Ultimate Aomori TripSelected tourist attractions

Nov 12, 2023 5:21:15 AM

🕓 2023/11/7
＃観光地

What is Aomori?

Aomori Prefecture is a charming area located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, Japan. Its abundant nature and unique history make it extremely attractive to foreign tourists.

Known as Mutsu since ancient times, Aomori was a key point of interaction between Honshu and Hokkaido. Aomori was also the cultural center of the northeastern Tohoku region, where the Hiraizumi culture, led by the Oshu Fujiwara clan, flourished. Furthermore, the Tsugaru and Nanbu domains fostered a distinct culture in the area.

Aomori Prefecture captivates visitors with its beautiful scenery, including the World Heritage Site Shirakami-Sanchi, the Oirase Gorge, and stunning views along the Gono Line. Local cuisine and traditional crafts, featuring local ingredients, are also part of the tourist experience.

Top 3 Selected Tourist Attractions in Aomori

1. Hirosaki Castle

● Attractions

Hirosaki Castle, situated within the beautiful Hirosaki Park, is the northernmost existing castle tower in Japan and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. The park houses not only the castle tower but also five gates and three turrets, preserving the atmosphere of ancient times. The view from Shimono-ri-bashi bridge, with its red railings harmonizing with the castle tower, is a perfect spot for photography. Also, the Shachi (a mythical creature with the head of a tiger and the body of a fish) on the roof of the third floor of the tower is a sight not to be missed. Touring the vast park in a rickshaw allows visitors to elegantly enjoy various perspectives of the castle's beauty.

● History

Hirosaki Castle was constructed in the early Edo period by the Tsugaru clan, who ruled the Tsugaru region at that time. The castle has undergone several renovations over the centuries and has maintained its form to this day. The structures within the castle, along with its moats and bridges, retain the ambiance of the Edo period, allowing visitors to imagine life back then.

● Access

Address: 1 Shimo-shirogane-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Google Maps Link: Hirosaki Castle
Walking Directions: Approximately 20 minutes walk from Hirosaki Station
Train/Bus Information: Take the bus from Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Bus Terminal, get off at Hirosaki Park Mae bus stop, 5 minutes walk.

2. Sukayu Onsen

● Attractions

Sukayu Onsen, located halfway up Mount Hakkoda at an altitude of 925 meters, is known for its magnificent mixed bathing "Hiba Thousand-Person Bath". It's also famous as one of Japan's heavy snowfall areas. With a history dating back about 300 years, it has been a popular hot spring healing spot since the Edo period. The iconic "Hiba Thousand-Person Bath" is a spacious facility made from Hiba wood, known for its unique aroma. The bathhouse contains four different hot spring sources, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of bathing experiences. Wooden partitions are placed to separate men and women, and bathing with a bathing cloth is also possible. Surrounded by the beautiful nature of Mount Hakkoda, Sukayu Onsen is an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and healing.

● History

Sukayu Onsen's history extends back approximately 300 years. Since the Edo period, people have been visiting this area for its therapeutic hot springs. A wooden lodge was constructed during the Taisho era, establishing its status as a tourist destination. This historic hot spring location continues to enchant visitors with its rich tradition and natural beauty.

● Access

Address: Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, Nakagawa Onsen, Arakawa
Google Maps Link: Sukayu Onsen
Walking Directions: About 1 minute walk from the nearest bus stop "Sukayu"
Train/Bus Information: Take the Hakkoda Sightseeing Bus from Aomori Station and get off at "Sukayu" bus stop.

3. Sannai-Maruyama Site

● Attractions

The Sannai-Maruyama site, located in Aomori Prefecture, Aomori City, is a large settlement trace from the early to late Middle Jomon Period (about 5900-4200 years ago). Surrounded by well-maintained deciduous broadleaf forests of chestnuts and walnuts, the site is situated on the river terrace on the right bank of the Okidate River. Since the excavations began in 1992, numerous pit dwellings, pillar-supported buildings, mounds, and graves of adults and children have been discovered, offering a glimpse into the life and culture of the Jomon Period【7†source】【8†source】.

● History

The Sannai-Maruyama site is known for its abundance of pottery finds and has been documented as far back as the Edo period. Notably, the "Eiroku Diary," compiled in 1623, contains records of artifacts found here. Excavations have revealed a large settlement from the early to middle Jomon Period (about 5500-4000 years ago) and traces of a settlement from the Heian period (about 1000 years ago). This site is one of the significant sites representing the Jomon culture of Japan and has been designated as a Special Historic Site【9†source】【10†source】【11†source】.

● Access

Address: Sannai-Maruyama, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Google Maps Link: Sannai-Maruyama site
Walking Directions: About 30 minutes by bus from Aomori Station, get off at the 'Sannai-Maruyama Site Entrance' stop, then a 5-minute walk
Train/Bus Information: Take the city bus 'Sannai Line' from Aomori Station