Aomori and Hirosaki

Aomori Prefecture occupies the northern tip of Honshu, between the Sea of Japan, the Tsugaru Strait, and the Pacific Ocean. The capital, Aomori, is a port city on Mutsu Bay and the terminus of the Tohoku shinkansen before the crossing to Hokkaido. It is known for the Nebuta Festival, when giant illuminated paper floats parade at night in early August, and for having one of the heaviest snowfalls among Japanese cities.

About 40 km to the southwest, Hirosaki was the seat of the Tsugaru clan during the Edo period. The castle, which retains one of the twelve original castle keeps still standing in the country, sits in a park with thousands of cherry trees that usually bloom from late April to early May. The city has a samurai residence district, a street with thirty-three Zen temples, and Western-style buildings from the late 19th century. It is also the center of Japan’s largest apple-producing region.

Near Aomori are the Sannai-Maruyama site, the largest known Jomon-period village at roughly 5,000 years old, and the prefectural art museum beside it. To the south, the Hakkoda Mountains descend toward Lake Towada, a water-filled volcanic crater from which the Oirase Stream flows. The stream runs about 14 km through forest, moss-covered rocks, and waterfalls.

The two cities make a single trip, linked by train in about 45 minutes. The Oirase Stream and Lake Towada require a full day from Aomori or an overnight stay at a lakeside inn. In winter, from December to March, snow covers everything and mountain roads may close, but Hirosaki lights the castle with snow lanterns.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Aomori, Hirosaki.