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:
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
- 2) Aomori Nebuta Matsuri – a must-see summer festival
- 3) Breathtaking Hirosaki Castle Park, famed for its cherry blossoms
- 4) Mount Osore – known as the 'Fear Mountain' in Japanese culture
- 5) Lake Towada – a stunning volcanic crater lake
- 6) The Aomori Apple as the region is famous for its apple production
- 7) Oirase Gorge – picture-perfect hiking trails
- 8) Tsugaru Shamisen – traditional Japanese music originated here
- 9) Sannai-Maruyama Ruins – Ancient Jomon Period Settlement
- 10) Spectacular snow festivals in Hirosaki and Aomori City
- 11) Aomori Museum of Art featuring works by Yoshitomo Nara
- 12) Onsen (hot spring) experiences at Sukayu Onsen
- 13) Rice Field Art – intricate designs in paddies at Inakadate
- 14) Shimokita Peninsula for rugged coastal scenery
- 15) The Gono Line
- 16) Ōma Tuna – renowned Japanese delicacy
- 17) Discover Aomori's deep forests and ancient temples
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.