Aomori Prefecture Guide Tohoku

  • Published on : 02/11/2017
  • by : Japan Experience

Discover Aomori, the northernmost prefecture on Honshu famous for its festivals and its delicious apples. 

Specificities of Aomori

Aomori Prefecture is a rural prefecture located at the very north of Honshu just south of Hokkaido. Its name, which literally means "green woods", comes from the Edo Period of Japanese history when the forests on its shores guided ships to Hokkaido.

With Hyogo Prefecture, it is the only prefecture that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan. Ideal to have several perspectives of views during your visit in the prefecture! 

The apple, a rather basic fruit at first sight, is however one of the specificities which participated in the fame of Aomori. 

Indeed, the Aomori apple, Aomori Ringo in Japanese, is the symbol of the city as well as of the prefecture in general. Brought to Aomori in 1874 by American missionaries and cultivated since then, it is now found everywhere through its main varieties: Fuji, Tsugaru, Ôrin, and the Sekai Ichi, reputed to be the best in the world.

About 500,000 tons of apples are harvested every year, which represents half of Japanese production! 

It is a must to try if you are in the area.

Aomori Ringo (Aomori's apples)

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Aomori coast

Aomori coast

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Aomori Ringo (Aomori's apples)

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Aomori Ringo (Aomori's apples)

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Aomori Festivals

Symbols of Japanese animation, the festivals of Aomori are a must if you visit the region.



The most popular of them is the Aomori city Nebuta Festival, which is one of the biggest in the country.

Every summer, from August 2 to 7, you can find papier-mâché in all its forms: 5 meters high tanks, masks, traditional and mythological characters or even spirits like yokais, a multitude of animations are organized.

Linked to the Nebuta of Aomori, the second festival not to be missed is the Neputa of Hirosaki. While the first one symbolizes the frenzy of the troops preparing for the battle, the second one announces the victorious return of the troops.

Held from August 1 to 7, this festival shows sweet illuminations, musicians playing odaiko (giants drums) and other spectacular shows. 

Do not hesitate any longer and attend the next editions! 

Nebuta festival, Aomori

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Neputa festival with Odaiko, Hirosaki

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Neputa festival with Odaiko

Neputa festival, Hirosaki

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Nebuta festival, Aomori

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