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Showing posts from May, 2026

Northern Japan: Part 2

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Northern Japan in Spring – Part 2: Aomori, Where Cherry Blossoms Meet Snow-Capped Mountains As a nature lover, I found Aomori to be a delightful place to visit. Located at the northernmost tip of Japan’s main island, Honshu, Aomori is a land shaped by both mountains and sea. The prefecture is surrounded by water on three sides and divided by the volcanic Hakkoda Mountains, creating a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Throughout my visit, I enjoyed a wonderful blend of scenery, culture, and food. Being surrounded by the ocean, Aomori is known for its exceptionally fresh seafood. It is also famous as Japan’s apple capital, producing more apples than any other prefecture in the country. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to apples, so I had to admire the countless apple pies, pastries, and sweets from a distance. While I couldn’t sample Aomori’s signature fruit, I certainly didn’t go hungry. Later in the trip, we enjoyed an impressive buffet in Hirosaki featuring a variety of Japanese dishes and ...

Northern Japan: Part 1

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Spring Journey Through Northern Japan: Hokkaido and Northern Honshu This spring, I traveled through Northern Japan, exploring both the northern reaches of Honshu and the island of Hokkaido. From spectacular cherry blossoms to snow-capped mountains, historic parks, and vibrant cities, the journey offered some of the most beautiful scenery I have experienced in Japan. Hakodate: Hokkaido’s Southern Gateway Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate serves as the main gateway connecting Japan’s northern island to the mainland of Honshu. Known for its stunning natural scenery, hot springs, and fresh seafood, Hakodate was a highlight of my trip. I visited in late April, during the peak of cherry blossom season. The city was awash in shades of pink, creating a magical spring atmosphere. One of the most memorable experiences was taking the ropeway up the mountains overlooking the city. From above, we enjoyed breathtaking views of Hakodate Bay, forests dotted with cherry blossoms, and di...