Aomori, the blue forest, is located on the very top of Honshu. It’s famous for apples and of all things, miso curry milk ramen with butter.
I crossed the Tsugaru Strait from Hakodate by ferry and arrived in Aomori City late in the afternoon. Before heading to Hirosaki for the night, I went for a quick post-journey ramen. I had received a recommendation for a miso curry milk ramen with butter from someone who had lived here. I had to search out and try something this whacky and weird combination for myself. It was definitely full-flavored and definitely as heavy as it sounds. But for a weary traveler it certainly hit the spot.
Moving a little slower to Aomori Station, I missed my train to Hirosaki and had to wait about an hour for the next one. I arrived after dark and checked into my hotel. I was staying near Hirosaki Park, famous for a castle which I intended to see in the morning, but when I woke it was a little rainy. It seemed it would clear up so I killed some time by checking out the Neputa float museum.
Hirosaki (and Aomori in general) is known for a summer festival called the Neputa Matsuri. This festival happens in early August where giant lantern floats are paraded down the street. The tradition started as a way to ward off drowsiness of tired farmers working long summer days. Aomori City has its own version called Nebuta, so both spellings are correct depending on which city it is taking place in. I will definitely have to go back during the festival and is something I would like to cover on this blog (eventually).
Across the street from this museum is the famous Hirosaki Park with Hirosaki Castle at its center. The park is famous for sakura, which I had just missed in full bloom. They have another festival here during this season lighting up the cherry blossoms. Another place I would have to come back to and see another time. If only there was another flower in bloom while I was there.. Something I wouldn’t have to plan to come back for..
And, oh wait, there was! Not cherry, but apple blossoms.
I had seen on the news the night before that the apple blossoms were in full bloom at Hirosaki’s own Ringo Park. I was unaware of apple blossoms until I went and saw them for myself. All the various types of apple trees had flowers of different sizes and colors. Aomori produces half of all the apples grown in Japan, so I got lucky seeing this very Aomori activity.
In the Ringo Park is a visitor center selling many apple related souvenirs and specifically for this apple blossom festival they had a stage set up and many food trucks. It was a wonderful thing to see families out enjoying the weather and apple trees in bloom. For me, I was happy to take pictures of these blossoms and try the local food as always.
Naturally, this place was famous for apple pie, but not just any pie. This place made Kyodai Apple Pie and their motto was “Challenge the World”. Apparently, they compete in world competitions for the largest apple pie. They may not make record-setting caliber pies everyday, but I had to try a piece or two of the rather large pies that they bake daily.
I got my piece of apple pie and found a spot looking out at the orchards towards Mt. Iwaki. This volcano overlooks the city of Hirosaki, and was hiding behind clouds when I arrived at the Ringo Park. Just before I got up to leave the clouds broke so the mountain could reveal its shape.
Aomori while quiet and certainly off the beaten path is a beautiful prefecture. Mountains, forest, apples and miso curry milk ramen make it quaint and worth a visit. Its festivals alone made me want to return and spend more time there. So, it is a place that will, I’m sure, be covered again.
One thought on “Aomori”
Beautiful photos of the Apple blossoms!
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