Aomori Prefecture — Nostalgic Melodies Echo in Harmony with Nature and Festival
hirosaki kouen(park)
Aomori Prefecture, located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, is a land rich in nature and deeply rooted traditions. From the primeval forests of the Shirakami Mountains and the clear streams of Oirase Gorge to the mirror-like surface of Lake Towada, the region is filled with untouched landscapes. Shirakami was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1993, while the Joumon Archaeological Sites in Hokkaidou (Hokkaido) and Northern Touhoku—including eight locations in Aomori such as the Sannai-Maruyama Site—were recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2021. Osorezan, believed to be a spiritual site where the souls of the dead gather, continues to attract visitors from Japan and abroad.
shirakami sanchi
sannai maruyama iseki
Sacred ground Osorezan
Aomori’s cultural pride is best represented by its summer “Nebuta Festival,” a vibrant and dynamic celebration featuring enormous illuminated floats. The festival embodies the energy and creativity of the region. Hirosaki Castle, located in Hirosaki City, is famed as arguably the best cherry blossom spot in all of Japan, attracting huge crowds every spring.
aomori nebuta : Photo by POHAN CHEN / CC BY 2.0
Agriculture also thrives in Aomori, with the prefecture boasting the highest apple production in Japan. Locals are said to recognize subtle differences in flavor and appearance among apple varieties, reflecting how deeply apple cultivation is woven into daily life. The region also shines in seafood, with Ooma renowned for its tuna catches and Mutsu Bay for its quality scallops.
maguro sushi
People of Aomori are known for their resilience, shaped by the region’s harsh winters, and for their deep-rooted community spirit. They may seem quiet to outsiders at first, but once a bond is formed, they reveal a warmth and loyalty that speaks volumes.
One children’s song that reflects Aomori’s spirit is “Ringo no hitorigoto” (The Apple’s Soliloquy). This charming piece personifies an apple, with a gentle melody that seems to speak directly to the listener. The song evokes images of natural abundance and the quiet life of apple farmers, resonating with Aomori’s scenery and soul. Beneath its sweetness, however, are lyrics that subtly hint at the hardships faced by the people of Touhoku—a quiet strength shaped by harsh seasons and history. Its simple, folk-style tune—reminiscent of traditional Japanese nursery rhymes—instills a sense of nostalgia and calm.
Aomori is not a place of loud extravagance, but rather one of quiet beauty and depth—an area where nature, tradition, and heartfelt songs gently embrace all who visit.
