Photo: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos / Pexels
The festivalThe six nights Aomori builds all year for
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The musicThe three-string instrument that learned to shout
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The deep pastThe town that stood here for 1,700 years, without farming
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The orchardThree saplings, some unemployed samurai, and 60% of Japan's crop
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The craftsA lacquer they call idiotic, embroidery that dodged a law, and glass born from fishing floats
Read the story →Cruise seasons run spring to autumn, but the port changes underneath them.
Hirosaki Castle's moats fill with petals around late April — one of Japan's last and best hanami sites.
The orchards around Mount Iwaki turn white. Hirosaki holds its Apple Blossom Festival.
Cruise season proper begins. Long daylight, comfortable walking, no crowds.
Float sheds open around the city as neighbourhood teams race the deadline.
The reason to plan a year ahead. Ships schedule late stays; the city does not sleep.
The early apple harvest starts; Mutsu Bay scallops are at their best.
The single best month: peak Fuji harvest, Oirase Gorge in colour, comfortable air.
Growers work the cold to build flavour. The mountains whiten behind the city.
Aomori becomes one of the snowiest cities on earth. Beautiful, and not a port season.
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