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| Here are some of the recommended model course to thoroughly enjoy Aomori |
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 In Aomori, where rich nature and culture fuse as one, there are many appealing sightseeing spots.
Come and see the unique and enchanting sites in Aomori. |
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| Enjoying Winter |
Ataste of Winter |
Food in Autumn |
Message from the Blue Forest |
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About Aomori
Aomori is the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Japan and is blessed with diverse culture and magnificent nature, including the Shirakami Sanchi, Sannai-Maruyama World Heritage Site from the Jomon Period, Hirosaki Park, famous as scenic spot for cherry blossoms, and other beautiful spots such as Lake Towada, Hakkoda Mountain, and Hotokegaura.
There are 10 cities, 22 towns and eight villages, totaling 40 municipalities, with a population of 1,435,657 as of October 1, 2005.
The area cover 9,607.05 km2 as confirmed on October 1, 2006, and it is located at about the same latitude to New York, Beijing, Rome and Madrid, between 40.12 to 41.33 degrees.
The prefecture is surrounded on three sides by ocean, and the Ou Mountains, lying at the center, divide the prefecture in two, with the two regions differing significantly in weather and culture due to climatic conditions.
The major difference is the heavy snowfall in the winter of the Tsugaru region and the easterly winds in summer blowing on the side facing the Pacific Ocean. According to 2007 statistics, average temperatures in April, July, October and December were 7.4℃, 20.3℃, 13.5℃ and 1.5℃, respectively.
The prefecture has four distinctive seasons, enabling tourists to enjoy unique festivals, historical sites, beautiful nature, and other sightseeing spots and leisure activities whenever or wherever they may decide to visit in Aomori.
Culture of Aomori
Aomori is made up of three regions, Tsugaru, including the cities of Aomori and Hirosaki, Nanbu with Hachinohe and Towada, and Shimokita with Mutsu. Each region has its own unique living customs, culture and language resulting from differences in their climates and historical background.
Festivals in each region exhibit strong characteristics. Tsugaru is famous for Aomori Nebuta and Hirosaki Neputa. Shimokita has its Nomai, and Nanbu hosts the Enburi in Hachinohe City. Each of these festivals has been designated as a significant intangible folk cultural asset.
Language differs significantly in the 3 regions, with distinctive dialects spoken in Tsugaru, Nanbu and Shimokita.
History of Aomori
There are over 3,000 Jomon Period ruins scattered throughout Aomori, including the Sannai-Maruyama Site in Aomori City, the Kamegaoka Site in Tsugaru City and the Korekawa Site in Hachinohe City, of which 7 sites are designated as the Historic or Special Historic Sites.
The Sannai-Maruyama Site, in particular, is known as the largest remains of the Jomon Period site, dating back approximately 4,000 to 5,000 years, and many remains are being excavated, including a large scale pillar-supported structure and a long house.
With forest environment established during Jomon Period being preserved in Shirakami Sanchi, a designated World Heritage site, Aomori aims to be designated for the Jomon Ruins in Aomori as World Heritage site.
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