Forget Hokkaido! Aomori is a Hidden Gem

Hey everyone! Still worried about the crowds at popular tourist spots? Aomori, a hidden gem, is definitely worth a visit! Located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, Japan, it has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. Spring cherry blossoms, summer Nebuta Festival, autumn leaves, and winter snowscapes—there's something for everyone. ✈️Getting There: - By plane: Aomori Prefecture has two airports: Aomori Airport and Misawa Airport. Major cities in Japan have direct flights, and it only takes 1 hr 20 mins from Tokyo. - By Shinkansen: The JR Tohoku Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Aomori City. From Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station, the travel time is 2 hrs 58 mins - 3 hrs 30 mins. The JR Hokkaido Shinkansen runs from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Shin-Aomori Station, taking 1 hr. - By ferry: From Hakodate, Hokkaido, to Aomori, there are the Tsugaru Strait Ferry and the Seikan Ferry, taking 3 hrs 40 mins - 4 hrs. - By highway bus: The Konan Bus runs from "Ueno Station Area" in Tokyo to "Aomori Station," taking 10 hrs 20 mins. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations: - Aomori Onsen-ya: Ranked first in Japan's hot spring rankings for 10 consecutive years, "Komaki Onsen" boasts superb water quality. Bathing here is incredibly relaxing. There's also authentic cuisine, goldfish festivals, and traditional festival performances. - Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel: A luxurious paradise for hotel lovers. During the autumn foliage season, a stroll along the stream is incredibly therapeutic. There's also the Stream Base, Apple Restaurant, and craft workshops. 📸Must-See Spots: - Aomori Museum of Art: Exhibits works by artists related to Aomori Prefecture, such as Yoshitomo Nara. A must-visit for art lovers, and the building's design is perfect for photos. - Sannai-Maruyama Site: A World Cultural Heritage site, located next to the Aomori Museum of Art. Experience the charm of ancient Aomori. - Hirosaki Park: The best cherry blossom viewing spot in Tohoku, Japan. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and there's the Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival in autumn. The nighttime illuminations are stunning. - Mount Hakkoda: A winter ski resort, also known for its spectacular "snow monsters." - Oirase Stream: Known as the "most beautiful stream in the world." Hiking here during the autumn foliage season is like stepping into a fairy tale. - Tsugaru Stove Train: A winter-limited, retro train that takes you through a snowy landscape. There are nostalgic coal stoves inside the train, and you can even grill squid. - Fujisaki Swan Lake: A winter habitat for swans, with Mount Iwaki as a backdrop. Swans frolic against a backdrop of snowy fields—it's breathtakingly beautiful. - Gono Line: A railway line connecting Aomori and Akita, running along the coast with stunning scenery. 🍱Food Recommendations: - Aomori Apples: Large and sweet, they can be enjoyed in many ways: fresh, as apple pie, or as apple cider. - Kaisen-don: Aomori is by the sea, so the seafood is incredibly fresh. Seafood bowls are generous and diverse, each bite is a delight. - Hirosaki Ramen: Rich soup, firm noodles, topped with chashu pork and vegetables—it's incredibly warming. Pack your bags and come experience the unique charm of Aomori! 💕 Don't forget to like and save this post~