Located at the northern tip of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Aomori Prefecture is a region of striking natural beauty, deep cultural traditions and a pace of life far removed from the urban bustle of Japan’s major cities. Bordered by the Tsugaru Strait to the north — separating it from Hokkaido — and surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east, Aomori occupies a dramatic geographic position that has shaped its climate, cuisine and character.
The prefecture is perhaps best known internationally for the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, one of Japan’s three great festivals, held each August in Aomori city. Enormous illuminated floats depicting warriors and mythological figures are paraded through the streets to the beat of taiko drums, drawing around 3 million visitors over the course of the festival. In the neighboring city of Hirosaki, the Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri — a distinct but related festival — takes place at the same time, featuring fan-shaped floats.
Aomori produces approximately 60% of Japan’s total apple harvest, and the fruit is deeply embedded in the region’s identity and cuisine. Fresh seafood from the cold waters of the Tsugaru Strait — particularly tuna from Oma, scallops and sea urchin — is equally celebrated, with Oma tuna among the most prized in Japan.
The most convenient route from Tokyo is by the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station, with the fastest services (Hayabusa) taking approximately 3 hours.
From Shin-Aomori Station, local JR trains connect to Aomori city center in around 6 minutes.
For Hirosaki, continue on the JR Ou Main Line from Shin-Aomori, adding around 35 minutes.
