Sandra Kreuß from Düsseldorf, Germany, moved to Hirosaki in 2016 as a university student.

“I happened to live in Hirosaki, where I was studying abroad, and I was surprised by how kind all the locals were. The Tsugaru dialect was cute (laughs). I like nature, and there are many places with beautiful scenery. This is the charm of Aomori Prefecture. There are many spots I would like to recommend to others from abroad.”

Sandra is fluent in Japanese and can speak the Tsugaru dialect. She attended a Japanese language school throughout her childhood in Germany, so she could speak even before studying abroad.

We’ve asked Sandra, who loves Japan and has served as a guide to her friends and family, to rank her 10 most recommended Aomori sightseeing destinations.

Sandra ranks Oirase Keiryu in Towada, surrounded by a deep natural forest, at 10th. The walking path along the mountain stream looks different with each season, and Sandra has visited in summer and winter.

“I remember sitting near a fallen tree and eating a lunch box near a waterfall I found while walking with a friend. It’s a place with a wonderful view, and I’d like to go next autumn.”

Oirase Gorge is a wonderful place to take a walk and enjoy nature and an outdoor lunch.

In 9th place is Tsuru no Maihashi in Tsuruta. Japan’s longest wooden three-arched bridge with a total length of 300 meters, spans Lake Tsugaru Fujimi, and the sight of the gentle arches floating above the surface of the lake is fantastic.

“Not only is the bridge beautiful, but so is the nearby park (Fujimiko Park), where you can relax. I especially like the cherry blossom season,” Sandra says.

The sunsets are particularly beautiful, so be sure to visit on a sunny day.

“They’re fun just to look at it,” says Sandra in reference to “Roadside Stations,” which sell agricultural products. There are various roadside stations throughout Aomori Prefecture, selling not only agricultural goods but also popular local foods like bread and rice cakes as well as handicrafts and feature restaurants that make use of local ingredients.

Some even have hot springs inside, and when you stop by, you’ll make all kinds of interesting discoveries.

“You can’t buy these foods at ordinary supermarkets, and it’s also attractive that they are fresh and cheap. I’m happy to be able to buy foods made by people in the area,” says Sandra. Fresh produce sells out quickly, so it’s best to visit during the morning hours.

The Shirakami Mountains straddle Aomori and Akita prefectures and are covered with virgin beech forests. The area is Sandra’s 7th-ranked destination. It is a famous Natural World Heritage Site, and she likes trekking to Anmon Falls in Nishimeya Village.

“It takes a while to get to the waterfall, but I enjoy walking and looking at nature, so it doesn’t bother me. Beautiful clear streams, waterfalls, and rich beech forests are such wonderful spots,” Sandra says.

When trekking, be sure to submit a “passage notice” at the reception desk at the entrance of the Anmon Valley route and wear a helmet (100 yen rental, tax included).

When speaking of cherry blossom spots in Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki Park is always mentioned, but Sandra says, “Sakura should be appreciated slowly in places where there are few people.”

She recommends Johoku Sakura Zutsumi Park in Hirosaki City, which is a “hidden” spot where 226 cherry trees from 34 varieties grow.

Sandra knows how to enjoy the blossoms and says, “There are late bloomers, and you can enjoy various kinds of cherry blossoms. I like to take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and enjoy the cherry blossoms.”

It’s the perfect blossom-viewing location for people who don’t like crowds.

Cape Tappizaki (Tappimisaki) in Sotogahama is located on the Tsugaru Peninsula, the northernmost tip of Honshu. “I like the blue color of the sea, which is unique to the Tsugaru Straits,” says Sandra, in reference to a very distinct point of attraction.

When the weather is nice, you can see Hokkaido on the other side and marvel at the magnificent beauty of the sea. “When I went to Hakodate, I also went to see the Tsugaru Peninsula from the other side,” said Sandra.

In 4th place is Towada City’s caldera lake -- Lake Towada. Tour boats offering a close-up view of the lake are popular, but Sandra recommends taking in the expanse of the lake from the road that goes around it.

She says, “I like to enjoy the scenery of Lake Towada while driving and spend time relaxing at the observatories scattered around,” in appreciation of the bird’s-eye view of the magnificent scenery on sunny days.

Takayama Inari Shrine in Tsugaru City begins Sandra’s top three. The shrine is dedicated to gods of fertility, maritime safety, and business prosperity, but it’s also known for its beautiful scenery. The collaboration between the vermilion torii gates and the Japanese garden creates a spectacular scene.

Sandra says, “It has a Japanese feel like Kyoto, and the calm atmosphere is wonderful. You can fully enjoy nature because the sea is nearby.”

It’s a moving site where you can enjoy the beautiful torii and gardens unique to Japan and lush nature all at once.

Mt. Iwaki in Hirosaki City, also known as Tsugaru Fuji, is a “can't miss” landscape in Aomori. An iconic sight for locals, it is the highest peak in the prefecture and a symbol of the Tsugaru area.

Simply gazing upon its magnificent appearance that changes from season to season is impressive, but we also recommend climbing, suitable for beginners, from the 9th station to the summit.

“I climbed with a friend in early summer and was surprised that there was still snow on the mountaintop. The view from the top is wonderful, and it’s fun to climb,” says Sandra.

First place goes to a hot spring about which Sandra says, “I’ve already visited more than 50 times.”

When she first came to Aomori, she was reluctant to visit hot springs and wouldn’t even think about going. Still, after following the recommendation of a friend she met while studying abroad, Sandra says she became addicted to them.

“I especially like places with a rotenburo open-air bath, and I love the hot springs throughout the prefecture. There is a great selection of hot springs around Hirosaki City, where I live, so it’s nice to drop in when you’re tired.” Sandra seems captivated by Aomori Prefecture, a hot spring paradise in Tohoku.

Sandra’s top ten list covers everything from popular sightseeing spots to more obscure locations known only to locals. They’re all great choices, so try to visit at least a few when you come to Aomori!

Text by: Tsubasa Shimoda
* The information in this article is accurate as of June 2021. Please check official websites for the latest information.

English translation by Gabriel Wilkinson