Aomori-ken

Aomori-ken (Aomori Prefecture) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku Region. The capital is the city of Aomori. Aomori Prefecture is the northernmost prefecture on Honshū and faces Hokkaidō across the Tsugaru Strait. It borders Akita and Iwate in the south. Oma, at the northwestern tip of the axe-shaped Shimokita Peninsula, is the northernmost point of Honshū. The Shimokita and Tsugaru Peninsulas enclose Mutsu Bay. Between those peninsulas lies the Natsudomari Peninsula, the northern end of the Ōu Mountains. The three peninsulas are prominently visible in the prefecture's symbol, a stylized map. Lake Towada, a crater lake, straddles Aomori's boundary with Akita.

Aomori is especially famous for its apple orchards. Lake Towada, a beautiful caldera, lies on the boundary between Akita and Aomori Prefectures. The Oirase river drains Lake Towada; in the summer it is refreshing and in the autumn the leaves are breathtaking. Mount Osore, the Mountain of Dread, is near Mutsu on the Shimokita Peninsula. The Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori provide excellent hiking in the warmer seasons. However, the winter proved disastrous to 199 of 210 soldiers who died during a military maneuver in the area in deep snow.

From Tokyo, the fastest method of reaching Aomori is by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayate train to Hachinohe, then transfer to a limited express train for the run to Aomori. Connections in Hachinohe are excellent, but at a price of about ¥17000, it makes sense to purchase a Japan Rail Pass or a JR East Pass beforehand. The one-way ride takes just over 4 hours.