Aomori Things to Do

If you have a chance in August, head to the Nebuta Matsuri. It's a huge parade of handmade giant paper floats. Most have a warrior theme to them. As with any festival in Japan, there will be plenty of food, beverages, and stalls where you can buy just about anything. Also traditional dancing, costumes and the best people watching.

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Hanami in Japan is not to be missed! This is the quintessential Japanese tradition. Anywhere you go is absolutely fantastic and even the smallest little hamlet is likely to have a big do during this brief time.

Hanami means cherry blossom viewing and the Japanese have this down to a fine art. The trees blossom briefly for about a week. If you watch the tv news, you'll see the blossom forecast for the entire nation. They start blooming early in the south and slowly move north as it warms for up. The usually quiet and reserved Japanese will take off work during this time to grab a blanket, loads of alcohol and food, and head out early in the am to find the best spot under the falling blossoms.

It's also important because it officially announces the coming of the warmer season. But for those of us who lived in the north, this was only temporary as snow would still occasionally fall after the blossoms did. But you knew that spring wasn't too far behind.

Here in Aomori, Hanami season is celebrated at some of the more famous places. Hirosaki-Jo is one of these places. The park is packed with people from the minute the blossoms start to peek out to the minute the last petal falls. It's full of people, and peddlers selling all sorts of food and beverages. It's most definitely a carnival atmosphere.

This was, by far, my most favorite time of year in Japan. And I have hundreds upon hundreds of pictures of Hanami all over Japan. And I'll definitely be returning for more someday.

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There is one of world haritage area.
A report is necessary to climb a mountain in interior.
Anyone can go a walk course of 120 minutes.
Autumn is the best.
I went after studying in a visitor center ,gate of corce to a anmon waterfall.

If you are into jacuzzies, you've got to try the Onsens (hot baths). It'll be an experience you'll never forget.
If you dont mind being nude in a crowd, its for you. I probably cant post the pictures but I'll describe it for you. Imagine a jacuzzi with scenery like a lake, Hawaiian waterfalls or a beautiful botanical garden. A serene atmosphere with bubbles and very hot water. Sounds romantic and it is but men and women are separated. You shower first as if you were at home before you get in it and then you relax and enjoy yourself once youre in. And yes, everyone is naked but its not a big deal to the Japanese. And its only between 200-500 yen ($2-5).

TOWADAKO (LAKE TOWADA): A beautiful crater lake at the center of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park with shores of beech forests that turn beautiful shades of yellow and red in autumn every year.

Depth = 327 m.
Circumference = 53 km.

OIRASE: A stream whose source is in the lake. Within a thickly wooded valley, this is a great place for the Fall momiji viewing. One can hike, bike or take a leisure stroll down the 9 km promenade between Nenokuchi & Ishigedo. It takes about 3 hours or so to complete the trails. There's also buses that ply along this route but they are irregular & very few in a day.

A place not to be described but to be appreciated in person instead.

HAKKODA MOUNTAINS: A really cool place with lots of onsen & ski resorts. Hakkoda was a little foggy on the day I passed through & there's an air of mystique & fantasy which I found very enchanting. I hope I'll have a chance to return for a longer stay & to indulge myself in the relaxing power of the hot springs.