Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka… You’ve been to Japan, but everywhere was packed with people.
- You’ve already experienced Japan’s big cities, so now you want to explore the countryside.
- You want to discover a side of Japan that not many people know about.
If that sounds like you, then Aomori is the perfect place!
“Wait, where is Aomori?”
“What’s even there to see?”
In this article, I’ll give you a quick rundown of Aomori—where it is and what you can experience there!
Aomori: The Basics
First, let’s break down the name “Aomori” (青森).
- 青 (Ao) means “blue” in Japanese.
- 森 (Mori) means “forest.”
But don’t get the wrong idea—Aomori doesn’t have blue-colored forests!
In Japanese, “blue” can also refer to lush, vibrant greenery.
So the name Aomori originally meant “a place with a thriving forest.”
And yes, Aomori is exactly that—a land of stunning natural beauty.
Here’s where it is on the map!
Aomori is the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, Japan’s main island.
Let’s be honest—Aomori is not a big city.
In fact, it’s pretty rural.
But don’t close this tab just yet!
Because what Aomori lacks in urban hustle, it makes up for with one-of-a-kind experiences.
Why You’ll Love Aomori
1. Breathtaking Nature
Did you know that Aomori is the snowiest place on Earth?
That means if you love winter sports, this is paradise!
The powder snow here is incredible for skiing and snowboarding.
Here are some other must-see spots!
Oirase Gorge – A place so breathtakingly beautiful, anyone can take a photo and look like a professional photographer!
Hirosaki Castle – One of Japan’s top three cherry blossom viewing spots.
2. Festivals Like No Other
If you’re visiting Japan in summer, the Nebuta Festival is an absolute must-see!
Picture this: Enormous floats up to 5 meters tall and 9 meters wide, glowing with vibrant colors, parading through the streets, while the sound of taiko drums and flutes fills the air. This is Japanese festival culture at its peak.
Other famous festivals include:
- Hachinohe Sansha Taisai – A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event.
- Goshogawara Tachineputa – Featuring massive floats 23 meters high and 19 tons in weight!
3. Food You Have to Try
- Apples
Aomori is Japan’s No.1 apple producer, growing over 60% of the country’s apples!
Forget ordinary apple juice—Aomori has so many different kinds, you’ll find your favorite in no time. - Garlic
Also Japan’s No.1 producer! If you love garlic, you need to visit Takko Town, the holy land of garlic lovers.
How to Get to Aomori 🚄✈️
Aomori is at the northernmost tip of Honshu, but with the Shinkansen or a flight, you’ll get there surprisingly fast! 🚀
Here’s a breakdown of the main travel options—pick the one that suits you best!
By Shinkansen (JR Tohoku Shinkansen)
✈ By Plane (Haneda Airport → Aomori Airport)
Travel time: About 1 hour 20 minutes (flight) + time to get to the city
Getting from Aomori Airport to the city:
| Transportation | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Bus | ~35 min | ¥860 (¥430 for kids) |
| 🚖 Taxi (standard) | ~25 min | ~¥4,000 |
| 🚖 Taxi (pre-booked) | ~25 min | ~¥3,000 (discount available for reservations) |
Why fly?
✅ Super fast—perfect for those who want to minimize travel time
✅ Enjoy breathtaking views of Japan’s mountains from the sky!
Heads up!
⚠ From December to March, snow may cause delays or cancellations, so plan with extra time just in case!
Which one should you choose? 🤔
✅ Take the Shinkansen if you…
☑ Want to relax and enjoy the scenery
☑ Prefer a travel option that’s less affected by weather
✅ Fly if you…
☑ Want to get to Aomori as quickly as possible ✈️
☑ Love the idea of seeing Japan’s mountains from above!
So, which travel style do you prefer?😆 Let me know in the comments!
For more travel options, check the official Aomori tourism website:
👉 Aomori Travel Guide
This Is Just the Beginning…
This was just a tiny glimpse into what makes Aomori so special.
Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing even more hidden gems and must-visit spots soon!
See you in the next post! 👋
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