Aomori

Aomori Prefecture offers deep appeal in history, nature and food alike. Historically, the Sannai-Maruyama Site, one of Japan's largest Jomon settlement ruins, lets you feel how people have lived here since ancient times. In summer, the Aomori Nebuta Festival lights up the night as huge lantern floats depicting warriors parade through the city, captivating visitors from Japan and abroad. Turning to nature, the World Natural Heritage Shirakami Mountains spread out, where untouched primeval beech forests create a mystical atmosphere. At Lake Towada and the Oirase Stream, you can stroll amid beautiful scenery in every season, and the autumn foliage is especially spectacular. The rime ice of the Hakkoda Mountains and the winter landscapes of this heavy-snow region are also true Aomori highlights. The food is endless fun as well. Apples, of which Aomori is Japan's top producer, are enjoyed in many varieties and in sweets. Surrounded by sea on three sides, the prefecture is also rich in fresh seafood, including tuna from Oma. Local dishes such as senbei-jiru and ichigo-ni are full of the wisdom and care people have shown in getting through the harsh cold. Every visit brings new discoveries and moving encounters, and that is the great appeal of Aomori.