19 Selected Locations in Aomori Prefecture: Explanation of Maps, History, Nature, and the Best Time for Photography

Introduction to Instagram-worthy Photos of Aomori Prefecture

Located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, Aomori Prefecture is a region rich in history and culture, boasting some of Tohoku’s most iconic tourist attractions. These include the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle in spring, the Aomori Nebuta Festival in summer, and the mystical Shimokita Peninsula.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of Japan’s premier summer festivals, is held annually in August in Aomori City. The festival features the parade of gigantic Nebuta lanterns, accompanied by the resonating sounds of drums and flutes, creating a spectacular atmosphere that attracts numerous tourists.
Hirosaki Castle, located in the western part of Aomori Prefecture and built in the early Edo period, is renowned as one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom viewing spots. In spring, approximately 2,600 cherry trees bloom, creating a breathtaking sight. The autumn foliage and winter snowscapes are also magnificent, making it worth visiting year-round.
Towada Lake, situated inland in Aomori Prefecture, is famous for its stunning clarity and beauty as one of Japan’s most prominent caldera lakes. Additionally, the Oirase Gorge, which flows out of Towada Lake, features a popular walking trail lined with beautiful waterfalls and valleys.
Lastly, the Shimokita Peninsula in northern Aomori Prefecture is home to Mount Osore and Hotokegaura. Mount Osore is renowned as a sacred site, exuding a unique, mystical atmosphere. Hotokegaura, with its striking rock formations, is a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts.

Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru

Hakkoda Maru, a representative vessel of the Seikan Ferry that connected Aomori and Hakodate, has been docked and preserved in Aomori since 1988. It is a historic spot cherished by many locals. Inside the ship, there is a rare space for transporting railway vehicles, with exhibits such as postal vehicles from that time.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:5-minute walk from Aomori Station.

Aomori Nebuta Festival

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a large-scale event held annually from August 2 to 7 in Aomori City, attracting over 2 million tourists. It is one of the three major festivals of the Tohoku region. A distinctive feature is the large number of dancers, known as “Haneto,” who accompany the floats. Many tourists also participate as Haneto.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: August 2–7
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information: 20-minute walk from Aomori Station

Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle, the northernmost castle keep in Japan, is designated as an important cultural property. The castle grounds include historic gates, bridges, and moats. The third floor of the keep features Shachihoko, a mythical carp with a tiger’s head. The vast Hirosaki Park is ideal for elegant sightseeing by rickshaw.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Frequent public transportation available

Flower Rafts in Hirosaki Park

During the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, held from late April to early May, approximately 2 million people gather in Hirosaki Park from both Japan and abroad. The main attraction is the flower rafts. As the cherry blossoms start to fall, the outer moat of the park becomes covered in pink petals, creating a breathtaking view reminiscent of a pink carpet.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:Late April to early May
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Frequent public transportation available

Lake Towada

Lake Towada, located on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures, is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, serving as the source of the Oirase Gorge. The 14 km river from Lake Towada to Yakeyama features beautiful waterfalls and streams. The area is accessible via roads and walking trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery in all seasons. The lake, formed about 200,000 years ago, reaches a depth of 327 meters, making it the third deepest lake in Japan. Despite harsh cold and heavy snowfall, the lake does not freeze, earning it the title “Mystic Lake.”

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Infrequent public transportation , car recommended

Oirase Gorge in New Green and Autumn Colors

Oirase Gorge showcases seasonal nature, especially known for its new green leaves in May and June, and autumn foliage from mid to late October.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:Mid-May to mid-June, mid-October to late October
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Infrequent public transportation , car recommended

Ashura Stream

“Ashura Stream” is a notable scenic spot in Oirase Gorge, frequently featured on TV and in magazines. The powerful flow of water through lush trees presents a strong, masculine landscape. On holidays, it is crowded with people painting and taking photos.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Mid-May to mid-June, mid-October to late October
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Infrequent public transportation car recommended

Choshi Otaki Waterfall

The main waterfall of Oirase Gorge, “Choshi Otaki” stands 7 meters high and 20 meters wide. Its beautiful spray and the sunlight filtering through the trees create a picturesque scene, believed to be formed by a fault and small stream inflows. The waterfall has historically prevented fish from moving upstream, making Lake Towada fish-free. It remains a popular scenic spot throughout the year.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:Frozen waterfall from early January to February
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Infrequent public transportation 車が便利

Towada Shrine

Located on the Nakayama Peninsula of Lake Towada, Towada Shrine was founded in 807 and is steeped in history. A legend tells of a monk who fought a dragon and was enshrined here after turning into a dragon himself. The shrine was once primarily worshipped as a water deity, and it still attracts many visitors as a power spot. The grounds also house an iron straw sandal used by the monk.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:Spring, summer, fall (partially closed in winter)
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Infrequent public transportation 車が便利

Statue of Maidens

The “Statue of Maidens,” erected on the shores of Lake Towada in 1953, is a well-known symbol of the lake and the last work of the famous poet and sculptor Kotaro Takamura. The model for this bronze statue was his wife, Chieko.

Shimokita Peninsula

The Shimokita Peninsula is located at the northernmost tip of Aomori Prefecture and is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Tsugaru Strait, and Mutsu Bay. Shaped like an axe, this peninsula is home to Japanese macaques, the northernmost primates on Earth, excluding humans.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:Spring, summer, fall (closed in winter)
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Infrequent public transportation car recommended

Lake Usori

Mount Osore, an active volcano in central Shimokita Peninsula, has Lake Usori, a caldera lake, beside it. The lakeside is home to Bodai Temple, one of Japan’s three major sacred sites, with hot springs within the sacred area.

Osorezan Bodaiji Temple

Mount Osore is one of Japan’s three major sacred mountains, founded by Jikaku Daishi in 862. Known as a holy site of the Tendai sect, it features distinctive landscapes resembling the afterlife, such as the “Sanzu River,” “Hell Valley,” and “Sai no Kawara.” The entire area is permeated by the smell of sulfur, attracting visitors with its mystical scenery.

Itako of Osorezan

Itako are shamans from Japan’s Tohoku region, often visually impaired women. They are believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirits of the deceased through a practice called “kuchiyose.” The Itako rituals at Mount Osore are particularly famous. However, due to changing times, the number of aspiring Itako has dwindled, and most current Itako are elderly.

Shiriya Cape Lighthouse

The tallest brick lighthouse in Japan offers a panoramic view of the Tsugaru Strait and is a historic building with Japan’s first electric light and fog horn. Nearby grasslands are home to Kando horses, unique to the region.

Mount Kamafuse

The observation deck on Mount Kamafuse offers views of Mutsu City, the surrounding nature, and on clear days, Hokkaido. At night, the beautiful view of Mutsu City is said to resemble the shape of a swallowtail butterfly.

Hotokegaura

Hotokegaura features impressive giant and strange rock formations stretching for 2 kilometers, creating a vivid contrast with the blue sea and producing a mystical landscape. This scenery originated from underwater volcanic activity around 20 million years ago. Visitors can also enjoy the grand view from sightseeing boats.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:All seasons
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Infrequent public transportation car recommended

Oma Tuna

At Oma Cape, the northernmost point of Honshu, you can view Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait. Tuna fishing from late August to early January is a local tradition. If you’re lucky, you might witness the landing of a giant tuna.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:Late August to late December
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Infrequent public transportation car recommended

Canola Flower Fields

The canola flower fields in Yokohama Town, facing Mutsu Bay, are among the largest in Japan. The beautiful contrast of the yellow carpet of flowers and white wind turbines is eye-catching.

Instagram Worthiness: ★★★★★
Photography Opportunity:May
Location Information:▶Map,Hours,Routes
Transportation Information:Infrequent public transportation car recommended