Aomori

Aomori is known to Japanese people as the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, Japan’s main island. It is often associated with harsh winters and heavy snowfall, but also with rich nature, fresh seafood, and vibrant festivals. Above all, the Aomori Nebuta Festival in summer is one of the most famous festivals in Japan and has become a symbol of the prefecture itself.

Role of Its Cities

Aomori City, the prefectural capital, serves as the administrative and transportation hub, and is widely known as the host city of the Nebuta Festival. Hirosaki is celebrated for Hirosaki Castle and its cherry blossoms, making it an important cultural center. Hachinohe, on the Pacific coast, is one of Tohoku’s leading port cities and supports the region’s fishing and industry. The prefecture is also divided into two traditional cultural areas—Tsugaru in the west and Nanbu in the east—giving its cities a sense of diversity and local identity.

History

Aomori has a long history dating back to the Jomon period, with many archaeological sites still preserved. The most famous is the Sannai-Maruyama Site, one of Japan’s largest and most significant Jomon settlements, now recognized internationally. In later centuries, the region was shaped by the Tsugaru and Nanbu clans, which left behind distinct traditions. During the Edo period, Aomori prospered as a stop for Kitamaebune trading ships and became an important gateway to Hokkaido.

Landmarks

Aomori offers striking attractions across the prefecture. The cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle are among Japan’s most beloved springtime sights, while the Nebuta Festival lights up Aomori City every summer with giant illuminated floats. Nature lovers visit Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada for their seasonal beauty, or the Shimokita Peninsula for dramatic coastal scenery like Hotokegaura and the sacred Mount Osore. In winter, Mount Hakkoda draws hikers and skiers, and its “snow monsters” (frost-covered trees) are a highlight.

Culture

Aomori’s culture reflects both the challenges of its northern climate and the creativity of its people. The Nebuta and Neputa festivals, as well as the towering floats of Goshogawara’s Tachineputa, showcase the prefecture’s flair for vibrant celebrations. The Tsugaru shamisen, a powerful style of three-stringed lute music, was born here and is now performed around the world. Aomori is also Japan’s top producer of apples, and its cuisine includes specialties such as kenoshiru vegetable soup, ichigo-ni seafood soup, and abundant fresh seafood from both the Pacific and the Sea of Japan.