This article takes the theme of Japan's post-feudal modernization and goes in search of extant buildings across the Tohoku region that represent that modernization. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Category: Aomori
Neputa vs. Nebuta: Aomori’s illuminated festival floats
During these dog days of summer the stifling heat and heavy air makes most of us feel listless and even sleepy. Even farmers in the field feel it. In the area around Hirosaki, once the center of feudal government for the top end of Honshu island, common folk have, for centuries, had a late summer … Continue reading Neputa vs. Nebuta: Aomori’s illuminated festival floats
Staying Afloat in Tohoku: 5 Fun Boat Rides
This article describes five boat rides in the Tohoku region of Japan. Fun ways to see rivers, lakes and coastal formations--a different side of the area. (Archived article – Originally published by Gaijinpot.)
5 Days Exploring Akita, Aomori and Iwate Prefectures with the JR East Pass
This article provides a fun and interesting five day itinerary for taking advantage of the incredible bargain of the JR East Pass while getting acquainted with the amazing diversity of the Tohoku region. (Archived article; originally published in Gaijinpot)
Seeking Sakura and Samurai in Tohoku: Past and Present Glories of Kakunodate and Hirosaki
This article introduces two Tohoku destinations with fascinating samurai history and beautiful cherry blossoms. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Towada-ko: Exploring a northern crater lake
A water-filled volcanic crater is a thing to behold. One spectacular example in Japan is Lake Towada which sits on the border between Aomori and Akita Prefectures. Here one finds a crater within a crater and a volcano that vulcanologists regard as still active even though it hasn't erupted in a millenium. Sitting 690 meters … Continue reading Towada-ko: Exploring a northern crater lake
Hachinohe Bouillabaisse Festa – absolutely a reason to go north in winter
I'm not very fond of cold weather, which is perhaps one reason I particularly love the soothing steam of a good hot bowl of soup when I come in from the cold. I daresay I'm not alone in these sentiments. The Tohoku region of Japan, famously cold and snowy in winter, has many hearty winter … Continue reading Hachinohe Bouillabaisse Festa – absolutely a reason to go north in winter
All things apple are in Aomori
More than half of the apples produced in Japan are grown in Aomori Prefecture at the top of Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago. That's nearly 450,000 tons of fruit coming from Aomori alone. Aomori's northern climate is particularly conducive to apple production, a fact recognized by the American missionaries who first introduced … Continue reading All things apple are in Aomori
Jigsaw Japan 