sand dune

The Sarugamori Sand Dunes in Aomori Prefecture stretch approximately 17 kilometers north to south and about 2 kilometers east to west, and are known as the largest sand dunes in Japan. The entire area of the Sarugamori Sand Dunes is designated as the Shimokita Test Range of the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency, and public access is restricted.

Senbei-jiru (rice cracker soup)

Senbei-jiru is a famous local dish from Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture. It features a warm, comforting flavor, made by simmering special senbei crackers together with fish and vegetables. It’s a familiar dish for many older people as well. The senbei used in senbei-jiru are specially made hard crackers so they don’t fall apart when added to the pot.

Nebuta Festival

The Nebuta Festival is a representative summer event held every August in Aomori City. Accompanied by the lively chant “Rassera!,” enormous Nebuta floats parade through the streets. It’s said that anyone can join as long as they follow the rule of wearing the costume called haneto.

It’s sweet and can be eaten raw.

Black garlic is a specialty of Aomori Prefecture. Because it’s made through an aging and fermentation process, it becomes sweeter with a fruity flavor. Its odor is also mild, so you can eat it as is. Black garlic is expected to boost immunity and help with fatigue recovery, making it popular as a health food.

tuna

Ōma Town in Aomori Prefecture is famous nationwide for its “Ōma tuna.” In particular, the Pacific bluefin tuna caught there are prized by high-end sushi restaurants and are even called the “black diamond.” Battered by the rough waves of the Tsugaru Strait before arriving off the coast of Ōma, these tuna are renowned for their firm flesh and premium, well-marbled fat.

three types

When it comes to Aomori Prefecture dialects, many people might picture “Tsugaru-ben,” which you often hear on TV. Broadly speaking, Aomori has three dialects: Tsugaru-ben, Shimokita-ben, and Nanbu-ben, each with markedly different pronunciation and vocabulary.

Apple

Aomori Prefecture has the highest apple production in Japan. Its climate and soil are well suited to apple cultivation, and more than half of the nation’s apples are produced in Aomori. According to the 2024 production statistics, following Aomori in first place, Nagano and Iwate ranked second and third, respectively.