2025 Minamitsugaru District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

#EnjoyJapanAomori Prefecture is located in the northernmost part of the Tohoku region of Japan, and is known for its rich nature and deep cultural traditions. Below, we will introduce the charms of Aomori Prefecture and the particularly mysterious sacred place "Osorezan". ### **Overview of Aomori Prefecture** Aomori Prefecture is surrounded by the sea on three sides and has beautiful natural scenery such as the Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Site, Lake Towada, and Oirase Gorge. Traditional festivals such as the Aomori Nebuta Festival and Hirosaki Sakura Festival are also famous and attract tourists. #### **Major Tourist Spots** 1. **Shirakami-Sanchi** The world's largest virgin beech forest spreads and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1993. In particular, "Aoike" is known for its mysterious blue lake water. 2. **Hirosaki Castle (Hirosaki Park)** One of Japan's leading cherry blossom viewing spots, with about 2,600 cherry trees blooming in spring. In addition, the Snow Lantern Festival is held in winter. 3. **Oirase Stream** This mountain stream flows out of Lake Towada, and the scenery is especially beautiful in the seasons of new greenery and autumn leaves. 4. **Aomori Nebuta Festival** This is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, held every August, and giant lanterns (nebuta) are paraded through the town. --- ### **Osorezan: One of Japan's Three Great Sacred Sites** Osorezan is one of the "Three Great Sacred Sites of Japan," along with Mount Hiei in Kyoto and Mount Koya in Wakayama, and is a sacred place where the souls of the dead are said to gather. #### **Characteristics of Osorezan** - **Scenery of Hell and Paradise** The sulfurous fumaroles and rough rocks represent "hell," while the white sand of "Gokurakuhama Beach" on the shore of Lake Usoriyama creates a beautiful contrast. - **Osorezan Bodaiji Temple** Founded by Jikaku Daishi in 862, this temple enshrines Enmei Jizo Bodhisattva. The temple grounds contain places symbolizing the afterlife, such as the "Sai no Kawara" and the "Sanzu River." - **Itako Shrine Maiden** During the Osorezan Festival and autumn worship, shrine maidens perform a ceremony to communicate with the spirits of the dead. - **Hot Springs** Sulfur springs out from Mount Osore, and there is a hot spring facility where worshippers can bathe for free. #### **Visiting Information** - **Opening Period**: May 1st to October 31st (closed in winter). - **Admission Fee**: 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students. - **Access**: About 45 minutes by bus from JR Shimokita Station. Aomori Prefecture is a fascinating region where nature and culture blend together, and Mount Osore in particular is a mysterious place that is said to be the "border between this world and the other world." It is recommended not only for those who are interested in history and religion, but also for those who want to enjoy unique scenery.

A world of art in a snowy landscape Inakadate Village in the southern part of Aomori Prefecture is famous for its rice field art in the summer, but in fact, an event not to be missed is also held in the winter. The snow-covered rice fields are lit up, creating a fantastical landscape like a picture scroll, known as "Winter Rice Field Art". The highlight is the night illumination The illumination begins as the sun sets, creating a fantastic space woven with snow and light. The patterns painted on the rice fields stand out clearly, impressing visitors. Looking down from the observation deck, you can see the huge art painted on the snow canvas in one view, and you can enjoy it from a perspective that makes you feel as if you are looking from the sky. Recommended for families and couples The light art, which you can quietly look at while holding hands in the cold air, is perfect for a romantic winter outing. Children can also get fascinated by playing in the snow and the light effects, so it is recommended for family visits. Access and Event Information It is located about 30 minutes by car from JR Hirosaki Station, and shuttle buses are sometimes operated in winter. The event period and lighting times vary every year, so it is recommended to check the official information before visiting. A memorable winter art experience Inakadate Village is a place where you can experience the excitement of winter, where snow and art come together. It is a special spot that you should definitely include in your Aomori trip. #Aomori #InakadateVillage #WinterRiceFieldArt #SnowScenery #LightingUp #ArtTrip #WinterInJapan #BeautifulSights #Spring0YenTrip

Do you know this place? ? I'm r e i n a, and I search for photogenic places while traveling 📷 This time, I discovered a hidden spot in Aomori Prefecture, so I'd like to introduce it to you! This is Inakadate Station in Aomori Prefecture 🚃 This is not just an unmanned station, but the interior of the station is vividly decorated with contemporary art by artist GOMA. 🌾🎨 When you step inside the station building, your eye will be caught by the illustrations of giant eyes, cute animals, and beautiful art depicting the local nature. It's like you've wandered into another dimension, and you're greeted by a mysterious and warm world🎨👀 GOMA's art is said to be imbued with the wish to watch over and protect the local children and elderly😌 It's amazing that a quiet rural station has been transformed into such a wonderful art space🎈 Please come and visit🛩️ #DomesticTravelRecords #Aomori #InakadateStation #AomoriTourism #AomoriTrip

Rice Paddy Art uses rice paddies as canvases, with different colored rice plants as paint to create gigantic artworks! Inakadate Village started with three colors of rice in 1993, and over the years, their techniques have improved. Now, they use seven colors of rice to create intricate and detailed art. Each year, the art is themed around popular trends. You will be amazed by the high-quality art that you wouldn't believe is made from rice plants! If you visit Aomori, be sure to check it out! The official website also streams live camera footage. Check it out before you go to catch the art at its peak. ◆ Access About 40 minutes by car from Aomori City About 5 minutes by car from Konan Railway's Inakadate Station About 10 minutes by car from JR Kawabe Station

#summerdream See the art on the rice fields in Aomori Prefecture, Inakadate Village Rice Field Art First Venue Each year, there will be different pictures. They will be recorded in the museum. The entrance fee at the observation deck is about 300 yen. To get here, you have to get off at Jr Kawabe Station and take a taxi for about 10 minutes.

In the cool virgin forest, a few glimpses of the candlelight, a secluded light, quietly admire the handsome bartender magically transformed into a high-profile Aomori cocktail. Such a scene, it is really not drunk, everyone is drunk. Hotel Name]: Hoshino Group / Tsugaru [Hotel Address]: Japan's Aomori Prefecture, Nanjin-gun, Ogami-machi, the crocodile word on the peony forest 36-1 [Address]: 36 -1 Aza-Kamibotanmori