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A World Natural
Heritage Site, the world's largest virgin forest of beech trees -
Vestiges of ancient chronicles
Aomori Prefecture is situated on the northernmost tip of the
Japanese main island facing Hokkaido, with Tsugaru Strait in between.
The Ou Mountains that run from north to south divides the prefecture,
thus, forming very different climates in the east and the west - lots
of snow on the Japan Sea side and low temperatures even in the summer
on the Pacific Ocean side.
Aomori Prefecture has abundant nature still left within: the
Shirakami-Sanchi Mountain Range which embraces the world's largest
virgin forest of beech trees that is the World Natural Heritage,
Oirase, famous for the beauty of its valley, Lake Towada-ko known for
its mystic beauty, Tsugaru National Park which boasts of scenery, and
Shimokita-hanto Peninsula Quasi-National Park on the northernmost tip
of the mainland. You can also indulge in the ancient atmosphere of the
San'nai-Maruyama Ruins, Japan's largest, that is said to have been
established in 4,000 to 5,000 B.C., Korekawa Ruins and Kame-ga-oka
Ruins.
Aomori is a host of many festivals throughout the seasons, through
which you can get a feeling of the lives of the people. The festivals
include the Aomori Nebuta-matsuri Festival and the Hirosaki
Neputa-matsuri Festival that paint the skies of summer in Aomori.
Iwaki Oyama Pilgrimage in Iwaki Town, the festival that adds poetic
charm to the autumn in Tsugaru, and Hachinohe Enburi in Hachinohe
City, a traditional winter festival to wish for prosperity and safety.
Getting there
An hour 10 minutes from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Aomori Airport, and 1
hour 30 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport. Thirty-five minutes from
Aomori Airport to Aomori Station by bus. Four hours 55 minutes from
Tokyo Station via Morioka Station (by JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line) to
Aomori Station (by Tohoku Honsen Line).
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Aomori City
A modern city with a history as an old port town - The mood of the
Nebuta-matsuri Festival carries on throughout the year
The city of Aomori is located at the base of the Tsugaru-hanto
Peninsula, and is the political, economic and cultural center of the
prefecture of which it is the capital. It has a history as a port
town, but is continuing to develop as a modern city.
The bay area is full of modern facilities, including popular spots
like the Asupamu (prefectural tourism and souvenir hall), the
Hakkoda-maru, the memorial ship that commemorates the days of the
Seikan Ferryboat, and Aomori Bay Bridge which is beautiful when lit
up at night.
The Munakata Shiko-kinenkan (Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum of Art)
presents the works and achievements of that world-famous woodblock
print artist from Aomori. If you want to find out more about
Aomori's history and culture, you can go to the Aomori City Forestry
Museum, Aomori Prefectural Folk Museum and the Keikokan (Aomori City
History and Folk Arts Museum), which displays documents relating to
folklore.
The Nebuta-matsuri Festival in summer features huge lanterns, and is
one of the biggest festivals in the Tohoku region (the northeastern
region). It attracts lots of people, both from inside Aomori and
from other places. Nebuta warrior dolls are on display at the
Nebuta-no-sato Museum in the southern suburbs of the city. These
dolls have lights inside, and are made by sticking paper on wood and
bamboo. They enable you to enjoy the mood of the festival throughout
the year.
Getting there
Morioka Station is 2 hours 22 minutes from Tokyo Station by the
JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line, and Aomori Station is 2 hours 15 minutes
from Morioka Station on the JR Tohoku Honsen Line.
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Hirosaki
A historical castle town - Tohoku's pride - Neputa Festival
The castle town Hirosaki is situated in the southwestern part of
Aomori, sitting on the south of the Tsugaru Plain. Hirosaki is a
castle town that has always played a major role in politics and
economics in the region since Hirosaki Castle was built in the 17th
century. Once you have exited Hirosaki Station and have left the
busy area that is crowded with shops and hotels, you will come to
the tranquil streets with the little stream called Dobuchi-gawa
River where you are suddenly transferred into the past glory of the
castle town.
The Hirosaki Castle Ruins with its castle tower is now open to the
public as Hirosaki Park. The park is surrounded by a triple moat and
earthworks and is famous in Japan for its spectacular cherry
blossoms in spring. There are many historical spots around Hirosaki
Park including Nakamachi Buke-Yashiki (old samurai residences),
Chosho-ji Temple that was built in the early 16th century and the
heavy and steady looking 5-story pagoda of Saisho-in Temple, which
boasts a height of 31 meters.
There are many seasonal attractions in Hirosaki throughout the year.
Two spectacular festivals in Hirosaki are the Hirosaki Sakura-matsuri
(Cherry blossom festival) and Neputa-matsuri Festival that is held
in summer. Huge paper lanterns are made in the shapes of samurai
warriors, birds and animals. The highly decorative lanterns are lit
up and are displayed on floats during the procession down the main
street. Fan-shaped lanterns with Neputa paintings that are displayed
along the streets are a very familiar sight in Hirosaki, which
brings a festive atmosphere to this historical castle town all year
round.
Getting there
From Tokyo Station to Morioka Station by JR Tohoku Shinkansen
Line, from Morioka Station to Aomori Station by JR Tohoku Line - 4
hours 55 minutes in total. Thirty minutes by JR Ou Line from Aomori
Station to Hirosaki Station.
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Lake Towada-ko
Dual crater lake reflects four seasons with its clear blue water.
Lake Towada-ko is at the top of a 400-meter-high mountain on the
border between Aomori and Akita. It is a dual crater lake that was
formed by the caving in of a volcano mouth formed by a giant
eruption. With a depth of 327 meters, the lake is the third deepest
in Japan. The water is so translucent that you can see down into it
for 10 meters. Lake Towada-ko reflects the four seasons in its clear
blue water accentuated by the fresh green of spring, autumn leaves,
and the snow in winter, giving the lake a mysterious beauty.
There are four observation points set up around the lake, so you can
enjoy the lake's appearance from different angles. Sightseeing boats
leave from the Yasumiya bus terminal, and go to Nenokuchi at the
entrance to the Oirase Mountain Stream and Utarube, which is always
alive with fishing-lovers. Seeing the lake from a boat shows a
different kind of beauty than can been seen from the lakeshore. Near
Yasumiya there are all sorts of facilities, including a campsite,
Lake Towada-ko Visitors' Center and Lake Towada-ko Tansuigyo
Suizoku-kan (Freshwater Fish Aquarium).
If you walk a short distance from Yasumiya, there are a sculpture of
a maiden by the lake, the last work of the poet and sculptor Kotaro
Takamura, and Towada-jinja, a shrine said to have been built in the
9th century.
Getting there
Morioka Station is 2 hours 22 minutes from Tokyo Station by the
JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line, and Towada Minami Station is 1 hour 50
minutes from Morioka Station on the JR Hanawa Line. A JR bus from
Towada Minami Station to Lake Towada-ko takes 1 hour.
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Mt. Hakkoda-san
Virgin forest, alpine plants, and swamps and marshes left over from
volcanic eruptions
Mt. Hakkoda-san is the name given to a range of dormant
volcanoes in central Aomori. It consists of Kita Hakkoda, whose main
peak is O-dake, and Minami Hakkoda, whose main peak is Kushi-ga-mine.
The area is dotted with swamps and marshes left over from volcanic
eruptions, and the virgin forest and alpine flora show off the
beauty of the four seasons. There are many varieties of plants, and
visitors can enjoy the changes as the altitude increases through
sub-alpine and alpine zones.
The most important points are Tashiro Marshland, a treasure trove of
alpine plants, and Suiren-numa Swamp, an area of lakes and marshes
where you can see beautiful mountains and alpine plants. Mt. Hakkoda-san
also features fresh green plants in spring and orange- and
gold-tinted leaves in autumn. There is a ropeway, on which you can
enjoy the views of woodlands for 10 minutes as well as other
walkways where you can go for walks.
There are many other things to see in Mt. Hakkoda-san, such as the
Jo-ga-kura Mountainous Stream and Jo-ga-kura arch bridge. In the
surrounding area there are several hot springs, like Suka-yu-onsen,
Sarukura-onsen and Yachi-onsen Hot Springs. In winter you can enjoy
skiing in a beautiful fantasy world of trees covered with snow and
ice.
Getting there
Morioka Station is 2 hours 22 minutes from Tokyo Station by the
JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line, and Aomori Station is 2 hours 15 minutes
from Morioka Station on the JR Tohoku Honsen Line. A JR bus takes
about 1 hour from Aomori Station to reach the ropeway station.
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Oirase Mountain Stream
A forest of white cedar, Japanese beech and maple trees, with lots
of clear waterfalls
Oirase-gawa River flows from Lake Towada-ko, and the 14
kilometers source section between Nenokuchi and Yakeyama is called
Oirase Mountain Stream. It runs through a virgin forest rich in
variety, containing white cedar, Japanese beech and maple trees.
Along with Lake Towada-ko, it has been designated as a special
scenic spot and natural monument. If you walk along the banks of the
stream, you can see close-up the beauty of nature, such as dense
green vegetation, splashes in the river, and rocks poking above the
water covered with plants and moss.
Also worth seeing are the various waterfalls along Oirase Mountain
Stream. All of them have different appearances - the 25-meter-high
Kumoi-no-taki Falls; Choshi-O-taki Falls with its big flow of water;
Tamasudare-no-taki Falls, where the water rolls down in the shape of
balls; and Shiraito-no-taki Falls (White Thread Fall). If you walk
slowly along the mountain stream it will take about 5 hours in all.
Or you may take a bus that runs parallel to the walkway. Bicycles
are also available for rent at Nenokuchi and Yakeyama. You can ride
these just one way and then turn them in at the end of your trip.
Getting there
Morioka Station is 2 hours 22 minutes from Tokyo Station by the
JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line, and Towada Minami Station is 1 hour 50
minutes from Morioka Station on the JR Hanawa Line. A JR bus from
Towada Minami Station to Nenokuchi takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
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San'nai-Maruyama Remains
Bringing back to life the largest remains of a Jomon-period village
in Japan
The San'nai-Maruyama Remains in the southwest of Aomori are the
largest remains of a Jomon-period (about 10,500-300 B.C) village in
Japan, and are estimated to date from 4,000 to 5,500 years ago. As
excavation advanced, it became clear that the remains were of a
large village that was lived in for a period of over 1,500 years -
something that excited the archeological world. At present, most of
the excavated items have been reburied for preservation, but a few
ditches and artifacts are on display, giving you a sense of ancient
times.
In one site measuring about 12 square meters, several buildings have
been restored: a large building made with pillars sunk into the
ground; a large dwelling built into a dugout; and a warehouse with a
raised floor. The large building made with pillars sunk into the
ground was a great discovery, because it showed that people at that
time possessed high-level construction techniques, and refuted the
previously held theory that the techniques to construct this kind of
building had not been developed in that era. Also, the large
dwelling built into a dugout is a huge construction, measuring 32
meters long, 10 meters wide and 8 meters high.
In the exhibition room you can see interesting items such as flat
clay figures, earthenware, personal ornaments and small knitted
baskets called "Jomon pochette." If you want a guided explanation
while looking at the exhibits, a volunteer from the San'nai-Maruyama
support group will be happy to show you round the exhibits.
Getting there
Morioka Station is 2 hours 22 minutes from Tokyo Station by the
JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line, and Aomori Station is 2 hours 15 minutes
from Morioka Station on the JR Tohoku Honsen Line. The Aomori City
Bus takes 25 minutes to reach San'nai- Maruyama Remains from Aomori
Station.
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Shimokita-hanto Peninsula
Created by severe gales and crashing waves - The northernmost tip of
Honshu facing the Tsugaru Straits
The axe-shaped Shimokita-hanto Peninsula is the northernmost tip
of Honshu Island (the main island of Japan), facing the Pacific
Ocean and the Tsugaru Straits, which is situated in the northeastern
part of Aomori. This rugged land, both beautiful and dignified, is
the creation of dynamic gales and severe raging waves.
Hotoke-ga-ura stretches out along the coastline, 2 kilometers
between Fuku-ura and Ushitaki. The sequence of sheer cliffs is
spectacular to see and there is also a group of rather peculiar
looking pale rocks at Hotoke-ga-ura. Each rock somehow reminds one
of Buddha - hotoke in Japanese - and this is the origin of the name
of the place. Mt. Osore-zan is where it is said that the souls of
the dead gather. The whole area smells of sulfur and there are few
signs of vegetation - everywhere you look, it is gray. Therefore,
the area has become an imaginary hell. There are many make-believe
items from hell that are created in the precincts of Osore-zan
Bodai-ji Temple such as Sai-no-kawara (shores of the river to hell)
where the smell of sulfur steaming up from the ground fills the air.
Hot springs are also located in the precincts of the temple.
There are a number of scenic spots in Shimokita-hanto Peninsula such
as O-ma-zaki Point, which is the northernmost promontory, and
Shiriya-zaki Point where the chalky lighthouse stands gracefully.
Meet northernmost wild Japanese monkeys in Wakino-sawa or appreciate
the beauty of Yagen Valley and Kawauchi-gawa Gorge.
Getting there
From Tokyo Station to Morioka Station by JR Tohoku Shinkansen
Line, from Morioka Station to Noheji Station by JR Tohoku Line, from
Noheji Station to Shimokita Station by JR O-minato Line - a total of
5 hours 10 minutes. Seven minutes by Shimokita Kotsu O-hata Line
from Shimokita Station to Tanabu Station.
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Shirakami-Sanchi
Mountain Range
One of the world's largest beech forests - The splendor of untouched
nature
Shirakami-Sanchi Mountain Range spreads 130,000 hectares over
Aomori and Akita and its central part has been listed as a World
Natural Heritage Site since 1993. The untouched primeval beech
forest in the range is one of the world's largest and provides an
important environment for vegetation and animal habitats.
Anmon-no-taki Falls, the most beautiful scenery in the Shirakami
Range, is a must to visit. You can stroll along the nature trails
through the lush woods and along the river where crystal clear water
flows. At Shirakami Range Visitors' Center and Shirakami World
Heritage Center you can learn a lot about the nature of the
Shirakami Range. There are many exhibition rooms and a visual image
hall as well.
Lake Ju-ni-ko, a lake of mystery in the northwestern foothills of
the Shirakami Range, is surrounded by a dense beech forest. Lake
Ju-ni-ko actually consists of a group of 33 lakes and marshes in
total. Among them, Ao-ike Pond is particularly beautiful - it
fascinates visitors with its mysterious cobalt blue water.
Getting there
From Tokyo Station to Morioka Station by JR Tohoku Shinkansen
Line, from Morioka Station to Aomori Station by JR Tohoku Line, from
Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station by Ou Line - 5 hours 30 minutes
in total. Fifty minutes by bus from Hirosaki Bus Terminal to Tashiro.
Three hours 55 minutes from Tokyo Station to Akita Station by JR
Akita Shinkansen Line. Thirty-three minutes by JR Ou Line from Akita
Station to Higashi-noshiro Station. Thirty-three minutes by JR Gono
Line from Higashi-noshiro Station to Akita Shirakami Station.
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Tsugaru-hanto Peninsula and Tappi
Lake Ju-san-ko - home
of swans - The splendid creation of the northern sea
The Tsugaru-hanto Peninsula is situated in the northwestern part
of Aomori. Its eastern side faces Shimokita-hanto Peninsula across
Mutsu Bay, its western side faces the Japan Sea and Hokkaido can be
seen in the distance from the northern side of the Tsugaru-hanto
Peninsula across the Tsugaru Straits. The Seikan Submarine Tunnel,
which is the world's longest undersea tunnel, is the artery that
links Honshu (the main island of Japan) and Hokkaido.
Tappi-zaki Point, the promontory at the tip of the Tsugaru-hanto
Peninsula, is one of the places well-known for its severe gales,
where the average force of the wind is 10 meters per second. The
view from Tappi-zaki is magnificent and picturesque and on a very
clear day Hokkaido can be seen far across the Tsugaru Straits.
Tappi-zaki Point also becomes aflame with pink hydrangea flowers in
summer, which is another picturesque sight that pleases your eyes.
There are many literary monuments, Tappi Wind Park, where many
windmills are lined up and, Seikan Submarine Tunnel Memorial Museum
in Tappi-zaki Point.
Let's not forget that Tsugaru offers many wonderful places to visit.
If your favorite subject is history, why not visit Kamegaoka Site
(Ancient Remains) or the very historical Gikei-ji Temple. Lake
Ju-san-ko is the home of swans and Horozuki-kaigan Coast welcomes
you with the dignified beauty of the northern sea.
Getting there
By JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line from Tokyo Station to Morioka
Station, from Morioka Station to Aomori Station by JR Tohoku Line -
a total time of 4 hours 55 minutes. An hour 40 minutes by JR Tsugaru
Line from Aomori Station to Minmaya Station. About 45 minutes by bus
from Minmaya Station to Tappi.
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Information
provided by Japan National Tourist Organization.
