content: Looking to experience the local Japanese lifestyle? Aomori in the far north off Japan offers you the opportunity to try unique regional cuisine and live like a local.
Summary
Looking to experience the local Japanese lifestyle? Aomori in the far north off Japan offers you the opportunity to try unique regional cuisine and live like a local. This article features a list of Aomori’s local specialties and various accommodation options, from authentic ryokan-style inns to quirky Airbnb’s, that allow you to experience real Japanese lifestyle.
Aomori: Japan’s Far North
Aomori Prefecture in Japan’s Tohoku region is the northernmost prefecture of the main Honshu island. Located at almost same latitude as New York and Beijing, it has a cooler climate all year round compared to most other areas of the country.
Aomori is also known as “snow country” with some of the largest snowfall in Japan during winter. The heavy snow on the mountains attracts many skiers and snowboarders, making Aomori an appealing destination even in the harshest of winters!
Experience The Local Specialties Of Aomori
via www.photo-ac.comAomori offers a variety of local specialties which you can rarely find outside the prefecture. “Senbei Jiru”, soup with rice crackers is a representative Aomori dish with a long history.
What Is “Senbei Jiru”?
“Senbei Jiru” or soup with crackers is a local dish from the Hachinohe region, the eastern part of Aomori. It is a soup with various ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables and mushrooms. The most distinctive feature of the senbei jiru is that it is enjoyed with crackers called “Nanbu Senbei” which you break and put in the soup. These nanbu senbei is specially made to maintain a pleasant chewy texture while absorbing the flavors of the soup.
History Of The Beloved Crackers
via www.photo-ac.comNanbu senbei are a type of crackers which have been produced in the Hachinohe region since the early 1800s. People ate these senbei as a topping in soup dishes, not just as staple food or snack. This is believed to be the origin of the senbei jiru.
The nanbu senbei is made of flour, salt and water. In the past, they were made in the home over the “irori” the fire pit in the center of the living room. However, as consumption increased, people started using iron-made molds and production of the nanbu senbei spread widely even outside the Hachinohe region. It is said the way it is eaten today as senbei jiru already existed around 1900. So this hearty soup has been warming people’s bodies and souls over a century!
Various Flavors
These are the most common flavors of senbei jiru. Which flavor would you like to try most?● Chicken x Soy Sauce Soup
The most popular combination is with vegetables, mushrooms and “konnyaku” (devil’s tongue). The chicken can be replaced with pork or duck meat.
● Fish x Salt Soup
A great way to enjoy Hachinohe’s fresh seafood. Common fish that are used are mackerel and cod. The rich flavor of the fish is enhanced by the simple, smooth soup.
● Horse Meat x Miso Soup
The Hachinohe region is also famous for the quality of its horse meat and Japanese “nabe” or hot pot, is often served using horse meat. After eating the ingredients, the nanbu senbei is added to the pot to absorb all the delicious flavors and finish the meal.
Stay Like A Local - Various Accommodation Options
● Hotel
Lake Towada
via www.photo-ac.comHotel Towadaso
Hotel Towadaso is located on the shore of the Lake Towada. It offers an outdoor hot spring bath and Japanese-style rooms with stunning lake views. You can also enjoy an amazing dining experience of the local delicacies including senbei jiru.
*The menu is subject to change. It is recommended to contact the hotel prior to your stay to ensure they serve what you are looking for.
Hotel Towadaso
Address: 340 Towadakohan Yasumiya, Okuse, Towada, Aomori 018-5501
Tel: +81 176-75-2221
Booking: http://www.towadaso.co.jp/#
● Ryokan
via www.photo-ac.comWhat is A Ryokan?
“Ryokan” is a type of traditional Japanese inn. It often has hot spring where guests can relax and recover from the long journey. One of the characteristics of a ryokan is that the fee usually includes dinner and breakfast. The majority of rooms in a ryokan are Japanese style with tatami floors and guests sleep in a futon. Staying in a ryokan is a ultimate way to experience the authentic Japanese style!
Gonohe Makiba Onsen
Gonohe Makiba Onsen is located about a 20-minute drive away from JR Hachinohe Station. They have special rooms with attached a private outdoor bath attached. With beautiful garden views to enjoy while you soak it is the perfect private space to relax. The Japanese-style dinner includes a hot pot with horse meat, the local specialty.
Gonohe Makiba Onsen
Address: Nashirozawa 3, Gonohe, Sannohe, Aomori 039-1558
Tel: +81 178-62-5511
Booking: http://gonohe-makibaonsen.com/
● “Minshuku” Guesthouse
What Is A Minshuku?
“Minshuku” or guesthouse is a private house offering boarding and dinner and/or breakfast. The facilities of a minshuku are usually basic and it is ideal for travelers on a low budget. It is not a 5-star hotel; however, you will definitely enjoy the most personal interaction with local people and home-made dishes.
Minshuku Ishibashi
Minshuku Ishibashi is a cozy guesthouse serving delicious meals with fresh local ingredients. They take bookings for their delicious lunch menu featuring senbei jiru (accommodation not included). With warm welcome from the staff, you will feel like a local not someone just visiting Aomori!
Minshuku Ishibashi
Address: Tanakubo 14-12 Samemachi, Hachinohe, Aomori 031-0841
Tel: +81 178-38-2221
Booking (in Japanese): http://www.heronet.ne.jp/~ishibashi/
● Airbnb
Traditional Japanese House Near Aomori Station
Located in less than 10 minutes away from JR Aomori Station, this former wholesaler’s house retains its traditional look and architecture. Being surrounded with antique furniture and the traditional layout you can experience how people in Aomori used to live in the past.
Booking: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/27817283?s=51
Unknown Charms Of Aomori
via www.photo-ac.comAomori may not be everyone’s first destination in Japan, however you will be surprised how many hidden attractions you encounter in this culture rich prefecture. Now that you know what to eat and where to stay, you are all set to make the most of your trip to Aomori!
In addition to its unique cuisine, Aomori presents a wide variety of the charms of northern Japan. Find out more about the attractions of Aomori at the link below!
Information
From Tokyo to Aomori It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by an airplane from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Aomori Airport.Access to Hachinohe From Aomori Airport By Public Transportation: Take an Aomori Airport Limousine Bus bound for Aomori Station. Get off at the Shinmachi 1-Chome stop (7 stops, about 35 minutes). Then change to the Shinjo Line bus bound for Aomori City Bus West Branch, and get off at Shin Aomori Station Minamiguchi (south exit) stop (10 stops, 17 minutes). Then take a Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen “Hayabusa” bound for Tokyo. It takes you to Hachinohe Station non-stop (23 minutes).By Car:
It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to drive from Aomori Airport to Hachinohe Station. You can rent a car at the airport.
Hachinohe Station
Address: Tateda 2-2, Shiriuchi-cho, Hachinohe, Aomori 039-1101
Reference List
https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/k-kensei/sugata.html
http://www.senbei-jiru.com/first/first_1.html
https://icotto.jp/presses/3321
https://www.ryokan.or.jp/past/english/what/index_02.html
