Fan Notes - Aomori

Aomori Prefecture　青森県「あおもりけん」

Aomori area overview

Aomori Prefecture is a prefecture located at the northern tip of Honshu. It is an attractive area with rich nature, history, and culture.

Aomori Prefecture's characteristics can be broadly divided into the following three.

The first is abundant nature. Aomori Prefecture has a long coastline facing the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, and is blessed with an abundance of seafood. It is also surrounded by mountains such as the Ou Mountains and Mt. Hakkoda, and is rich in mountain vegetables such as wild vegetables and mushrooms.

The second is history and culture. Aomori Prefecture has been a prosperous region since ancient times. Historical buildings such as Hirosaki Castle and the Sannai Maruyama ruins remain. Traditional performing arts such as Nebuta and Tsugaru Shamisen are also popular.

The third is food culture. Aomori Prefecture is characterized by its many dishes that make use of rich ingredients such as seafood and mountain produce. Local dishes such as horse sashimi and salted squid are also popular.

If you are traveling to Aomori Prefecture, be sure to visit the following spots.

- Hirosaki Castle: A castle built by Tsugaru Nobumasa, the lord of the Hirosaki domain.

- Sannai Maruyama Ruins: Site of a village from the Jomon period, one of the largest ruins in Japan.

- Nebuta Festival: A summer festival representing Aomori, held every August.

- Oirase Keiryu: A promenade along a mountain stream that is registered as a World Natural Heritage Site.

Aomori Prefecture is a region full of various attractions, including nature, history, culture, and food. Please come visit Aomori Prefecture and experience its charm.

Nebuta Festival

Charm of Aomori's food culture

The food culture of Aomori Prefecture can be broadly divided into three food culture regions, as the climate and natural features differ depending on the region: the "rice culture" of the Tsugaru region, the "flour culture" of the southern region, and the "potato culture" of the Shimokita region.

Aomori Prefecture also has a thriving dairy industry, and is a treasure trove of branded meats such as Aomori Wagyu Beef, Oirase Garlic Pork, and Aomori Shamolok. Surrounded by the sea, Aomori Prefecture is blessed with a rich array of seafood, with many seafood such as tuna from Oma, squid, and flounder being landed at fishing ports throughout the prefecture.

Aomori miso curry milk ramen

Recommended menu in Aomori

Aomori Prefecture has many delicious local dishes. Here are some examples:

- Hachinohe rice cracker soup: A dish made by adding rice crackers to soup stock made from dried sardines and kelp. The texture of the rice crackers and the flavor of the soup stock are a perfect match.

- Oma tuna: Tuna caught in Oma is famous throughout the country for its high fat content and rich flavor.

- Towada Barayaki: A local gourmet dish from Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. A dish made of beef, pork, vegetables, etc. stewed in a sweet and spicy sauce. When eaten over rice, it is a hearty dish.

- Kuroishi Tsuyu Yakisoba: A local gourmet dish from Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture. It is a dish that is eaten by pouring a sauce made from dried bonito flakes or kelp onto fried noodles. The rich soup goes perfectly with the yakisoba noodles and ingredients.

- Aomori miso curry milk ramen: A dish made by adding curry powder and milk to miso ramen. The rich flavor of miso, the spice of curry, and the mellowness of milk go together perfectly.

Aomori Prefecture is home to many local gourmet dishes that are loved by locals, such as Towada Barayaki, which won the gold medal at the B-1 Grand Prix, and Kuroishi Tsuyuyakisoba, which is known for its chewy texture.