The Aomori Museum of Art brings together works by three very different artists: its collection includes works by Shiko Munakata, Yoshitomo Nara, and Tohl Narita. The architecture offers another discovery, too. Jun Aoki designed the building, drawing inspiration from the Sannai Maruyama archaeological site.

Art and Jōmon History

Sannai Maruyama is one of Japan’s largest Jōmon settlement sites and is designated a Special Historic Site of Japan. In Aomori Prefecture, the art collection, architecture, and archaeological heritage thus stand side by side as distinct but interconnected themes: the museum building points to a place that brings Japan’s early settlement history to life.

Hirosaki Castle adds a historical note of its own. It is the only castle in Tōhoku built during the Edo period (1603–1867). If you are interested in architectural history, Aomori offers several perspectives: from an archaeological settlement site and a modern museum design to an Edo-period castle.

Beech Forests and Mountain Landscapes

Shirakami-Sanchi spans Aomori and Akita prefectures. The World Heritage site includes a vast, pristine, continuous beech forest; 12,627 hectares of the area lie on the Aomori side. Its expanse across two prefectures makes clear that this natural landscape does not end at Aomori’s border.

A different landscape unfolds at Hakkoda: wetlands and lakes are scattered among the mountains, where alpine flowers bloom in summer. In the wider Shirakami-Sanchi area, an approximately 40-minute loop from the Mori no Bussankan Kyororo trailhead passes Keitoba-no-Ike Pond, the cobalt-blue Aoike Pond, a beech forest, and the Wako-no-Ike and Ochiguchi-no-Ike ponds. Check trail conditions and seasonal access before setting out.

Regional Cuisine and Craftsmanship

Aomori Prefecture produces around 60 percent of Japan’s apples; the share may vary by reporting year. Another regional specialty is Ichigoni. The はしかみいちご煮まつり (Hashikami Ichigoni Festival) is held every July in Hashikami, where Ichigoni is available at local prices.

Tsugaru lacquerware is also part of the prefecture’s cultural identity. 唐塗 (Kara-nuri) is a representative style: repeated layers of lacquer are applied, sanded, and polished over a Hiba wood base. After 48 painstaking steps, a durable and elegant lacquerware piece is produced. The description of this craft shows how many layers of work go into a single object, from its wooden base to its carefully finished surface.

Experiences and Getting There

Anyone can participate as a Haneto dancer in the Aomori Nebuta Festival, provided they follow the rules in effect. Check the participation rules that apply at the time before making plans. This community festival tradition adds another dimension to the prefecture’s cultural and natural attractions.

Aomori Prefecture can be reached by the JR Tōhoku Shinkansen, regular JR trains, long-distance buses, and car. There are four Shinkansen stops in the prefecture: Hachinohe, Shichinohe-Towada, Shin-Aomori, and Okutsugaru-Imabetsu. Misawa and Aomori airports are also in the prefecture. Check schedules and routes again before your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Hirosaki, Aomori, Hachinohe, Towada, Akabonai, Mutsu, Hashikami, Misawa, Nishitsugaru District, Hiranai, Hirakawa, Ajigasawa, Sotogahama, Owani, Kuroishi, Goshogawara, Oma

For the main travel overview: Japan.