Located in Japan’s scenic Tohoku region, Akita Prefecture is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. Among its top highlights are Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate, and Nyuto Onsen—three destinations that perfectly combine natural beauty, samurai history, and some of the best hot springs in Japan.

For travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path Japan, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences far from crowded tourist cities.

Lake Tazawa: Japan’s Deepest and Most Mysterious Lake

Lake Tazawa is a stunning crater lake located in eastern Akita Prefecture. With a depth of 423.4 meters, it is the deepest lake in Japan. Its perfectly round shape and striking sapphire-blue water give the lake a mysterious and almost magical atmosphere.

The lake’s color changes from emerald green to deep blue depending on the season and sunlight, making it beautiful year-round.

Things to Do at Lake Tazawa

• Scenic bus rides around the lake
• Boat cruises, rowing boats, and pedal boats
• Swimming, windsurfing, and jet skiing in summer
• Relaxing lakeside beaches and camping areas
• Skiing nearby during winter

Visitors can stay at lakeside hotels, guesthouses, or campgrounds, making Lake Tazawa an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Kakunodate: The Samurai Town of Akita

Kakunodate is a historic town famous for its beautifully preserved samurai residences and its spectacular cherry blossoms in spring. Often called the “Kyoto of Tohoku,” Kakunodate offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

Founded in the early 17th century as a castle town, Kakunodate was carefully designed with separate districts for samurai and commoners. Even today, earthen walls clearly mark these historical divisions.

Highlights of Kakunodate

• Traditional samurai mansions open to the public
• Tree-lined streets with hundreds of cherry trees
• A refined, cultural atmosphere perfect for walking tours

Seasonal Festivals

• Spring: Cherry blossom viewing (sakura)
• Summer: Sasara-mai bamboo dance festival
• Fall: Oyama Festival with colliding floats
• Winter: Hiburi Kamakura fire festival

Kakunodate is a must-visit for travelers interested in Japanese history, architecture, and traditional festivals.

Nyuto Onsen: One of the Best Hot Spring Areas in Japan

Hidden deep in the mountains of eastern Akita, Nyuto Onsen is a collection of eight traditional ryokan inns surrounded by untouched nature. Due to its remote location, it remains one of Japan’s most authentic and peaceful hot spring destinations.

The name “Nyuto” comes from the shape of the nearby mountain, and the area is famous for its rustic atmosphere and milky-white hot spring waters.

Why Visit Nyuto Onsen?

• Over 300 years of hot spring history
• Famous inns such as Tsurunoyu Onsen
• Both mixed-gender and gender-separated baths
• Day-use bathing available for visitors
• Delicious local cuisine made with seasonal ingredients

Bathing at Nyuto Onsen allows travelers to truly disconnect from daily life and experience traditional Japanese onsen culture in a serene mountain setting.

Why Visit Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate & Nyuto Onsen?

• Some of the best hot springs in Japan
• Stunning natural scenery in every season
• Authentic samurai history and traditional towns
• Fewer tourists and a deeper cultural experience
• Ideal for slow travel and relaxation

If you are planning a trip to Japan and want to explore beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate, and Nyuto Onsen in Akita offer a perfect balance of nature, history, and relaxation. From Japan’s deepest lake to historic samurai streets and legendary hot springs, this region showcases a side of Japan that remains beautifully untouched.
Add Akita to your Japan travel itinerary and discover one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Akita. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture is one of Japan’s most captivating yet lesser-known travel destinations. Jutting into the Sea of Japan, the peninsula offers dramatic coastlines, rich folklore, fresh seafood, and authentic rural culture. For travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful Japanese experience away from the crowds, Oga Peninsula, Japan, is an unforgettable choice.

Where Is Oga Peninsula, Akita?

The Oga Peninsula is located in northwestern Akita Prefecture, in Japan’s Tohoku region. Easily accessible from Akita City by train and bus, Oga makes a perfect day trip or overnight destination for travelers exploring northern Japan.

Experience the Legendary Namahage Culture

One of the most iconic attractions of Oga Peninsula is Namahage, a traditional folk ritual unique to the region. Men dressed as fearsome ogre-like deities visit homes during the New Year to warn children against laziness and encourage good behavior.

Visitors can learn about this fascinating tradition year-round at the Namahage Museum, where live performances, historical exhibits, and cultural explanations bring Akita’s folklore to life. Namahage is a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese traditions and cultural tourism.

Dramatic Coastlines and Natural Beauty

Oga Peninsula is famous for its rugged coastal scenery shaped by volcanic activity and harsh sea winds.

Must-See Natural Attractions:

• Nyudozaki Cape – One of Japan’s northernmost capes, featuring panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and a picturesque lighthouse.
• Oga Quasi-National Park – Ideal for hiking, photography, and nature lovers.
• Godzilla Rock – A uniquely shaped rock formation resembling the famous monster, especially striking at sunset.

These landscapes make Oga Peninsula a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

Oga Aquarium GAO: Family-Friendly Ocean Discovery

The Oga Aquarium GAO showcases marine life from the Sea of Japan, including seals, penguins, and local fish species. Its modern design and oceanfront location make it a popular stop for families and travelers interested in marine ecosystems.

Relax in Hot Springs with Ocean Views

After a day of exploration, unwind at one of Oga’s traditional onsen (hot springs). Many seaside ryokan offer baths with stunning sunset views over the ocean, combining relaxation with authentic Japanese hospitality.

Savor Fresh Seafood and Local Cuisine

Thanks to its coastal location, Oga Peninsula is renowned for fresh seafood such as:

• Hatahata (sandfish), a local Akita specialty
• Seasonal crab and squid
• Locally brewed Akita sake

Dining in Oga is a highlight for food lovers looking to enjoy regional Japanese cuisine.

Why Visit Oga Peninsula, Japan?

• Authentic cultural experiences not found in major cities
• Stunning coastal scenery and nature
• Deep-rooted folklore and festivals
• Fewer tourists, more meaningful connections

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to explore beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, Oga Peninsula, Akita, offers a rare blend of nature, tradition, and tranquility. From the legendary Namahage culture to breathtaking coastal views, Oga Peninsula is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Add Oga Peninsula to your Japan travel itinerary and experience a side of Japan that few visitors ever see.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Akita. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Oga Peninsula Area Map

History of Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan literally means ‘silvermine’ (gin 銀, silver and zan 山, mine or mountain). The name Ginzan Onsen (silver mine hot spring) comes from the silver mine that was found in 1456 in this region. This silver mine was very prosperous in the early Edo period (17th century) and was under the direct control of the Tokugawa shogunal government. During the period of prosperity, there were between 200,000 and 300,000 people living here.

Unfortunately, the mine was closed in 1689. After the closure of the silver mine, the area developed as a resort for spa treatment. And little by little, thatched houses were built to accommodate people for spa treatments.

In 1913, most of the buildings were washed away by a flood, and Ginzan Onsen was totally destroyed. But thanks to the wishes of the inhabitants and the power of local companies, the spa was rebuilt in the mid-1920s.

For a long time, despite the good quality of hot water and beautiful buildings, due to difficult access, this resort was a hidden spa (in Japanese 秘湯, hitou). But thanks to TV series Oshin (おしん) that was broadcast in Japan in 1983, Ginzan Onsen became popular in Japan and also in several other Asian countries.

A Charming Town

The quality of the hot springs of Ginzan Onsen is very high, and you can enjoy them in all ryokan. The greatest charm of Ginzan Onsen is the old buildings, most of them built at the beginning of the 20th century. They allow us to travel back in time.

Because of natural disasters that Japan experiences every year, many old wooden buildings are destroyed. Ginzan Onsen is a rare place where we can admire unchanged buildings. In the evening, the street and the buildings are lit up by gas lamps and it is really beautiful.

Our Trip to Ginzan Onsen

I visited Ginzan Onsen on February 28, 2021. I had always dreamed of visiting this place when it is covered with snow. And this year I was in luck, as it snowed a lot in the north of Japan. We had a rather strong earthquake on February 13, 2021, that hit northern Japan. This meat that the shinkansen lines connecting Tokyo and Tohoku area were running at a reduced speed, so it took 30 min longer than usual.

To get to Ginzan Onsen, you should take the Yamagata shinkansen from Tokyo. Until Fukushima station, the cars of Yamagata Shinkansen are attached to those of Tohoku shinkansen. The Tohoku train continues to the north of Japan and terminates in Aomori, and the separation of cars is done at Fukushima station. After the separation, the Yamagata shinkansen goes westward and the landscape becomes more rural.

Arriving at Oishida station, the closest station to Ginzan Onsen, we took the free ryokan shuttle service. You have to book this in advance, and after 30 min we finally arrived at Ginzan Onsen. In total, it took about 5 hours because of the low speed of the shinkansen this time.

After leaving our luggage at the ryokan, we had lunch and chose soba, buckwheat noodles. Yamagata is known for its great production and quality of rice. But the Obanazawa region (where Ginzan Onsen is located) has a great culture of buckwheat flour. It is good to know that Ginzan Onsen is so small that there are only 2 or 3 restaurants depending on the season.

Afterward, we walked there and admired the wooden buildings which are mostly ryokans.

Our Ryokan Stay

We chose Takimi-kan ryokan located at the bottom of the resort. This ryokan is located next to the waterfall hence its name Taki-mi-kan (literally ‘the building to appreciate the waterfall’. As it is not built on the riverside where people walk, Takimi-kan offers open-air baths (roten-buro), very pleasant and open. For dinner, we had the fruits and vegetables of the mountain and soba again.

In the evening, we went down to the riverside to admire Ginzan Onsen illuminated. It’s just beautiful. All the buildings are illuminated with soft light and the gas lamps are also illuminated. Then we went back to the ryokan where we went back to the hot springs to sleep well.

Yamagata prefecture has several sake breweries and wine cellars. We strongly recommend visiting these on your visit to Ginzan Onsen.

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As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Ginzan Onsen. Check out our group tours< and private tours, or contact us> to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Access from Tokyo

Take the Yamagata Shinkansen in the direction of Shinjo, and get off at Oishida Station (about 3h20).
Then take the local bus for about 40 min and you will arrive at the Ginzan Onsen bus stop. Most ryokans offer free shuttle service, please ask us for more information.

Ginzan Onsen Area Map

Creation of Juniko

It is believed that the lakes were created because the river was stopped by earth and sand. This happened after a big landslide of 940m high Mount Kuzure that was caused by the big earthquake in 1704. Other than river water, underground water is also gushing into the lakes. These lakes are surrounded by the beech forest. The water in the lakes is very clear and transparent.

Out of the 33 lakes, Aoike is the most famous one because of its beautiful color. ‘Ao’ means blue and ‘ike’ means pond, so it means Blue Pond, which is an apt name as it looks like blue ink was dropped into the water. There are fallen beech trees under the water, and depending on the angle of the sunshine you can enjoy the changing of the color.

Wakitsubonoike also has a beautiful blue color and was selected as one of the best quality water in Aomori Prefecture. One part is named Nihon Canyon (Japanese Grand Canyon) because of the white surface of the mountain.

Hiking around Juniko

The altitude of the area is between 150 to 250 meters, and the area is about 4 km2 large. You can enjoy hiking all year round and it shows different scenery in each season. Vivid green leaves of the beech trees in spring and summer, yellow and red leaves in autumn, and white in winter. In winter it snows here, but you can visit the area wearing snowshoes.

You can get a hiking map at the tourist information office in front of the JR Juniko Station. Depending on how you want to walk, there are short 2-hour courses to 3-day courses that you can walk with a nature guide.

You may encounter some wild animals such as Japanese serows, squirrels, monkeys (Japanese macaque), badgers, rabbits, and some birds such as narcissus flycatchers, common kingfishers, and great spotted woodpeckers. If you stop at the Juniko Visitor Center, you can learn more about the geography, fauna, and flora of the area.

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Access Information

Access: 15 minutes ride on the bus from Juniko Station (JR Line) to Oku-Juniko-Chushajo (奥十二湖駐車場) bus stop

Juniko Area Map

Castle History

Hirosaki developed as a castle town from the late 16th century. Oura Tamenobu came here as a feudal lord by the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He was the military leader at that time. Toyotomi was the one who built Oura Castle. He changed the family name from Oura to Tsugaru, so since then, his territory was called the Tsugaru domain. He moved to another castle, Takaoka (Horikoshi now), but it wasn’t a good location as a military base. So he built a new castle in Hirosaki after Tokugawa became shogun in 1603. The construction of the castle was finished in 1611 at the time of the 2nd lord, Tsugaru Nobuhira.

In 1627, there was an accidental explosion of gun powder in the castle, and the main keep was destroyed. Since then, there was no main keep for nearly 200 years. In 1810, they finally reconstructed the main keep with permission from the shogunate, which has remained until today. It has 3 layers and 3 stories.

The Tsugaru family always played a major role in politics and economics in the region until the shogunate was abolished in 1867. By the Castle Demolishing law, Honmaru (the main palace) and many other buildings were demolished but fortunately, the main keep survived and was designated as a National Treasure in 1937.

Hirosaki Castle Park

Once you have exited Hirosaki Station and have left the busy area crowded with shops and hotels, you will come upon tranquil streets with a little stream called the Tsuchibuchi-gawa, where you will suddenly feel like you were transported to the past glory of the castle town. The Hirosaki Castle Ruins with its castle tower are now open to the public as Hirosaki Park. The park is surrounded by three moats, which were made for defense. There used to be guards at every crossing bridge, so it was not easy to approach to the main keep.

If you take the bus from Hirosaki Station, you should get off at the Shiyakusho-mae (city office) bus stop. You will enter from the Otemon Gate which used to serve as the main gate. When you cross the third bridge, you will finally find the main keep on the stone wall facing the moat. Since 2015 the main keep has not been standing at the corner because they moved the whole main keep building by raising and pulling it in order to restore it. The restoration work will last until 2023.

Best View

The view is best if you look at the main keep from the moat, as it looks very simple if you view it from the other direction. It is said that this is how the castle passed the examination by the inspector from the shogunate, who was there to make sure the castle was not too elaborate. When they finished the construction the inspector came, but they didn’t show him the main keep from the moat, but only from the other direction. He fell for it because he traveled by closed palanquin.

The garden is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season. Because it is located in the north, its main season is normally from late April until early May. It is said that one of the former feudal retainers planted 1,000 cherry trees in the park. This was the beginning of the area’s fame as one of the best cherry blossom viewing places in Japan. On a sunny day, you can take a nice picture of the castle with cherry blossoms and a beautiful snow-covered Mount Iwaki as a background.

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As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Aomori. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Access Information

Access: 15 minutes bus ride from Hirosaki Station (JR Line) to Shiyakusho-mae (市役所前) bus stop
Entrance fee: Adult 320 yen, Child 100 yen (from April 1 to November 23, free other than this period but main keep is closed)
Hours: From June to August 9:00 – 1700 (7:00 – 21:00, during the cherry blossom festival)

Hirosaki Castle Area Map

Yamabushi

The people who practice here are called ‘yamabushi’, and they are probably the most rigorous and stoic people in the history of Japan. They are no strangers to physical and mental endurance, as they undertake long pilgrimages under harsh natural circumstances. Another training they undertake is bathing under ice-cold waterfalls and extended fasting. They believe that experiencing physical duress will enable you to escape your own thinking and be reborn and revitalized.

The most extreme expression of their faith is so incredible that it even made the press in the West. You may have heard about the two monks who managed to reach what is impossible for almost everyone. They managed to preserve their own bodies as mummies by sticking to a very extreme diet and hard meditation. This practice has since been banned, but these two monks have received the status of Buddhas for their incredible accomplishment.

Taking a trip to the Dewa Sanzan has been popular amongst Japanese people since the Edo period, and a lot of people from all over the world could benefit from making the trip these days to replenish themselves in these modern stressful times.

Landmark Pagoda

To get from the Zuishin-mon Gate to Mt. Haguro’s peak you need to climb a stone stairway of 2446 steps, lined by cedar trees aged that are mostly up to 500 years old. Soon after you start climbing the stairs, you’ll see a 1000-year old cedar tree and one of Japan’s most famous five-storied wooden pagodas. It was built directly out of the giant tree that stood there. This is the spot where worshippers make wishes for their earthly lives.

If you want to feel spiritually replenished and long to go off the beaten tourist paths, Dewa Sanzan is a very interesting place to go. Here, you can get close to nature and forget about the modern world for a bit.

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As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Dewa Sanzan. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Dewa Sanzan Access Information

JR Tsuruoka station: Take the bus to Zuishin mon gate: 6 buses a day from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Tsuruoka staion – 40 min – Haguro Zuishin Mon (walk from here)  – 15 min – to the top of Mt Haguro.

Dewa Sanzan Area Map

Tono City

Tono is a garden city laid in a basin that is surrounded by the Kitakami Range in the central part of Iwate. The three notable mountains of the Kitakami Range are Mt. Hayachine-san, Mt. Rokkoushi-san, and Mt. Ishigami-san. Together they are called Tono’s Three Mountains. The center of Tono is situated near the upper reaches of the Sarugaishi-gawa river. This is a tributary of the Kitakami-gawa river, at the western end of the Tono Basin.

Tono has been associated with the breeding of horses for hundreds of years and has bloomed as a trading point between the central regions and the coast. Tono is also the land of old folk stories. There are a number of folk tales in Tono that have been told from generation to generation.

The most loved tale of the locals is that of the Kappa, an imaginary, peculiar-looking creature with a mischievous character that lives in water and has a dish on its head. You will see statues of Kappa all over the town including the one in front of Tono Station and another in the pond of the square near the railway station. Tono’s old folk tales, including Kappa stories and old customs, are introduced at Tono Mukashi-banashi Mura (Old Tales Village) and the Tono City Museum.

Kitakami Tenshochi Park

By far one of the best places in the whole of Japan to see the cherry blossoms in spring is the Kitakami Tenschochi Park. The park is a 45-minute drive from Tono city, and therefore a great place to visit if you happen to be in Tono around mid-April. Tenshochi, a municipal park in Kitakami, is located by the Kitakami River and renowned as one of the Three Best Cherry-Viewing Spots in Michinoku, along with Hirosaki in Aomori and Kakunodate in Akita.

In 1990, it was also selected as one of the 100 Best Cherry-Viewing Spots by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association. There are about 10,000 cherry trees and 100,000 azaleas in the 29,300-m² park. Starting at the Sangobashi Bridge, there is a promenade along the river lined with someiyoshino cherry trees that are over 80 years old.

The Yamazakura and kasumizakura cherry trees on the surrounding hills come into bloom a little after the someiyoshino. The Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually from April to May. In addition to cherry blossoms, you can enjoy an excursion boat ride or a carriage ride. And the view of colorful koinobori, or carp streamers, fluttering in the wind over the Kitakami River is quinessentially Japanese. At night, the promenade of cherry trees is lit up.

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Tono City Area Map

Tenshochi Park Area Map

If you are looking for unspoilt nature and unique natural formations, Aomori in northern Japan is a great destination. The Oirase river, Lake Towada, and the Juniko 12 lakes are all wonderful places to check out.

Lake Towada

Lake Towada is part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park at the top of a 400-meter-high mountain on the border between Aomori and Akita.

The lake is a dual crater lake that was formed by the caving in of a volcano mouth that was formed by a giant eruption. With a depth of 327 meters, the lake is the third deepest in Japan and the largest caldera lake on Honshu. The water is so translucent that you can see the bottom up to 10 meters deep.

Lake Towada 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 observation points set up around the lake, so you can enjoy the lake’s appearance from different angles.

Seeing the lake from a boat lets you view a different kind of beauty than the view can be seen from the lakeshore.

Oirase River

The Oirase-gawa river flows from Lake Towada-ko, and the 14-kilometer source section between Nenokuchi and Yakeyama is called the Oirase Mountain Stream. It runs through a virgin forest rich in variety, containing white cedar trees, Japanese beech, and maple trees. Along with Lake Towada-ko, the river has been designated as a special scenic spot and a natural monument of Aomori.

If you walk along the banks of the stream, you can see the beauty of nature from close-up. Such as dense green vegetation, ripples in the river, and rocks poking above the water covered with plants and moss.

Juniko : The 12 Lakes

Lake Juniko, a mysterious lake in the northwestern foothills of the Shirakami Mountains, is surrounded by a dense beech forest. Lake Juniko actually consists of a group of 33 lakes and marshes. Among them, Ao-ike Pond is particularly beautiful and fascinates visitors with its mysterious cobalt blue water.

Mt Iwaki

Mt. Iwaki, the highest mountain in Aomori, has been treated as a sacred place. And it has served as the symbol of Tsugaru since ancient times. If you visit the mountain that watches over the people of Tsugaru, you feel surely feel the spirit of Tsugaru.

Often called “The Mt. Fuji of Tsugaru,” Mt. Iwaki is a volcano with an altitude of 1,625 meters. It is the highest mountain in Aomori.

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As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Aomori. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Castle town Hirosaki city is situated in Aomori in the northern part of Japan, sitting on the south of the Tsugaru Plain.
Hirosaki has always played a major role in politics and economics in the region since Hirosaki Castle was built in the 17th century. Today, Hirosaki is a wonderful place to visit for tourists without the large tourist crowds of elsewhere.

Old Town of Hirosaki

Once you have exited Hirosaki Station and have left the busy area crowded with shops and hotels, you will come upon tranquil streets with a little stream called the Tsuchibuchi-gawa, where you will suddenly feel like you were transported to the past glory of the castle town. The Hirosaki Castle Ruins with its castle tower are 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 (which was built in the early 16th century), and the heavy and steady-looking five-story pagoda of Saisho-in temple, which boasts a height of 31 meters.

Tsugaruhan Neputa-Mura

Tsugaruhan Neputa-Mura is a theme park where you can experience the culture of the area. The first thing you will see upon entering the park is a festival hall. One of the most famous festivals in Japan is the Neputa festival, which is held at the beginning of August. There are exhibitions of floats that are used for the festival. It is a night festival, so the floats are lit up and very beautiful during the parade. They also do a taiko drum performance so visitors can truly feel the atmosphere of the festival.

There is also a concert hall for shamisen performances. The shamisen is a three-string Japanese guitar. Shamisen music of this area is called Tsugaru-jamisen and is very well known all over Japan. Indeed, you can enjoy traditional live music in the park! You can also see several local art crafts and experience hands-on to make crafts such as small fish-shaped Neputa, painting on ceramic cups and bells, etc. Of course, there is also a great gift shop where you can buy local souvenirs.

They are open from 9 am to 5 pm. The entrance fee is 550 yen for adults, 350 yen for junior and senior high school students, 220 yen for elementary students, and 110 yen for kids between 3-6.

Mount Iwaki

Mount Iwaki is the mountain that is symbolic of the Tsugaru region, which is why it is nicknamed Tsugaru Fuji. Important mountains in local areas in Japan are often named ‘something-Fuji’, because Mt. Fuji is the most beautiful and famous mountain in Japan. The local people also call this mountain Oiwaki-san, we put the “O” in front of a word to show respect. Its height is 1,625 meters.

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As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Aomori. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

The city of Aomori is located at the base of the Tsugaru-hanto Peninsula and is the political, economic, and cultural center of Aomori prefecture. This port town used to be the main departure point to Hokkaido via ferry. Although it remains the main port for car ferries, the opening of the Seikan Undersea Railway Tunnel and the popularity of cheap flights have reduced the number of people taking the ferry. This resulted in many travelers now skipping the city altogether. So if you want to just take in some local culture without the crowds, Aomori City is a good stop.

Aomori Today

Today, the city’s bay area is full of modern facilities including popular spots. For example, the Asupamu prefectural tourism and souvenir hall, and the Hakkoda-maru, a memorial ship that commemorates the days of the Seikan Ferryboat. Also, the Aomori Bay Bridge is beautiful when lit up at night.

The city center is home to craft shops, department stores, and trendy clothing stores on the side streets. It is also home to an old-fashioned market with an array of stalls selling a variety of fish. And, of course, mountains of Aomori Prefecture’s most famous product: delicious large apples.

Aomori is best known for its spectacular Nebuta Matsuri summer festival. The festival attracts lots of people from other places as well as from inside Aomori. Although it is only held for a few days in early August, the gigantic bamboo framed lanterns of various forms are displayed in an exhibition year-round. Nebuta warrior dolls are on display at the Nebuta-no-sato Museum in the southern suburbs of the city. They enable you to enjoy the mood of the festival throughout the year.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Aomori Prefecture. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!