Coastal views, sumo history and mountain trails: the municipality of Ajigasawa offers a wide variety of themes for a trip. You can focus on the experiences that interest you most, such as scenery and outdoor activities, regional cuisine or culture. The places and activities described are located within the municipality; they do not form a single, set excursion route.

Scenery and structures

Along Ajigasawa’s coast on the Sea of Japan, beaches and breakwaters offer views of sunsets on the horizon and deep-red evening skies from spring through autumn. For a view of a different landscape, head to the gondola station at Aomori Spring Ski Resort: at an elevation of 921 meters, it overlooks the Sea of Japan and the Tsugaru Plain.

Kurokuma Falls, on a tributary of the Akaiishi River called the Takinosawa River, is 85 meters high and 15 meters wide. It has long been regarded as a place of religious worship. The access road is currently closed due to landslide damage caused by the heavy rain in August 2022.

Another point of interest is Nagisa Bridge. Opened in 2004, it is 112.3 meters long. Its design combines features of cable-stayed and suspension bridges and is known as a hybrid prestressed-concrete cable-stayed bridge. A structure of this type is described as the first of its kind in the world.

Trails and activities

Aomori Spring Ski Resort lies on the northern slope of Mount Iwaki. Its snowfall and snow quality are highly regarded. The trails described include a route through a beech forest and a steep run with a gradient of up to 30 degrees. The resort also has a moderate-to-challenging route that is about 11.6 kilometers each way; the stated duration is approximately four hours and 30 minutes. Its distance, difficulty and estimated time can help you consider this route as a separate part of your plans.

Aomori Spring Golf Club also offers two distinct course profiles: a challenging tournament course of more than 7,000 yards and an 18-hole resort course designed by Arnold Palmer. Those considering golf and mountain activities will find details here about course length and design, without needing to combine the two offerings into a single itinerary.

Stand-up paddleboarding is available on the lower reaches of the Nakamura River. You can experience the sounds of nature, calls of waterbirds and fish up close. The River-Down SUP route leads from trees along the riverbank through the town, under a bridge on the Gonō Line and onward to the Sea of Japan. The activity is seasonal and requires reservations; check availability before your trip.

Sumo, history and festival culture

The Ajigasawa Sumo Museum focuses on the achievements, traditions and culture of local sumo wrestlers. They include former sekiwake Ayakawa and former komusubi Mainoumi. Exhibits include a dohyo, as well as Mainoumi’s topknot and ceremonial aprons from his active career. The Kōshin-kō no Yakata displays various archaeological finds and old documents; a statue of Ōura Mitsunobu in armor stands in the courtyard.

The Shirohachimangu Festival has a history of more than 300 years and is currently held every four years. It is also known as the “Tsugaru no Kyō Matsuri.” Check the date of the next festival before planning your trip around it.

Andō Suigun sake brewery is also part of the region’s culture. Founded in the first year of the Meiji era, it is the only brewery on Aomori’s west coast. Spring water from the Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Site is used in production.

Regional specialties and events

Ajigasawa Hirame-no-Zuke-don is a local specialty: flounder from Ajigasawa is marinated and served with a generous portion of rice. Each restaurant uses its own marinade. The restaurants that serve the dish and the conditions under which they offer it may change.

The ayu sweetfish from the Akaiishi River, fed by water from Shirakami-Sanchi, is known as “gold ayu.” It is eaten grilled with salt or as dengaku. The fishing season opens on July 1, drawing anglers from Aomori Prefecture and other regions. Fishing is subject to current regulations. The municipality also sells sweets featuring a gold ayu motif.

At the annual Ajigasawa Squid Curtain Festival, visitors can hang squid out to dry, grill it and eat it. Dates and activities vary from year to year; check the details for the relevant year. These recurring culinary events differ considerably from the Shirohachimangu Festival, which is held every four years.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hachinohe, Akabonai, Owani, Hashikami, Towada, Nishitsugaru District, Goshogawara, Oma.

For the main travel overview: Aomori Prefecture.