Facts About Aomori Prefecture: Discover the Unexpected

Facts About Aomori

Today, I’ll be sharing some fun facts about Aomori prefecture.

Aomori Prefecture is located in the northernmost part of Japan’s main island.

It’s a region full of surprises and unique experiences.

Aomori has stunning landscapes and vibrant festivals.

It also offers a rich culture and history that will captivate any traveller.

Check out these amazing Aomori experiences:

  1. Rice Paddy Art and Apple Picking Full day Private Tour
  2. Private Tour to Big Buddha and Nebuta Museum with Licensed Guide
  3. 1 Day Hirosaki Castle and Thousand Red Torii Gates

Do you wonder what makes Aomori special?

This article has 21 unusual facts about Aomori for you.

1) Home to the Seiryu-ji Temple, featuring one of the tallest seated bronze Buddhas in the Tohoku region

In Aomori City, you’ll find the Seiryu-ji Temple.

Known as the Showa Daibutsu, this huge statue stands over 21 metres tall, making it one of the tallest seated bronze Buddhas in the Tohoku region, though not Japan’s tallest.

When you visit, make sure to check out the beautiful five-story pagoda on the temple grounds.

2) Aomori Nebuta Matsuri – a must-see summer festival

The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is one of Japan’s most famous summer festivals.

It’s held every year from August 2 to 7, taking over Aomori City with vibrant energy.

Nebuta Festival
Nebuta Festival in Aomori, Japan

The festival’s highlight is the daily parade of giant lantern floats known as Nebuta.

These floats can be up to 9 metres wide, 7 metres deep, and 5 metres high.

The floats often depict historical or mythical figures.

The designs are intricate and colourful, capturing the imagination of everyone who sees them.

3) Breathtaking Hirosaki Castle Park, famed for its cherry blossoms

You’re in for a visual treat when you visit Hirosaki Castle Park.

The park spans about 0.6 square kilometres.

Hirosaki Castle Park
Hirosaki Castle Park

Hirosaki Castle, built in 1611, stands majestic in the centre.

A three-storey tower, fortified moats, and castle gates set the scene perfectly.

The cherry blossoms are the main attraction each spring.

Around 2,600 cherry trees bloom with various shades of pink.

4) Mount Osore – known as the ‘Fear Mountain’ in Japanese culture

Mount Osore is an eerie and fascinating place.

It’s located in the centre of the remote Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture.

The mountain is called Osorezan, which translates to ‘Fear Mountain’.

This name comes from its unique and somewhat scary landscape, which is full of volcanic activity.

Mount Osore
Mount Osore in Aomori, Japan

You’ll notice a strong smell of sulphur in the air.

The volcanic activity makes the land look burnt and barren.

There’s even a poisonous lake nearby.

5) Lake Towada – a stunning volcanic crater lake

Lake Towada is a breathtaking caldera lake in Honshū, Japan.

Located on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures, it sits 400 meters above sea level.

Formed by volcanic activity, the lake’s depth reaches 327 meters.

It spans an area of 61.1 square kilometres, making it Japan’s 12th-largest lake.

Lake Towada
Lake Towada in Autumn

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Towada provide a picturesque setting for activities such as boating and hiking.

6) The Aomori Apple as the region is famous for its apple production

You might have heard of Fuji apples.

They are Japan’s and Aomori’s most famous apples.

Aomori is like the apple king of Japan.

Apples in aomori
Apples in Aomori

The prefecture’s climate and soil are perfect for growing apples.

It makes them sweet and crisp.

Aomori apples are not just famous in Japan.

They are loved all around the world, too.

Fuji, Jonagold, and Mutsu apples from Aomori are great for baking.

You can also enjoy them fresh or in pies or crisps.

7) Oirase Gorge – picture-perfect hiking trails

Oirase Gorge in Aomori Prefecture is a hiker’s paradise.

You’ll find stunning trails along the Oirase River, featuring clear waters and numerous waterfalls.

Oirase Gorge
Oirase Gorge

Surrounded by lush forests, the trails offer a peaceful and scenic experience.

You can explore these paths on foot or even by bike.

It’s an easy trek for casual walkers, too.

8) Tsugaru Shamisen – traditional Japanese music originated here

You might not know it, but Tsugaru Shamisen is a cool part of Japanese culture.

It began in the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture.

This type of music uses a shamisen, which is a three-stringed instrument.

The music is famous for its fast and energetic style.

If you get the chance, check out a performance— it’s amazing!

9) Sannai-Maruyama Ruins – Ancient Jomon Period Settlement

You can step back in time at the Sannai-Maruyama ruins in Aomori Prefecture.

This ancient site dates back to Japan’s Jomon period, around 3,900 to 2,200 BCE.

These ruins cover a vast area and showcase what life was like in a prehistoric village.

You can explore reconstructed huts and see tools used by the people of the time.

10) Spectacular snow festivals in Hirosaki and Aomori City

Winter in Hirosaki and Aomori City offers you a magical experience.

Hirosaki Castle hosts the famous Snow Lantern Festival.

You can see hundreds of snow lanterns and small igloos called Kamakura.

Snow Lantern Festival
Snow Lantern Festival

Aomori City also puts on fantastic winter festivals.

Expect dazzling illuminations and beautiful ice sculptures.

Enjoy the snowy fun and the wonderful winter vibe.

11) Aomori Museum of Art featuring works by Yoshitomo Nara

The Aomori Museum of Art is a must-visit spot in Aomori Prefecture.

You’ll find some incredible pieces by Yoshitomo Nara, a famous local artist.

Nara’s work is known worldwide, and his unique style will catch your eye.

One of the highlights is the Aomori Dog, an 8.5-meter-tall statue located outdoors.

You can see more of his creative works that blend childhood innocence with a hint of edginess.

12) Onsen (hot spring) experiences at Sukayu Onsen

You’ll love the unique experience at Sukayu Onsen.

It’s located at the foot of the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori and is famous for its strong acidic sulfur spring.

Sukayu Onsen
Sukayu Onsen

You can visit as a day-trip guest between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the last entry at 5:30 p.m.

For overnight guests, extended bathing hours are available.

You can also enjoy mixed-gender bathing, which is quite uncommon in Japan.

13) Rice Field Art – intricate designs in paddies at Inakadate

Inakadate is a small village in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.

It’s famous for its stunning rice field art.

Rice Field Art
Rice Field Art

These artworks transform rice paddies into huge, vibrant canvases.

Every year, villagers plant different coloured rice varieties to create intricate pictures.

Designs can include famous artworks, characters, or scenes from nature.

The artwork is best viewed from high observation platforms, which allows one to appreciate the full scope of the designs.

14) Shimokita Peninsula for rugged coastal scenery

When you visit the Shimokita Peninsula, you’re in for a visual treat.

This northern tip of Honshu Island offers a mix of wild landscapes, rugged cliffs, and dense forests.

Shimokita Peninsula
Shimokita Peninsula

The coastline is dramatic, with cliffs that plunge into the sea.

Make sure to visit the Shiriyazaki Lighthouse for some stunning views.

15) The Gono Line

The Gono Line offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan, letting you take in scenic coastal landscapes along the way.

The Gono Line
The Gono Line

16) Ōma Tuna – renowned Japanese delicacy

You’ll find some of the freshest seafood at Ōma, known for its prized Ōma tuna.

Located at Honshu’s northern tip, Ōma is famous for its premium-grade tuna, often auctioned at high prices.

You can experience vibrant seafood markets, like Shinsen Fish Market or Auga Market, filled with fresh catches daily.

17) Discover Aomori’s deep forests and ancient temples

When you’re in Aomori, the deep forests are a must-see.

Shirakami-Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site primarily due to its ancient beech forests.

Forests in Shirakami Sanchi
Forests in Shirakami Sanchi

Another gem in Aomori is its ancient temples.

These temples have stood for centuries, offering a peaceful retreat.

Wandering through these forests and visiting the temples, you can feel the history and beauty.