Aomori

Q. I've heard that Aomori has verdant landscapes, festivals and World Heritage sites. Is there a nickname for that? 

A. They are called "hidden gems" 

Q. Is Aomori accessible via train from Tokyo?

A. Yes, it is. It's accessible via JR Tohoku Shinkansen or regular trains from Tokyo.  It's also possible to access by buss and car and even via air. 

Q. If I want to access by Shinkansen, what are the names of Shinkansen stops in Aomori prefecture? 

A. They are Hachinohe, Shichinohe-Towada, and Shin-Aomori.

Q. Any airports?

A. Yes. There are two airports, Misawa and Aomori. 

Q. May I use "Japan Rail Pass" to travel around in Aomori? 

A. Definitely.

Q. While in Aomori, what are the things I shouldn't miss? 

A. Aomori's colorful festivals—Aomori Nebuta, Hirosaki Neputa, and Goshogawara Tachineputa, the Snow Lantern and Cherry Blossom Festival at Hirosaki Castle

The magnificent nature of the Shirakami Sanchi and Sanriku Fukko national parks

Ancient ruins and great temples, shrines, castles, and Aoni Onsen, a remote hot spring resort with a traditional ryokan lit only by gas lantern

Unrivaled seafood from the cold waters of both the Sea of Japan and Pacific Ocean 

Q. Which ocean are their seafood carried from? 

A. They are caught both in Sea of Japan and Pacific Ocean. 

Q. Tell me about the famous festival "Nebuta Matsuri" 

A. The festival runs every year from August 2 to 7. Locals parade through the streets pushing enormous lantern floats made from traditional washi paper while entertaining the crowd with Japanese dances and songs.

Q. Are there any castles?

A.Yes. There is a castle called Hirosaki Castle. Cherry blossom festival around the castle is famous. 

Q. I would like to go hiking. Any recommendation?

A. Shirakami Sanchi area is famous for hiking. You can also see Aoike, a brilliant cobalt blue pond. 

Q. What are the local gourmet in Aomori?

A. Apple/ Aomori black garlic/ Ichigo-ni

Q. I heard Aomori garlic is black. Why is that? 

A. That's because they are pickled in seawater, which darkens it and also gives it a milder flavor. 

Q. Any other famous local craftsmanship?

A. Tsugaru Lacquerware/ Tsugaru Painted Kites

Word Focus:

verdant 緑に覆われた　verdant landscape

gem 宝石　hidden gems

unspoiled  手付かずの、損なわれていない　unspoiled wilderness

accessible 場所が到達できる　

via 〜を経由して、〜を用いて

Unrivaled  無類の、競争者のない　Unrivaled seafood