Why Aomori is Japan’s Cutest Prefecture: Yoshitomo Nara, Apples, and More

Most Filipino travellers head to Tokyo, Osaka, or Hokkaido. But just below Hokkaido lies a prefecture that’s often overlooked: Aomori, a quiet corner of northern Japan known for its apples, fresh seafood, and thriving art scene. It’s also home to works by Yoshitomo Nara, the Japanese contemporary artist behind the cute yet slightly rebellious paintings adored by Gen Zs in the Philippines.

Aomori City sits at the very top of Honshu, Japan’s main island. It used to be the main gateway to Hokkaido by ferry, but with faster trains and cheap flights, many travellers just pass it by. That’s a shame, because Aomori has its own charm. The city is best known today for the Nebuta Matsuri, a summer festival where giant lantern floats bring the streets to life. When the festival ends, the city slows down, giving visitors a more local and laid-back experience.

Right beside Aomori Station, this modern marketplace is heaven for apple lovers. Aomori grows most of Japan’s apples, so expect juices, pastries, snacks, and even quirky apple-themed souvenirs to take home. Just outside, a small beach often hosts students playing volleyball, giving the place a chill, local vibe.

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If there’s one stop that Filipino Gen Z travellers can’t miss, it’s the Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art. This is where you’ll come face-to-face with the works of Yoshitomo Nara, the Japanese contemporary artist behind the big-eyed, slightly rebellious characters adored across the world. Seeing his paintings in person feels electric. They’re cute, emotional, and a little cheeky, and the experience hits differently compared to just seeing them online.

The museum itself is a destination worth the trip. Its bright white architecture feels futuristic, and inside you’ll find a mix of Aomori-born talent and global names that make every corner worth exploring. Even the bus ride to the museum feels like an adventure, with rows of small neighbourhood shops tempting you to hop off and wander. If you have more time, add the Towada Art Center to your route where contemporary art meets the calm of nature.

When hunger hits, stop by Oomoriya, a local spot known for hearty seafood rice bowls. The portions are generous, the flavours fresh, and the prices budget-friendly. It’s Japanese comfort food at its best, especially when you’re eating close to the source.

Aomori also knows how to impress coffee lovers. At COFFEEMAN good, you’ll find award-winning brews and their signature apple latte, a fun twist that pays tribute to the prefecture’s top produce. The owners are warm and welcoming, making this the kind of café you’ll want to return to every day.

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If you’re craving seafood, join the locals at Osanai Shokudo. This is one of the restaurants in Aomori that’s always buzzing with energy, thanks to their fresh catches and friendly service. Scoring a table can be tough, but once you do, the food makes it worth the wait.

A trip to Aomori wouldn’t be complete without visiting Hirosaki Apple Park. This open-air park has over 2,000 apple trees with more than 80 different varieties, making it the best place to see why Aomori is called Japan’s “apple kingdom.” Visitors can pick apples in season, join apple-themed activities, or just relax with a view of Mount Iwaki in the background. The park is extra magical in spring when cherry blossoms bloom and give the whole area a dreamy pink backdrop. Autumn is just as exciting as the apple-picking season, when the orchards are heavy with fruit and visitors can taste Aomori’s famous apples at their freshest.

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From apple treats and cosy cafés to Yoshitomo Nara’s world-famous art and authentic Japanese eats, Aomori gives travellers a refreshing change from Japan’s usual big-city routes. Unlike the crowded streets of Tokyo or the tourist-packed corners of Osaka, this northern prefecture is underrated and often overlooked, which is exactly what makes it perfect for Gen Z travellers. It has the peaceful vibe of the Japanese countryside, where you can enjoy wide open spaces, friendly locals, and art-filled spots without the stress of the city.

For Filipino Gen Z and millennial travellers searching for unique things to do in Japan, Aomori is budget-friendly, aesthetic, and packed with unforgettable experiences. It’s not just for foodies and festival-goers but also for art lovers who want to see Yoshitomo Nara’s works in his home town and explore museums surrounded by nature .Aomori lets you see Japan’s culture in a slower, calmer setting, and that’s exactly why it deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!

Featured Image credit: Amazing Aomori Official Website