Aomori
Prefecture is the most northern prefecture on the main island
of Honshu. Aomori faces Hokkaido and it also borders both
Iwate and Akita prefectures. The largest city in Aomori Prefecture is
Aomori, and during the first week of August the city hosts
the annual Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival). The Nebusta
Matsuri is one of Japan's largest festivals, and it features
illuminated floats and a lot of energetic dancing by everyone
involved. Other highlights of Aomori Prefecture are Hirosaki
Castle (southwest of Aomori), and the Shimokita Hanto (Shimokita
Peninsula) which boasts wonderful coastal scenery and wildlife,
including a large population of
wild monkeys. In Towada-Hachimantai National Park lies Japan's
third largest lake, Lake Towadako. This large crater lake has
crystal clear water and is surrounded by pretty pine forests.
North of Lake Towadako lies Mount Hakkodasan which is a popular
area for hiking during the summer months.