#Aomori | Must-Visit Photography Spots | Focus #479

Located in the heart of Hirosaki City, Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 by Tsugaru Nobuhira and is one of the 12 remaining original castle keeps in Japan. In addition to the keep, the castle grounds feature surviving turrets and gates, designated as Important Cultural Properties. The expansive castle grounds are now a park, offering picturesque views throughout the year.

In spring, approximately 2,600 cherry trees bloom, with the cherry blossom tunnel along the Nishibori moat being particularly breathtaking. In summer, lotus flowers adorn the moats, while autumn brings vibrant foliage to Momiji Valley. Winter transforms the park into a magical snowy landscape during the Snow Lantern Festival. From the castle keep, visitors can also enjoy views of Mt. Iwaki, known as the Tsugaru Fuji, offering a new perspective with every visit.

Straddling Aomori and Akita Prefectures, Towada Lake is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity approximately 200,000 years ago. Its surface reflects the surrounding mountains and sky like a mirror, enchanting all who visit.

Several observation points offer panoramic views of the lake. From Hakka Pass Observatory and Shimeitei Observatory, visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. From Ohanabe Mountain Observatory, you can see the entire lake along with distant views of Mt. Iwaki and Mt. Iwate.

Flowing from Towada Lake, Oirase Gorge stretches approximately 14 kilometers, offering stunning views of its beautiful valley. Walking trails along the gorge allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty.

In spring, fresh greenery covers the gorge, creating a refreshing landscape. Autumn brings vibrant foliage that contrasts beautifully with the waterfalls and streams, making for stunning photographs. In winter, frozen waterfalls create a magical, otherworldly scene.

Located near the Maizumi Reservoir in Tsuruta Town, Aomori, this cherry blossom avenue features rows of Somei Yoshino cherry trees blooming along a quiet path. In the background, Mt. Iwaki, Aomori’s highest peak at 1,625 meters, towers majestically, creating a stunning archway of blossoms leading to the mountain.

Located in Tsugaru City, Takayama Inari Shrine is a beautiful shrine featuring a thousand red torii gates. The winding path of torii gates creates an atmosphere reminiscent of an entrance to another world.

Known alongside Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha for its thousand torii gates, this shrine captivates visitors throughout the year. The red torii gates against a snowy backdrop in winter are particularly enchanting, making it an ideal spot for capturing magical photographs.

Aomori Prefecture is home to countless other captivating photography spots. Visit and capture the landscapes where nature and history intertwine.