Eat an apple meal, drink cider, and even soak in apple soup！A must-do apple tour in Aomori

▲ Apple trees heavy with fruit in Aomori, Japan.

Reported and photographed by Li Mengxuan / Aomori, Japan

It’s that time of year again when appetites are stirred—the crisp autumn season. This time, we’re heading to Aomori Prefecture, located at the northernmost tip of Japan’s Honshu Island. To the north, Aomori faces Hokkaido across the Tsugaru Strait; it is embraced by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sea of Japan to the west, and neighbors Akita and Iwate prefectures to the south. In addition to producing delicious apples, Aomori’s blessed environment also yields rice, fruits, vegetables, and aquatic products—especially seafood. A visit to the local fish market will surely satisfy all your cravings.

Seafood at Furukawa Market
Aomori, surrounded by sea on three sides, boasts abundant catches. Seafood lovers should head to Furukawa Market, just a five-minute walk from Aomori Station. The best value here is the Nokke donburi (rice bowl), where you can assemble your own seafood feast using vouchers purchased at the counter.<饭，无论是平常没机会吃到或是任何喜欢的食材，都可以尽量装，几乎整个市场都能消费。

Vouchers come in two denominations: 540 yen and 1,080 yen. The former includes five vouchers, the latter ten. You can use one voucher for a bowl of plain rice. Want supersized scallops? Just three vouchers. Sea urchin takes two. Other sashimi options can be had for just one voucher. Create your own unique seafood Nokke donburi.<后，便可在场内休息区开始享用。

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Dormy Landmark – Traditional Japanese Lanterns
After your meal, take a stroll. By Aomori Port stands a striking red building—the famous Dormy Landmark. Every August, the Nebuta Festival is held here, featuring lanterns crafted around themes of kabuki, history, and mythology. The event draws over 3 million domestic and international visitors annually. But even if you miss the festival, you can still visit the three-dimensional Nebuta lantern museum. It displays the large-scale lanterns used during the event and features a workshop where you can try your hand at making lanterns—pasting paper, coloring, and more.

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A-FACTORY Apple Factory
Next door to the Dormy Landmark is A-FACTORY, a new landmark that opened alongside the new Aomori Station. Its architecture and interior design were created by renowned designer Masamichi Katayama. The factory mainly offers apple-based products, including cookies, jams, and beverages—all made with apples. You can sample a wide variety of apple-related goods.

The most special feature is the on-site cider (apple wine) brewing workshop. Cider, a sparkling fruit wine originating in Europe, is the world’s second most produced fruit wine after wine. Made from apples, it has fine bubbles and a refreshing taste. Visitors can watch the brewing process through glass windows, much like visiting a winery. Tastings are also available, with ten kinds of apple drinks to choose from—from non-alcoholic, mellow apple ciders to rich brandy-style options.

Hirosaki City – Apple Park
You can also head to Hirosaki City, Japan’s top apple-producing region. In 2002, Apple Park was established here, spanning 5.2 hectares and home to about 1,300 apple trees of 65 varieties—including the world-famous “Dekopon,” “Tsugaru,” and the “Toki” apple, hailed as Aomori’s rising star. Aside from sightseeing, you can also participate in apple farming activities like thinning excess fruit, bagging, and leaf pruning. You can even pick and eat apples right there.

The park’s “Apple House” sells apple-themed snacks and crafts. The dining area serves a variety of apple-inspired dishes—ramen, curry, pork cutlets, ice cream, and more—showcasing apples in every way imaginable.

Kuroishi City – Nakano Momiji Mountain
But Aomori isn’t just about apple trees. In Kuroishi City, in the northeastern part of the prefecture, don’t miss the stunning autumn foliage at Nakano Momiji Mountain. This is one of Japan’s top 100 scenic spots for fall leaves. Unlike the urban vibes of Tokyo or Osaka, the maple trees here offer a serene beauty. The site was created in 1803 when the lord of the Hirosaki Domain, Tsugaru Nobuhira, collected maple saplings from Kyoto and transplanted them here.

The forest also features “momiji beds” where you can sit and admire the foliage and waterfalls—or lie back on wooden platforms, gaze up at the maple trees and sky, and listen to the soothing sound of flowing water while enjoying a peaceful afternoon.

Hirakawa City – Apple Hot Springs
After a full day of exploring, unwind in a relaxing hot spring. In Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, you’ll find year-round apple hot springs, including an apple foot bath andthe Apple no Yu large bathing area, where bright red apples float in the water. These are said to have skin-beautifying effects, moisturizing your skin and preventing dryness and itching. As you soak, the fragrant aroma of apples fills the air, refreshing both body and mind.