All About Japan

AOMORI

Japan's Most Beautiful Armor Rests in Aomori

Kushihiki Hachiman-gu is a historical shrine in Hachinohe, Aomori, dating back to 1166. It's considered the most prestigious shrine built by the Nambu Clan, a samurai clan originating in northern Japan.

Tohoku in Summer

When the snow melts and the summer sun rises in Tohoku, you have to travel north!

Gorgeous Sakura-Carpeted Landscapes

A little off the beaten track, these pictures of pink petals scattered over rivers and pathways rival even the fully blossomed cherry trees.

9 Best Backcountry Ski Spots in Japan

When you get tired of the pistes, there's always plenty of powder off the back—or further up! From Nagano to Hokkaido, here are the nine best backcountry ski spots in the country.

These Sakura Petals Float on a Moat

Missed out on the blooming sakura in Tokyo? Why not head north to view the cherry blossom flower rafts in Aomori Prefecture?

7 Exquisite Bowls from Different Materials

From wood and lacquerware to porcelain and glass, Japanese artisans have used a number of innovative materials to produce some of the most wonderful creations.

List: Japan's 12 Original-Construction Castles

While Japan is home to over 300 castles, there are only 12 that still retain their original castle keep. These 12 so-called 'original construction' castles are the cream of the crop.

3 Top-of-the-Line Kokeshi Dolls

Kokeshi are traditional Japanese dolls expertly carved from wood. You’ve probably seen them around Japan, and after reading this article, you may want to start your own collection!

Capturing Snow Monsters in Aomori

Imagine fir trees disguised as snowmen—a forest covered with powdery snow that envelops everything in sight.

A National Who’s Whooo of Owl Cafés

Who wouldn’t want to snuggle up and nestle down in an owl café? We’ve lined up eight adorable and outstanding branches where you can unruffle in peace.

This No-Face will Pluck at Your Heart Strings

Famed Ghibli character apparently couldn’t cut it making movies, seems to have resorted to busking to get by.

47 Souvenirs from All 47 Prefectures!

Traveling around Japan but don't know what souvenir to buy from each region? We've got you covered with this crazy list of our Top 47 'omiyage' from each of the nation's 47 prefectures!

Japan's 8 Prefectures with the Most Snow

Find the top eight places to visit for snow!

4 Incredible Kettles

Whether you're brewing up some powdered matcha green tea or a cup of Earl Grey, boiling water in these kettles will give your tea an extra kick!

5 Expert-Level Chopstick Sets

Chopsticks, or 'ohashi' as they are locally known, are synonymous with Japanese cuisine, and the nation has long loved crafting its own smooth, attractive sets. Here are five of the best!

10 Top Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots

Between March and April, people flock outdoors to enjoy the brief life of Japan's blooming cherry blossoms. But just because the day ends doesn't mean the 'hanami' (flower viewing) has to as well. Take a look at our 10 recommended night viewing spots!

Top 9 Sakura Spots in Tohoku & Hokkaido

Since northern Japan gets its cherry blossoms later than the rest of the country, even if you've missed the first round of 'sakura' to the south, you can often catch late blooms in Tohoku and Hokkaido as late as the end of April or even early May.

The Shinkansen Network in Japan

A visit to Japan is incomplete without some travel on the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train network. With a new line connecting Hokkaido, there isn’t a better time to see all of Japan in the blink of an eye!

Aomori's Stunning 'Tsugaru-nuri' Lacquerware

Looking for a unique souvenir from Japan that isn’t food? Tsugaru-nuri, a type of lacquerware local to Aomori Prefecture, may be the elegant souvenir you’ve been waiting for.

Sakura in Hirosaki City

Hirosaki is a city in western Aomori Prefecture known for its beautiful castle and cherry blossoms. The city holds a Cherry Blossom Festival every year from April 23 to May 5.

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