Aomori Living Guide

Aomori Prefecture is part of Tohoku Region and is located in the northernmost part of Honshu, facing the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, and the Tsugaru Strait. Aomori boasts beautiful nature and flourishing agriculture, fishing industries. Its latitude is about the same as New York and London, and the average annual temperature is a cool and pleasant 11 degrees Celsius.

With its beautiful nature, delicious food, and culture, Aomori Prefecture is a great destination to explore. In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best cities to live in Aomori, popular tourist spots, and more.

Why People Love Aomori

Nature

Around 66 percent of Aomori is covered by forests. Aomori is also home to breathtakingly beautiful nature including rivers, mountains, ocean, national parks, and more. It is a fantastic place to enjoy outdoor activities.

Agriculture and Fishing

Because Aomori is surrounded by rich nature, agriculture and fishing are flourishing. It is well-known as the leading producer of apples, accounting for as much as 60% (as of 2023) of the total harvest in Japan. It is also number one producer of garlic, etc.

Culture and Festivals

Aomori Prefecture is home to Tsugaru, Nanbu and Shimokita regions with their distinct characteristics and traditional festivals including Aomori Nebuta Festival, which is one of the greatest events taking place in Tohoku Region.

Best Cities to Live in Aomori

The majority of the prefecture's population is concentrated in Aomori City, Hachinohe, and Hirosaki. Below, we would like to list some of the best cities to live in Aomori Prefecture.

Aomori City - Prefectural Capital with a Grandiose Summer Festival

Aomori City is the capital of Aomori Prefecture and its most populated city with a population of around 275 thousand people (as of 2020). In the summer, the city attracts many visitors with its Aomori Nebuta Festival. It has a ferry terminal, from which you can board a ferry for Hokkaido, as well as an airport. Thanks to city's proximity to the sea, you will be able to enjoy delicious seafood at reasonable cost. The city can be recommend for those who would like to explore Aomori Prefecture from the convenience of living in its capital.

Key attractions: Sannai Maruyama Site, Aomori Nebuta Festival, Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE, Sukayu Onsen

Hachinohe - A Great Balance of Development and Nature

Located in southeast of Aomori Prefecture facing the Pacific Ocean, Hachihone is the second largest city in the prefecture. This city has various industries, good transportation access, and offers beautiful nature. For expatriates concerned about too much snowfall in Aomori Prefecture, Hachinohe may be a good option because it is comparatively less snowy than cities such as Aomori City.

Key attractions: Hasshoku Center, Hachinohe Sansha Taisai, Kabushima Shrine

Hirosaki - A Castle Town and Number One Producer of Apples in Japan

Hirosaki is a city with a long history as a castle town. Nowadays, it is the third most populated city in the prefecture and also known as the biggest producer of apples in the whole of Japan. The city is home to popular events. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival held at Hirosaki Park attracts more than 2 million visitors. In the summer, Hirosaki gets very lively with its Hirosaki Neputa Festival attracting over 1.6 million people. It is a pleasant city to live while enjoying its history and beautiful nature that is so easily accessible.

Key attractions: Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki Neputa Festival, Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, Hirosaki Apple Park

Towada - A City with a Great Balance of Nature and Art

Towada is a city that offers a great balance of nature and art. There, you can enjoy the scenery of Lake Towada, the largest caldera lake in Honshu, and the scenic Oirase Stream. You can also explore art, notably at the Towada Museum of Contemporary Art.

Key attractions: Towada Lake, Oirase Gorge, Towada Art Center

Oirase - A Town with the Largest Statue of Liberty in Japan

Oirase is a town through which Oirase River flows on its way from Lake Towada. The town is home to the largest Statue of Liberty in Japan, which stands at the same altitude as New York City in the USA. Oirase Town offers a nice balance of commercial facilities and nature. It is also easily accessible from cities such as Hachinohe and Towada.

Key attractions: Japan's largest Statue of Liberty, Agurinosato Oirase

Access to Tokyo and Other Areas

Aomori Prefecture offers easy access to various parts of Japan.

Train Access

Shinkansen bullet train is a convenient mode of transportation for traveling to nearby Hokkaido, Tokyo, and many other regions of Japan. Aomori Prefecture is home to 4 Shinkansen stations such as Shin-Aomori, Hachinohe, Okutsugaru-Imabetsu, Shichinohe-Towada Stations. The shinkansen ride from Shin-Aomori Station to Tokyo Station will take around 3 hours.

Airports

In Aomori Prefecture, there are 2 airports: Aomori Airport and Misawa Airport. From Aomori City and Hirosaki, you can use Aomori Airport. Misawa Airport would be convenient for people living in Hachinohe and surroundings. The flying time from Aomori to Tokyo is around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Highway Buses

There are highway busses, that are mostly overnight, connecting Aomori with Tokyo and other destinations in Japan. Depending on your departure and arrival points in Aomori and Tokyo, it may take somewhere around 8-11 hours.

Popular Tourist Spots in Aomori

Aomori Nebuta Festival

Attracting over 3 million visitors, Nebuta Festival is held in the summer and is one of the most popular festivals in Japan. It is a grandiose event known for its massive nebuta floats, which can be up to 9 meters wide and 5 meters high.
>> Aomori Nebuta Festival

Hirosaki Park

Hirosaki Park is is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. it is also home to Hirosaki Castle.
>> Hirosaki Park

Lake Towada and Oirase Stream

Covering 61 square kilometers, Lake Towada is a large caldera lake offering a beautiful scenery. It is also the 3rd deepest lake in Japan. Oirase Stream flows from Lake Towada and is a scenic mountain stream stretching for around 14 kilometers. It is a very beautiful place for hiking.
>> Lake Towada National Park Association

Sannai Maruyama Site

Sannai Maruyama is located in Aomori City and is a large historic site where the remains of a settlement from the Jomon period were discovered.
>> Sannai Murayama Site

Osorezan

Located in Shimokita Peninsula, Osorezan translates to "Fear Mountain". With landscapes representing hell and paradise, it is considered as one of Japan's 3 most sacred places.
>> Amazing Aomori The Official Aomori Travel Guide

Conclusion

With abundant nature, thriving agricultural and fishing industries, as well as grandiose festivals, Aomori Prefecture has a lot to offer to its residents and visitors. Whether you are looking for a place to live or explore as a visitor, Aomori is a great destination that will not disappoint.