake Towada to its confluence with the Tsuta River. Surrounded by dense natural forests, the gorge is renowned for its dynamic and breathtaking scenery. The towering cliffs on both sides are formed from welded tuff, a mixture of pumice and volcanic ash deposited at high temperatures, creating a dramatic landscape. Along the gorge, there are numerous highlights, such as the "Ashura-no-Nagare" (Ashura Stream) and "Choshi Otaki" (Choshi Falls). A well-maintained walking path runs along the gorge, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty.

The Juniko Lakes are a group of 33 ponds and lakes located in the western Shirakami-Sanchi area of Aomori Prefecture. Formed by a massive landslide during an earthquake in the Edo period, the name "Juniko" (meaning "Twelve Lakes") comes from the view from Mount Kuzure, where 12 of the lakes are visible. Among them, Aoike, or the "Blue Pond," is particularly famous for its strikingly vivid blue color, which resembles spilled blue ink. The reason behind its unique color remains a mystery, adding to its allure. When sunlight hits the water, it creates a breathtaking gradient of blue shades.

Hakkoda Ski Resort offers an incredible skiing experience, starting from the summit of Mt. Tamoyachidake, accessible via the ropeway’s Mountain Park Station. With a 7-kilometer-long course, it is one of the longest in Japan. The area is renowned for its "snow monsters," giant frost-covered Aomori Todomatsu trees. These unique natural formations are created by ice and snow accumulating on the trees, growing into stunning and sometimes bizarre shapes, making them a must-see attraction.

Osorezan (Mount Osore) is one of Japan's Three Great Sacred Mountains, alongside Mount Koya and Mount Hiei. According to legend, it was established in 862 by Jikaku Daishi, a prominent Tendai Buddhist monk, following a divine vision in a dream. The site features spiritual locations with evocative names such as Blood Pond Hell, Heavy Crime Hell, Hell Valley, Sai-no-Kawara (Children’s Limbo), Paradise Beach, and the River of Three Crossings. The surreal landscapes, combined with the changing hues of Lake Usori throughout the seasons, create an otherworldly atmosphere that feels like both paradise and hell. During the summer and autumn festivals, visitors can witness the traditional "Itako Spirit Summoning" ritual.

Osorezan (Mount Osore) is one of Japan's Three Great Sacred Mountains, alongside Mount Koya and Mount Hiei. According to legend, it was established in 862 by Jikaku Daishi, a prominent Tendai Buddhist monk, following a divine vision in a dream. The site features spiritual locations with evocative names such as Blood Pond Hell, Heavy Crime Hell, Hell Valley, Sai-no-Kawara (Children’s Limbo), Paradise Beach, and the River of Three Crossings. The surreal landscapes, combined with the changing hues of Lake Usori throughout the seasons, create an otherworldly atmosphere that feels like both paradise and hell. During the summer and autumn festivals, visitors can witness the traditional "Itako Spirit Summoning" ritual.

The Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the Tohoku Region's three major festivals, takes place annually in Aomori City from August 2 to 7. This vibrant summer festival features massive, brightly colored lantern floats called "Nebuta," which depict dynamic three-dimensional figures. These floats illuminate the summer nights as energetic dancers known as "Haneto" surround them, jumping and chanting "Rassera!" The festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and attracts over a million visitors from Japan and abroad who come to experience its lively and spectacular atmosphere.Anyone can join the festivities as a Haneto dancer by wearing the traditional Haneto costume, which includes a white yukata, a colorful sash, and a flowered hat. Costumes can be purchased at local department stores or rented from various shops in the city.

Hasshoku Center is a vibrant market featuring around 60 specialty shops offering freshly caught seafood, dried goods, local delicacies, souvenirs, and Hachinohe specialties. The market also boasts a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy local flavors, including sushi, Hachinohe ramen, soba, and udon at the "Kuriya Stadium" and "Ajiyokocho" dining areas. One of the unique attractions is "Shichirin Village," where you can grill and enjoy the fresh ingredients you purchase. For families, there's an indoor play area for kids and year-round events that everyone can enjoy together.

The Shayokan, a grand mansion built in 1907, was commissioned by Tsushima Gen'emon, a wealthy landlord and the father of renowned author Dazai Osamu. Constructed using Japanese cypress from Japan's top three forests, the mansion cost approximately 40,000 yen at the time. It features a traditional Japanese-style gabled roof and encompasses an impressive estate with 11 rooms on the first floor (919 square meters), 8 rooms on the second floor (383 square meters), a garden with a pond, and additional outbuildings, totaling about 2,245 square meters.Dazai Osamu described the house in his work Chronicles of Painful Years as “a large house my father built. It has no charm, just size.” After World War II, the mansion left the Tsushima family’s ownership and operated as an inn named "Shayokan" for 46 years until 1996. In 1996, the town of Kanagi acquired the property, converting it into a museum to honor Dazai Osamu’s literary legacy.

The Hakkoda Ropeway offers a scenic 10-minute ride from Sanroku Station at the base to the Summit Park Station near Tamoyachidake in the Hakkoda Mountain Range, ascending approximately 650 meters. During the off-season for skiing (mid-May to early December), visitors can explore alpine plants along nature trails starting from the Summit Park Station. In mid-August, the operating hours are extended, making it a popular spot for enjoying beautiful sunsets. Both Sanroku Station and Summit Park Station feature restaurants and cafes for a relaxing break.

The exact founding date of Takayama Inari Shrine is unknown, but it is believed to have been established by the Ando clan, who ruled the area between the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. This shrine is one of the most sacred in Aomori Prefecture, dedicated to deities of bountiful harvests, maritime safety, and business prosperity. Visitors come to pray for a wide variety of blessings, including health, safe travels, and household well-being. A highlight of the shrine is the impressive "Thousand Torii Gates," a unique power spot offering an unforgettable view. The contrast between the Japanese garden and the bright red torii gates is truly striking.

Tsuru no Mai Bridge, spanning over 300 meters, is the longest wooden triple-arch bridge in Japan. It stretches across Tsugaru Fujimi Lake, which beautifully reflects the majestic Mount Iwaki, also known as "Tsugaru Fuji." The bridge is said to resemble a crane gracefully soaring through the sky, and crossing it is believed to bring long life. The area around the bridge offers various attractions, including Fujimi Lake Park, where visitors can enjoy activities like boating, and the Tancho Crane Nature Park, where you can see Japanese red-crowned cranes.

Discover the world of apples at this expansive orchard, featuring approximately 500 apple trees representing 120 varieties from around the globe. Explore the Apple Variety Exhibition Orchard, where you can see these diverse apples up close, and the Apple Resource Room, showcasing apple-related materials and tools. The Local Produce Market offers fresh apples and vegetables, while the Processing Facility sells popular apple jams and juices made with natural flavors. Enjoy hands-on activities at four workshop studios, such as pottery making (Banryu-yaki), crafting apple-based sweets, or dyeing fabrics with apple plants. You can also experience creating unique crafts like coin purses or pen cases using "Rinju," a traditional craft made by weaving apple tree bark (reservation required). For families, there’s a Monument Plaza, grassy play areas, and a small stream where kids can play. You’ll also find a restaurant featuring dishes made with local ingredients, six cozy, air-conditioned cottages built entirely of Japanese cypress for overnight stays, an onsen (hot spring) for relaxation, and even a free footbath. During the harvest season (October to mid-November), don’t miss the Furusato Center, where you can enjoy freshly picked apples and create lasting memories.

Experience the vibrant flavors of Aomori's local cuisine at the Aomori Gyosai Center, also known as Furukawa Market. Here, you can create your own custom seafood rice bowl, called Nokke-don. Start by purchasing meal tickets at the information desk or participating stores. Exchange one of the tickets for a bowl of rice at a shop with a red sign. Then, visit your choice of stalls to pick fresh sashimi, side dishes, meat, or other toppings—each item can be exchanged for one ticket. Enjoy crafting your own unique rice bowl with fresh, local ingredients!

Lake Towada is a magnificent caldera lake located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the northern highlands. The tranquil surface of the lake reflects the sky, greenery, and autumn leaves like a mirror, creating a mystical beauty. This lake, encircled by outer rim mountains, is the source of the Oirase Stream. It spans about 46 km in circumference and reaches a depth of 327 meters, making it Japan's third deepest lake. Formed over centuries as rainwater filled the ground hollowed out by volcanic eruptions, Lake Towada embodies both the power of nature and the passage of time. Despite its location in northern Japan, the lake remains unfrozen even in winter, earning it the nickname "Mystic Lake." The surrounding area features natural forests of beech and other trees, offering stunning scenery throughout the year. Spring brings blooming flowers, summer is filled with lush greenery, autumn is ablaze with vibrant foliage, and winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland. The best times to visit are May to June for fresh greenery and mid- to late October for autumn leaves. Visitors can enjoy canoeing and sightseeing cruises from April to November. In winter (January to March), activities like snowshoeing and snow rambler tours allow you to marvel at icy pillars and frozen waterfalls.

The Towada Art Center is a leading contemporary art museum in Aomori Prefecture, centered around the concept of providing "new experiences through art." It is part of the "Arts Towada" initiative, which envisions the entire Government Office Street in central Towada as a museum. This initiative integrates the art center, outdoor art installations, and art programs to revitalize the area. The project began after the reorganization of central government agencies in 2001, which left vacant lots along the street. The Towada Art Center opened in 2008 as the project’s centerpiece, and the former tax office site across the street was transformed into the "Art Square," completing the grand opening of Arts Towada in 2010. The museum showcases art installations alongside features highlighting Towada’s rich history, stunning natural surroundings, and vibrant local culture. In 2014, the initiative expanded into the central shopping district, further cementing Towada’s reputation as a unique "Art Town" that draws visitors from around the world with its distinctive approach to urban renewal.

The Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site is one of the largest Jomon period archaeological sites in Japan and has been designated as a Special Historic Site by the Japanese government. Covering a vast area of approximately 40 hectares, the site features preserved remains of ancient pit dwellings, raised-floor buildings, and other structures that provide a glimpse into life during the Jomon era. Key artifacts excavated from the site are designated as Important Cultural Properties and are exhibited at the Sanmaru Museum on-site. Visitors can also enjoy workshops where they can experience Jomon craftsmanship, such as making clay figurines or "Jomon pouches" using paper bands, making it an enjoyable activity for both adults and children.

Kabushima Shrine is located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, on Kabushima Island, part of the Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park. This shrine has long been cherished as a place to pray for prosperity in business and safety in fishing, dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of fortune. The name "Kabu" (from Kabushima) is pronounced the same as the Japanese word for "stock" or "popularity," making the shrine popular among visitors seeking good fortune in financial matters and personal connections. At the shrine office, you can purchase the "Kabu-Akari Gourd Charm," believed to bring good luck. The area is also famous as a nesting ground for black-tailed gulls (Umineko). Visitors can enjoy watching the birds while praying for success and good fortune.