Here's Where You Should Go When You Visit Aomori, Japan

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido are definitely the first places to come to mind when travelers think of where to go in Japan. However, Japan's other prefectures, cities, and even small towns have a lot to offer those who head their way.

Take the Aomori Prefecture as an example. It is the northernmost prefecture on Japan's Honshu island and is full of beautiful sites that worth the visit.

Here are some of them that travelers should definitely check out.

Hirosaki Castle

Constructed in 1611, the Hirosaki Castle was the seat a powerful samurai clan, the Tsugaru Clan. It is three storeys tall at present, but it used to be five storeys in height. Unfortunately, a fire burned down the original structure in 1627.

The castle is located in Hirosaki Park, which is a public park in the city that is a favorite spot for Cherry Blossoms during the spring. In fact, a Cherry Blossom Festival is held there annually from April 23 to May 5.

Hotokegaura

Aomori is home to stunning natural sites and a behemoth of an example of it is a series of rock formations known as Hotokegaura. Found at the entrance of the Mutsu Bay, the rocks are actually named after Buddha as Hotokegaura means Buddha's Cove.

Hotokegaura is designated as an Aomori Natural Monument as well as a National Natural Monument in Japan.

Jogakura Ohashi Bridge

Simply referred to as the Jogakura Bridge, it is a deck arch bridge found in the souther Hakkoda Mountains. It is the longest bridge of its type in the whole of Japan.

The bridge is famous for the scenic views of the surrounding area as the bridge is located inside the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, which actually spans three prefectures. It is recommended that you visit the area during the fall season to enjoy the autumn foliage.

Sannai Maruyama Site

If you ever wondered what prehistoric Japan looked like, you should head to the Sannai Maruyama Site. Located southwest of Aomori City, it is actually the ruins of a Jōmon period settlement that was discovered in 1992.

It is an active archaeological site and excavations in the area are still underway. Previous excavations have unearthed earthenware, clay figurines, and even animal and fish bones.

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Japan