ellen's BLOG

 ASPAM IN AOMORI,JAPAN

 

 

 ASPAM is a central facility for information on all aspects of tourism and local products in Aomori Prefecture. It is also the place to shop for souvinirs and other special products of Aomori. The observation lounge on the top floor offers a lovely view of Aomori City and the Mutsu Bay.

 

 

 HIROSAKI CASTLE

 

 

 

  CHERRY BLOSSON IN HIROSAKI

 

 

Tsugaru, the feudal clan that unified the local region, built Hirosaki Castle. The castle keep, three turrets, and five gates all remain intact, a rarity in Japan. Today it is a park enjoyed by all, and is famous for the 2,600 cherry trees which bloom vibrantly in the spring.

 

     MOUNT IWAKI

 

Mount Iwaki known as the "Mount Fuji of Tsugaru" could be called the home of the heart for the residents of Tsugaru. Surrounding the mountain are apple orchards, where pale pink colored flowers bloom in spring and bright red apples grow in autumn. The view of the apple trees against the mountain is representative of the Tsugaru region.

 

 

 

SANNAI MARUYAMA IN AOMORI

 

The Sannai Maruyama site is known for the discovery of large settlements dating from the early to mid-Jomon era (approximately 4,000 to 5,500 years ago). The settlements have yielded many ruins of pit dwellings, large buildings with supporting pillars, and even graves. In Aomori Prefecture, there are many other historical sites dating back from the Jomon era, like the Korekawa Historical Site in Hachinohe City and the Kamegaoka Historical Site in Tsugaru City.

 

 

 

 

 

FAMOUS FESTIVAL IN AOMORI CITY

 

Nebuta is a summer festival that is famous throughout Japan. About 20 Nebuta (giant human-shaped floats) are paraded down the streets to the stirring music of taiko drums, flutes, and haneto dancers shouting the traditional cry of "rassera".

 

 

 

 

 

FESTIVAL IN HIROSAKI CITY

 

About 70 Ogi-Neputa (fan-shaped floats), vividly painted with historical themes, are paraded down the streets of the castle town to the music of taiko drums, flutes, and the traditional cries of "yaayado" in this very elegant and emotional festival.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FESTIVAL IN GOSHONGAWARA

 

The Tachi-Neputa floats are each 22 meters high (equal to a 7-story building) and weigh around 16 metric tons. These floats are carried through the town of Goshogawara during the festival season. There are three enormous floats on display everyday at the Tachi-Neputa Gallery.

 

 

 

 

FAMOUS LAKE IN TOWADA

 

Oirase Gorge, which flows from Lake Towada, is 14 kilometers in length and 200 meters deep. There are many waterfalls scattered about its path, offering ever-changing scenery for all to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Aomori Prefecture has a wealth of tourist attractions throughout the year, natural sites such as Lake Towada, Mount Hakkoda and the Shirakami Mountain Range (a World Heritage Site), ruins from the Jomon period such as those at the Sannai Maruyama Historical Site, and a variety of festivals, rich in local color.