Aomori Prefecture (あおもりけん) is located in the Tohoku region of Japan, at the northernmost tip of Honshu. Together with Iwate and Akita Prefectures, it forms the northeastern part of the Tohoku region (North Tohoku).
The prefectural capital is Aomori City, and the prefecture has three major urban centers: Aomori City, Hachinohe City, and Hirosaki City. With a population of approximately 1.2 million, it is the most populous prefecture in North Tohoku.
Aomori Prefecture is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Sea of Japan to the west, and the Tsugaru Strait to the north, making it a coastal region with three sides facing the sea. It is connected to Hokkaido via the Seikan Tunnel (used by the Hokkaido Shinkansen) and the Seikan Ferry.
Geography & Regional Divisions
The Ou Mountains run north-south through the center of Aomori Prefecture, dividing it into two main regions:
- Tsugaru Region (Western Aomori): Centered around Aomori City and Hirosaki City, located on the Sea of Japan side, with a relatively mild climate.
- Nanbu Region (Eastern Aomori): Centered around Hachinohe City, located on the Pacific Ocean side, with cold winters.
- Shimokita Region (Northern Aomori): Includes the Shimokita Peninsula, facing the Tsugaru Peninsula across Mutsu Bay.
Major Natural Landscapes
- Mountains: Hakkoda Mountains, Mount Iwaki, Shirakami Sanchi (World Heritage Site)
- Lakes: Lake Towada (Oirase Gorge)
- Peninsulas: Tsugaru Peninsula, Shimokita Peninsula
- Coastlines: Hotokegaura (Shimokita Peninsula), Tanesashi Coast (Hachinohe)
Climate
Aomori Prefecture is a heavy snowfall region, with some areas designated as special heavy snowfall zones. Aomori City is the only prefectural capital in Japan where the entire city is classified as a special heavy snowfall area.
Climate Characteristics by Region:
Sea of Japan Climate (Tsugaru Region, west of the Ou Mountains)
- Heavy snowfall in winter, with limited sunlight
- Hot and humid summers
Pacific Ocean Climate (Nanbu Region, Shimokita Peninsula)
- Less snowfall in winter, but very cold
- Cool and comfortable summers
Subarctic (Cold & Humid) Climate (Mountainous Areas)
- Sukayu Onsen (Elevation: 890m): One of Japan’s snowiest locations, with an average high of only -5.5°C in January
Extreme Weather Events:
- August 10, 2023: Record high temperatures in Hirosaki City (39.3°C) and Goshogawara City (39.0°C)
Economy & Industries
Aomori Prefecture is a key hub for agriculture and fisheries in Japan, with a food self-sufficiency rate of 118% (caloric basis). It also has growing industries in manufacturing and energy production.
Agriculture
- Apples (Japan's No.1 Producer) – Centered in Hirosaki City, with the highest production in Japan
- Nagaimo (Japanese Yam, Japan's No.1 Producer) – Cultivated across the prefecture
- Garlic (Japan's No.1 Producer) – Takko Town is a major production center
Fisheries
- Hachinohe Fishing Port – One of Japan’s top fishing ports
- Mackerel & Squid (Japan's No.1 Producer) – Primarily landed at Hachinohe Port
- Scallops – Farmed in Mutsu Bay, a local specialty
Industry & Energy
Hachinohe Coastal Industrial Zone (Largest in North Tohoku)
- Home to thermal power plants, paper mills, electronics factories, and shipyards
Shimokita Peninsula (Nuclear-Related Facilities)
- Rokkasho Village: Japan’s main nuclear fuel recycling facility
- Mutsu City, Oma Town: Nuclear power plants
- Wind Power Generation: Hosts Japan's largest wind farm
Transportation Infrastructure
Airports
- Aomori Airport (Aomori City)
- Misawa Airport (Misawa City)
Railways
- Tohoku Shinkansen (Shin-Aomori Station – Tokyo Station: Fastest travel time: 2h 59m)
- Hokkaido Shinkansen (Connects to Hokkaido via the Seikan Tunnel)
Conventional Rail Lines
- Aomori Railway Line
- Konan Railway (Konan Line, Owani Line)
- Tsugaru Railway Line
- JR Ou Main Line
Highways
- Expressways: Tohoku Expressway (Hirosaki Line, Hachinohe Line)
- Major National Routes:
- Route 4 (Tokyo – Aomori City)
- Route 7 (Niigata City – Aomori City)
Ports & Ferries
- Aomori Port, Hachinohe Port – Ferry connections to Hokkaido
- Hachinohe Port – International container shipping routes
Culture & Tourism
Festivals & Traditional Events
Aomori Prefecture is famous for the "Nebuta Festival" (ねぶた祭), held in various locations:
- Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aomori City)
- Hirosaki Neputa Festival (Hirosaki City)
- Kuroishi Neputa Festival (Kuroishi City)
- Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival (Goshogawara City)
- Hachinohe Sansha Taisai (Hachinohe City)
World Heritage & Cultural Sites
- Shirakami Sanchi (World Natural Heritage, spanning Aomori and Akita Prefectures)
- Sannai-Maruyama Site (Jomon Period archaeological site in Aomori City)
- Korekawa Site (Jomon Period archaeological site in Hachinohe City)
Major Tourist Attractions
- Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge (Aomori & Akita border)
- Hakkoda Mountains (Aomori City)
- Mount Iwaki (Hirosaki City)
- Hotokegaura Cliffs (Shimokita Peninsula)
- Tanesashi Coast (Hachinohe City)
Conclusion
Aomori Prefecture is rich in natural resources and has a well-balanced economy, with strengths in agriculture, fisheries, and industry. It is home to World Heritage Sites, traditional festivals, and unique cultural heritage. However, challenges such as population decline and youth outmigration persist, prompting the prefecture to actively implement employment support and regional development strategies.
