Aomori Prefecture, perched at Honshu’s northern tip across from Hokkaido, boasts dual coastlines along the Pacific and Sea of Japan. Its geography and climate yield stellar produce and seafood, making it a culinary goldmine.

Seafood fans, don’t sleep on Oma tuna or scallop dishes. Locals and visitors alike rave about comforting classics like senbei-jiru (rice cracker soup) and ichigo-ni (sea urchin soup). For something bold, slurp up Miso Curry Milk Ramen—a rich, quirky comfort bomb. And Hirosaki’s apple pies? So good, you’ll eat one and grab more to go.

Ready to dig in? We’ve spotlighted must-try dishes across five foodie hubs: Aomori City, Hirosaki, Hachinohe, Towada, and Oma Town.

Tsugaru Dried Fish Ramen
Hailing from Aomori’s Tsugaru region, this ramen boasts a rich broth crafted from dried fish. Along the northern coast near Mutsu Bay, abundant horse mackerel and sardines inspired locals to perfect dried fish broth for everyday dishes. This homey flavor evolved into Tsugaru ramen, a regional standout. Today, nearly every local shop honors this tradition, with dried fish broth as the soul of the bowl.

Miso Curry Milk Ramen
Aomori City’s quirky specialty, Miso Curry Milk Ramen, blends robust miso broth with curry spices, milk, and butter for a creamy, dreamy kick. Paired with thick noodles, bean sprouts, and seaweed, this odd-yet-addictive dish delivers a flavor harmony that’ll have you hooked.

Hirosaki City, Japan’s apple capital, is obsessed with apple pie. Wander the streets and you’ll spot countless shops and cafés serving their own spin on this treat. The local tourism association even offers an “Apple Pie Map” to guide you to the best bites. Far beyond its Western roots, apple pie’s a Hirosaki specialty, popping up in bakeries, traditional confectioneries, rice cracker shops, and hotel cafés. Seasonal tweaks—think whole, chopped, sliced, or pureed apples—keep things fresh, with each spot nailing its own mix of sweet, tart, and cinnamon. Classic or bold, there’s a pie for you.

Senbei-jiru, a traditional comfort food from southern Aomori Prefecture, is especially loved in Hachinohe City. It features chicken, pork, or fish simmered with fresh local vegetables—carrots, leeks, and mushrooms—in a savory broth. The highlight is Nanbu senbei, a wheat-flour-and-salt rice cracker that softens in the soup without dissolving, turning chewy and delightful. On chilly days, this warm, nourishing bowl is pure satisfaction.

Aomori’s ichigo-ni, or “strawberry soup,” hails from Hachinohe with a rich broth starring sea urchin and abalone. Sitting by the Pacific, Hachinohe thrives on seafood, and these treasures once fueled local fishermen’s livelihoods. They crafted this luxe soup from their haul. Named for sea urchins dotting the milky broth like wild strawberries in mist, it’s a delicate taste of the sea’s bounty.

Towada’s teppan grilled pork belly pairs tender meat and onions with a savory-sweet sauce, sizzling on a hot plate. Its irresistible aroma begs for a side of rice. Born 50 years ago at a street stall near Misawa’s American military base, it took root in Towada City as a local favorite. Now, restaurants across Towada serve this rich, sweet-salty delight—some even let you grill it yourself!

Oma Maguro, a premium bluefin tuna from the seaside town of Oma in Aomori, thrills seafood lovers. These giants, some over 3 meters (10 feet) long, earn the “Oma Black Tuna” label on their gills if they weigh over 30 kilograms (66 pounds). Each tag carries a serial number tracing the catch, boat, and time—proof of top-tier quality. Known for its freshness and rarity, Oma Tuna fetches jaw-dropping prices, like the 300-million-yen record in 2019, earning it the “black diamond” title.

Due to its exceptional freshness and rarity, Oma Tuna is known for commanding sky-high auction prices at fish markets. In 2019, it set a record with a bid over 300 million yen, earning it the nickname 'black diamond.'

Now, let's take a look at some must-visit restaurants where you can enjoy these popular Aomori delicacies!

Just 2 minutes from Aomori Station, Osanai Shokudo is a dining gem. Their standout “Grilled Scallops with Miso” blends rich scallop broth with silky egg and sweet sea urchin for a flavor explosion. Fried scallops and scallop sashimi also draw raves from foodies. It’s a hot spot, so expect a wait—sometimes over 30 minutes. Plan a little extra time for this tasty detour!

Just a 7-minute walk from Aomori Station, Aji no Sapporo Asari is renowned for its “Miso Curry Milk Ramen.” The creamy, light-yellow soup pairs beautifully with chewy noodles and comes topped with seaweed, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and tender chashu pork, finished with a pat of butter. The distinct flavors of miso, curry, and milk strike a harmonious balance, ensuring no single note overpowers the rest. Rich yet not overly salty, the broth delivers a smooth, comforting taste that’s spot-on. If you’re up for something different, this dish is a must!

For a seafood feast in Aomori, hit the Aomori Gyosai Center to craft your own nokkedon—a build-your-own seafood bowl. Start at the service counter: grab a nokkedon ticket for 170 yen each or a 12-ticket set for 2,000 yen to save a bit. Staff will point you to a stall with a red sign, where a bowl of steaming fresh rice awaits. Then, roam the market to pick your toppings—sashimi, grilled meats, and more. Prices vary by quality: lean tuna costs 1 ticket, while fatty tuna belly takes 3. Add-ons like miso soup, pickled veggies, or sides are up for grabs too. Building a tasty, eye-catching bowl takes some flair! When it’s done, pair it with a cold beer for 500 yen—a perfect match for your seafood creation.

A quick 15-minute bus ride and walk from Aomori Station lands you at Aji no Okatei, a grill house serving standout pork belly. Using top-notch, locally sourced Aomori ingredients, they craft seasonal specialties that showcase the region’s flavors. Their grilled pork belly, kissed by special sauces, leaves a lasting mark. The magic lies in three house-made sauces, aged and fermented for depth: “Aomori Garlic Salt Sauce” with local garlic and salt koji; “Aomori Apple Kimchi Sauce,” blending apples, chili, and seafood; and “Miracle Sauce,” a ginger-miso fusion. With these, every bite offers new tastes and textures. Cozy up at the counter or gather with friends at banquet seating—perfect for any vibe.

Yakiniku Bishoku-tei IWAYA, a beloved Aomori yakiniku spot, offers 120 seats in a roomy setup—ideal for big groups or family feasts. The menu spans wagyu, beef, pork, seafood, and offal, with à la carte picks or set meals ranging from 3,000 to over 5,000 yen, keeping it wallet-friendly. Locals flock here, so expect a wait during busy times!

Aomori Shunmi-kan, on Shin-Aomori Station’s first floor, blends dining and shopping with a local twist. Its restaurants highlight Aomori ingredients, while shops like RAGUENEAU (apple desserts) and MACURE HOUSE (fresh apple pies) offer tasty souvenirs. The AZUMASHI Plaza echoes the Tsugaru region’s Komise-dori streetscape, oozing authentic Aomori charm.

A-FACTORY, a 2-minute walk from Aomori Station, shines with its vast souvenir lineup. Perched along the coast, its chic triangular rooftops and airy, high-ceilinged interior catch the eye. The first floor brims with Aomori goodies—sweet jams, juices, cookies, candies, plus seasonings, booze, canned treats, snacks, local ramen, and branded rice. Upstairs, the Apple Cider Brewing Workshop features eight barrels crafting cider and sparkling apple drinks. An exhibit area lets you peek at the process, blending local culture with a tasty sip.

Aomori Prefecture isn’t just a foodie haven—it’s a gem for nature and culture lovers too. Picture the majestic Shirakami Mountains, Hirosaki Park’s seasonal beauty, and the lively Aomori Nebuta Matsuri—charm in every corner. After enjoying local cuisine, immerse yourself in Aomori’s unique atmosphere. For more travel tips and recommended experiences, see below to enrich your journey!