Aomori

Aomori exists at Japan's edge, where Honshu finally ends. The Tsugaru Strait separates this prefecture from Hokkaido; the Pacific and Sea of Japan define its other borders. For 5,900 years, the Sannai-Maruyama settlement flourished here during the Jomon period. Today, Aomori is synonymous with two things: apples and fire.

The apples came from American horticulturalists in the 1870s. Now Aomori produces 60% of Japan's apples—the cool climate and long summer days creating ideal conditions. The orchards sprawl across landscapes that freeze five months yearly, requiring techniques perfected over generations. Apple pies, apple cider, apple everything: the crop defines regional identity.

The fire comes in August. The Nebuta Festival (August 2-7) draws over 2 million spectators and 20,000 participants to watch towering illuminated floats—up to 9 meters wide, depicting gods and kabuki actors—parade through streets. The tradition traces to the Nara period, evolving from rituals where lanterns floated downriver to dispel evil spirits. Each float takes a year to construct; the festival was designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1980. By 2026, Aomori's challenge is familiar to peripheral Japan: converting festival spectacle and apple heritage into year-round economy while young people flow south to Tokyo. The edge of Honshu offers the oldest settlements and the newest demographic pressures.