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Iwate Prefecture

Iwate Prefecture

Iwate is rich in both history and natural charm. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji in Hiraizumi, admire the Sanriku Coast’s dramatic cliffs, and enjoy regional flavors like wanko soba and Morioka cold noodles. From hot springs to ski resorts, Iwate offers beauty and relaxation in every season.

Iwate
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Morioka City

Morioka City, the prefectural capital of Iwate, is a city where history, culture, and cuisine converge.The city center features the remnants of the feudal domain era, such as Morioka Castle Ruin Park (Iwate Park), set against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Iwate, along with nostalgic, retro streets along the picturesque Nakatsu River. Historical buildings like the Iwate Bank Red Brick Building, which is a National Important Cultural Property, are also highlights.Gastronomically, the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka"—Wanko Soba, Morioka Reimen (cold noodles), and Morioka Jajamen—are famous. The city is also known for its connections to the beloved poet Kenji Miyazawa.

Iwate
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Doburoku Brewery “Ichi no Shizuku”　　Guesthouse Nakagawa

Doburoku Brewery “Ichi no Shizuku”　　Guesthouse Nakagawa

A cozy Japanese-style inn offering a warm, homely stay.

Iwate
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Shizukuishi Town

Shizukuishi Town

Iwate
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Imabetsu Town

Imabetsu Town, located near the tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture, is a town rich in nature and traditional performing arts, facing the Tsugaru Strait.Its greatest appeal is the spirited local performing art, "Arama" (Wild Horse), designated as an Aomori Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The Arama Festival, held annually in early August, is the town's most exciting event.Scenic spots include Koyazaki, part of the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park, which boasts a magnificent coastline and the beautiful view of the Koyazaki Lighthouse, where visitors can also enjoy camping. Additionally, you can visit the entrance plaza of the Seikan Tunnel,...

Aomori
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Hashikami Town

Hashikami Town in southeastern Aomori Prefecture is appealing for its rich natural environment of mountains and sea.Mt. Hashikami, the town's signature peak, is famous for its approximately 20,000 natural azalea bushes that bloom brilliantly from May to June. From the summit, you can enjoy a grand panorama overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making it ideal for climbing and outdoor activities.The coastline is part of the Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park and is known as the place in Aomori Prefecture where the sunrise can be seen the earliest.Furthermore, the town's specialties, such as the flavorful Hashikami Wase Soba (early-ripening soba) and the...

Aomori
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Sannohe Town

Sannohe Town is a historic town that flourished as a castle town during the Warring States period. Visitors can enjoy historical tours of old highways and the castle town, visits to shrines and temples, and a unique town walk to see the stone statues of "11 Piki no Neko" (11 Cats), characters from the popular picture books by Noboru Baba, a cartoonist who hailed from the town.

Aomori
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Mt. Kamabuse

The Mt. Kamabuse Observation Deck has been selected as one of the "Japan's Top 100 Night Views." The night scene viewed from here is incredibly romantic. Because it resembles a gorgeous swallowtail butterfly spreading its wings and taking flight, it is nicknamed the "Swallowtail Butterfly of Light," and its beauty is said to make it the finest night view in the Tohoku region.

Aomori
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Hotokegaura

A multitude of pale green, strangely shaped rocks line the coast for 2 km. This natural art, carved by the rough winter seas, transforms into a paradise-like shore—befitting the name "Hotokegaura" (Buddha's Shore)—when viewed during the calm summer sea. The contrast between the highly transparent emerald green sea and the ivory-colored clusters of strange rocks is beautiful, resembling an entrance to paradise. This is no coincidence: it is said that Hotokegaura is the place where the deceased stop when they journey to the next world or return to this one. Each unique rock formation is named based on the image...

Aomori
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Mutsu City

The night view seen from Mt. Kamabuse Observation Deck resembles a butterfly adorned with jewels spreading its wings. It has been selected as one of the "Japan's Top 100 Night Views" and designated as a "Japan Night View Heritage Site."

Aomori
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Aomori Apple

Apples from Aomori Prefecture rank first in Japan for both production volume and cultivation area. This position has remained unchallenged for over 100 years. Furthermore, Aomori is not only a major production center but is also world-leading in terms of quality. They are highly praised as "The World's Tastiest Aomori Apples!"

Aomori
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Winter

Mutsu Bay

This is a long course, totaling approximately 270 km, that circumnavigates the coastline of Mutsu Bay.We recommend starting and finishing in Aomori City and spending several days exploring a diverse range of scenery, from photogenic spots and fishing/farming village landscapes to various townscapes, all while enjoying local cuisine. Railway lines run along the course, making bike transport (Rinkō) easy, allowing cyclists to arrange the itinerary to match their preferences and skill level.Enjoy cycling while experiencing Aomori's scenery, culture, nature, and gourmet food.

Aomori
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Aomori City

Aomori City is abundant in diverse and attractive tourism resources, including the beautiful nature of the Hakkoda Mountains and Mutsu Bay, the rich and varied cuisine fostered by this abundant environment, the globally renowned Aomori Nebuta Festival, Jomon Period ruins such as the Sannai-Maruyama Site, and hot springs.

Aomori
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Hachinohe Enburi

Hachinohe Enburi

Hachinohe Enburi is a traditional festival designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.It is held to welcome the arrival of spring in the Hachinohe region and to pray for a bountiful harvest.The dancers, called Tayu, wear ornate headpieces shaped like a horse’s head and perform a distinctive dance characterized by powerful head movements.These movements represent agricultural actions such as sowing seeds and planting rice.During breaks between the Enburi dances, charming performances by children add an extra layer of enjoyment for spectators.

Aomori
Festivals & Events
Spring

Tatehana Wharf Morning Market

Tatehana Wharf Morning Market

The Tatehana Wharf Morning Market is one of the largest morning markets in Japan and a signature attraction of Hachinohe.On ordinary days, the wharf looks completely normal—but at dawn on Sunday mornings, the massive market suddenly appears as if out of nowhere.Here, you’ll find an impressive variety of goods:fresh seafood, mountain vegetables, and even surprising items that make you think,“Why is this being sold at a morning market?”The lively and eclectic selection is part of its unique charm.

Aomori
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Hachinohe Yatai Village – Miroku Yokocho

Hachinohe Yatai Village – Miroku Yokocho

Hachinohe City is home to eight retro-style alleyways that retain the nostalgic charm of the Showa era.Among them, this yatai (food stall) village is known as Miroku Yokocho,a name derived from its location connecting Mikka-machi (3rd Street) and Muika-machi (6th Street) — hence “3–6 (Mi–Roku).”Popular with both locals and visitors, the alley is lined with 26 small food stalls,creating a lively atmosphere where people gather to enjoy drinks, local dishes, and warm conversations.

Aomori
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Hachinohe City

Hachinohe City, located in southeastern Aomori Prefecture, is a charming port town known for its fresh seafood and rich natural scenery.You can enjoy local gourmet delights at the Tatehana Wharf Morning Market, one of the largest morning markets in Japan, as well as in the nostalgic atmosphere of the Hachinohe Yokocho alleyways.At Tanesashi Coast, part of Sanriku Fukko National Park, visitors can stroll along beautiful grassy shorelines and scenic walking trails.Kabushima, famous as a breeding site for black-tailed gulls, is also a popular spot.Hachinohe is a destination where history, nature, and food come together.

Aomori
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Gonō Line

The Gonō Line is a scenic railway running along the Sea of Japan.From the sightseeing train Resort Shirakami, passengers can enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and the Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains.It also provides excellent access to famous spots such as Senjōjiki and Juniko.It is the perfect route for a relaxing journey immersed in nature.

Aomori
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Spring
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Tsugaru Railway – Stove Train

Tsugaru Railway – Stove Train

The train usually runs with two cars, featuring a nostalgic, retro-style interior.Each car has two daruma coal stoves, glowing red with burning coal.Passengers naturally gather around the warm stoves, creating a cozy space filled with conversations in various dialects—from locals to visitors from afar.Dried squid (surume) is grilled on top of the stoves, turning the train into a lively place where people connect and enjoy the moment together.

Aomori
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Winter

Lake Towada

Lake Towada is a majestic caldera lake offering a vast, open panorama.Its calm, mirror-like surface reflects the sky, fresh greenery, and autumn colors, creating a mystical and breathtaking scene.Natural beech forests and other native woods surround the lake.In spring, the trees bloom; in summer, vibrant green leaves emerge; in autumn, the mountains turn vivid shades of red and gold; and in winter, the forest transforms into a silver-white world.Each season offers its own stunning beauty.The best time to enjoy fresh greenery is May to June, and autumn foliage is at its peak from mid- to late October.From April to November,...

Aomori
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Jigoku Pond

Jigoku-numa, a steaming hot spring pond near Sukayu Onsen, features boiling 90°C acidic waters and dramatic volcanic scenery.Across the road, “Manjū-fukashi” offers a unique steam bath where visitors warm their lower body while seated, said to promote health and relaxation.

Aomori
Sightseeing
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Autumn

Jogakura Bridge

Jogakura Bridge

Located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the Jogakura Bridge is one of Japan’s largest upper-deck arch bridges,stretching 360 meters in total length with an arch span of 255 meters.The view from the bridge is nothing short of breathtaking.From the bridge, you can overlook the Hakkōda Mountains, the cityscape of Aomori, and Mt. Iwaki,as well as gaze down at the untouched natural beauty of the Jogakura Gorge below.Parking spaces and small rest areas are available at both ends of the bridge, allowing visitors to stop and enjoy the scenery at leisure.Throughout the year—lush green summers, snowy winters—the bridge offers spectacular views of...

Aomori
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Spring
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Mount Hakkōda

The Hakkōda Mountain Range is composed of ten peaks in the Northern Hakkōda area, including Mount Ōdake at 1,585 meters, Takada Ōdake, Idodake, Akakuradake, Maedake, Tamoyachidake, Kodake, Iōdake, Ishikuradake, and Hinadake,and six peaks in the Southern Hakkōda area, beginning with Kushigamine.Together, they form what is known as the Hakkōda Mountains.Well-maintained trails and the convenient ropeway make it easy for everyone—from children to adults—to enjoy trekking.For a truly immersive experience, guided tours led by professional mountain guides who know Hakkōda inside and out are highly recommended.

Aomori
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Spring
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Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge

Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge

The Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, made using Aomori-grown Hiba wood, is Japan’s longest wooden triple-arched bridge, stretching 300 meters.It connects the shores of Tsugaru Fujimiko, a lake that beautifully reflects the majestic silhouette of Mt. Iwaki.Completed in 1994 using traditional Japanese construction techniques, the bridge’s warm wooden texture and gentle arches have made it a beloved landmark for many visitors.

Aomori
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