Winter Tourism : Aomori Prefecture




Winter in
Northern
Tohoku

Aomori Prefecture
Winter Tourism
Skiing
Culture and History
Hot Springs

Iwate Prefecture
Winter Tourism
Skiing
Culture and History
Hot Springs

Akita Prefecture
Winter Tourism
Skiing
Culture and History
Hot Springs

Hirosaki City - Help Out and Stay Free at Jomonjin no Yado

Jomonjin no Yado is offering one night of free lodging, complete with three meals, for groups of 5 who will help with snow removal for 6 hours.
Dates: Late Jan - Mid March
Location: Jomonjin no Yado
Information: 0172-83-2123

Hirosaki City - Tsugaru Hirosaki Winter Journey (Electrical Fantasy)

In addition to the illumination of Hirosaki’s Otemon castle gate and other architectural treasures, gospel concerts are held with some of the city’s great examples of Western architecture lit up in the background. During the Fantasy, special offers and discounts are available at restaurants and bars around Hirosaki - try the famous local kenoshiru stew or sample Hirosaki’s much talked about French cuisine.
Dates: Early Dec - Late Feb
Locations: All around Hirosaki
Access: 100-yen city buses available from Hirosaki Sta to different locations
Information: Hirosaki City Sightseeing Information Center 0172-37-5501

Aomori City - Hakkoda Walk

The Gold Line connecting Mt. Hakkoda and the Lake Towada area is closed for winter until April 1. The Hakkoda Walk takes place at the end of March, before this spring opening. Experience mountain beauty you cannot find in the spring green or fall foliage. Marvel at the frozen forests and snow corridors of over 9 meters, and sample more of this season's special attractions.
Dates: Late Mar
Fee:5,000yen
Information: Aomori Tourism and Convention Assoc. 017-723-7211

Goshogawara City to Nakasato Town - Tsugaru Tetsudo Stove Train

The nostalgic wooden interior of this train matches its potbelly coal stove perfectly, and provides a fantastic yet casual opportunity to see the Tsugaru area at its best. Do not miss the incredible sunset!
Dates: Early Dec - Late Mar twice daily
Access: Transfer from JR Goshogawara Sta.
Information: Tsugaru Tetsudo, Inc. 0173-34-2149

Misawa City - Smelt Ice Fishing at Lake Ogawarako

If you have ever wanted to battle the elements and the smelt, this is your chance. You can rent everything you need, and take home everything you catch.
Dates: Early Feb - Late Feb (dependent on ice conditions)
Access: 20 mins by car from Misawa Sta.
Information (including ice conditions): Misawa Tourism Assoc. 0176-59-2311

Towada City - Towadako Fuyu Monogatari Winter Story Festival

The white snows on the surrounding mountains reflected on the indigo lake surface - this is winter at Lake Towadako. Thrill to this exquisite season of beauty.
Daily Event Schedule:
  Winter Fireworks (20:00)
Tsugaru-Jamisen Shamisen Concert(19:05),
Nebuta Dancing Experience (19:15 )
Cruise Boat (8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00)
Illumination of the Statue of the Maidens (17:00 - 21:00)
And more...
Dates: Late Jan - Late Feb
Location: Lake Towadako's Yasumiya Event Area
Access: 2 hr 15 mins by Towadako route bus from Hachinohe Sta.
Information: Towadako National Park Assoc. 0176-75-2425

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (Hirosaki City)

Midwinter nights sing with poetic nostalgia as the illuminated ancient pines and snow-covered donjon of Hirosaki Castle glisten. The lotus pond area around the keep looking out across the plains toward Mt. Iwaki is transformed into a winter fantasia of snow and light as candles glimmer from within 300 mini-snow huts.
Dates: Early Feb
Location: Hirosaki Park (Nationally Designated Historical Site “Hirosaki Castle Site”)
Access: 5 mins on foot from Hirosaki Sta.
Information: Hirosaki Tourism Assoc. 0172-35-3131

Emburi Fire Dance (Hachinohe City)

This ancient ritual handed down in the Sannohe-Hachinohe area of eastern Aomori prays for a bountiful harvest in the coming year and heralds the approach of spring. The colorful costumes and powerful dance are definitely worth your time.
Dates: Mid Feb
Location: Hachinohe City (locations including plaza in front of Hachinohe City Hall)
Access: 5 mins on foot from Hon-Hachinohe Sta. to City Hall
Information: Hachinohe Tourism Division 0178-43-2111

Goshogawara City - Jifubuki Experiential Tour

Jifubuki refers to a phenomenon that might be likened to a snowbound version of a sandstorm; high winds blow the piled up snow around in great drifts. Bundled up in traditional Japanese snow gear, enjoy snowshoeing, a horse-driven sleigh ride, and great local food that will warm you to the core.
Dates: Mid Jan - Mid Feb
Location: Fujieda, Kanagi Town
Access: By charter bus from Goshogawara Sta. Konan Bus Terminal
Information: Tsugaru Jifubuki Assoc. 0173-52-2012

Fukaura Town - Gourmet in Fukaura

With famous local salmon cuisine as its centerpiece, this event is a chance to enjoy the bounty of both Fukaura's land and sea at their best. This gourmet feast is accompanied by local performing arts, prize drawings, and more.
Dates:Feb ; (reservations required)
Locations: Fukaura Kanko Hotel, Furo Fushi Hot Spring,Wespa Tsubakiyama
Access: 5 - 20 mins by car from Fukaura Sta., or free shuttle bus from ASPAM (Aomori City)

Aomori City - Ice Hut Village

Enjoy local cuisine in one of 20 ice huts for a real taste of Aomori winter fun. Borrow traditional warm clothing items like heavily quilted vests, shawls, and straw boots (free!) and enjoy the 20-meter ice slide.
Dates: Mid Jan - Late Feb
Location: Nebuta no Sato
Access: City bus (Aomori Public College - Moya Hills route) to Nebuta no Sato bus stop, 10 mins on foot
Information: Nebuta no Sato 017-738-1230