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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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Forests that are a source of water and pride.
Aomori is blessed with rich nature, including the ocean, mountains and rivers. The ultimate natural blessing is Shirakami Sanchi. It was designated as a World Heritage in 1993 as the world’s largest virgin beech forest. It is also known as the habitat of the black woodpecker and the golden eagle, both designated as protected species. Kabu Island, located within the Port of Hachinohe, is designated as a national natural treasure as a breeding ground for the black-tailed gull.
On the western shores of the Shimokita Peninsula is an oddly shaped tuff cut by the rough waves of the Tsugaru Strait, extending approximately 2 km into the ocean. This is the Hotokegaura. People of the past saw this as heaven, giving each of the odd shaped rocks a name related to Buddha.
At the base of the Shimokita Peninsula is Lake Ogawara, popular for its marimo (moss ball) and migrating birds stopping over for a rest.
At the tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula is Cape Tappi, known as the entrance to the Seikan Tunnel and as an excellent spot from which to view the Tsugaru Strait.
Lake Towada and Oirase Keiryu Stream are two other sights you shouldn't miss. Designated as a national park, this area boasts a spectacular view. The 327-meter deep Lake Towada is the third largest lake in Japan. The overflow of lake water flows swiftly into the Oirase Keiryu, creating many waterfalls and scenic spots with flowing water known as "Bakufu Kaido" (Cascade Way). In spring with tender green and autumn with colored foliage, the area is picturesque and attracts many tourists from around the nation. |
World Heritage Site: Shirakami Sanchi |
Lake Towada |
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Lake Towada
Lake Towada, extending over Aomori and Akita prefectures, formed approximately 2,000 years ago as a result of volcanic activity that created a mortar-shaped depression where water accumulated, a typical double caldera formation. The name Lake Towada came from the Ainu language word "to-warata," "to" meaning lake and "warata" meaning rock. The lake is the 12th largest and 3rd deepest in Japan. |
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World Heritage Site: Shirakami Sanchi
Shirakami Sanchi is approximately 130,000 ha of a vast mountainous area extending over Aomori and Akita prefectures. Its central 16,971 ha (12,627 ha on the Aomori side) area was designated as a World Heritage Site (natural heritage) in December 1993 along with Yakushima of Kagoshima Prefecture.
This is home to the largest wild beech forest in the world, where scientifically valuable plants and animals live. The wildlife includes golden eagles and black woodpeckers, both designated as national protected species. |
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The Black-Tailed Gulls of Kabushima
Kabushima Island, designated as a prefecutural park, is famous as a breeding area for black-tailed gulls, a protected species. Every year about the middle of March, tens of thousands of black-tailed gulls arrive from the south to lay eggs. When the turnips start to bloom in April the eggs hatch, and at the end of summer when the baby birds have grown strong enough to fly, they leave for the south. |
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