11 Must-See Tourist Spots in Kuroishi City, Aomori – Experience Rich Historical Traditions

Aomori Prefecture is famous for its apples, but Kuroishi City offers much more than just apple picking. Here, you can immerse yourself in time-honored traditions and explore numerous attractions that showcase its deep historical roots. In Kuroishi City, not only can you enjoy apple picking, but you can also savor local gourmet dishes such as the famous “tsuyu-yakisoba.” Whether you’re already familiar with Kuroishi or discovering it for the first time, here are 11 recommended tourist spots that are full of charm and appeal for families, friends, and couples alike. Plan a trip to Kuroishi City and experience its captivating blend of history, nature, and delicious local cuisine.

1. Nakano Momiji-yama

Nakano Momiji-yama in Kuroishi City is a renowned spot for viewing autumn leaves, attracting numerous visitors from both within and outside Aomori Prefecture.

But this attraction is more than just a place to admire fall foliage. During the autumn season, in addition to the regular light-up, a moving light and LED light display—creating a fantastical scene—are held for a limited time. During the light-up period, a special “Koarashiyama Bento” event is also organized, where you can enjoy a delicious bento meal in designated seating. Enjoying both the stunning autumn colors and delightful cuisine is highly recommended.

Please be sure to dress warmly, as the Tohoku nights can be quite chilly.

2. Kuroishi Tourism Apple Orchard

When visiting Aomori Prefecture, you’ll likely want to experience apple picking firsthand. The “Kuroishi Tourism Apple Orchard” in Kuroishi City is a top spot for this activity.

This popular orchard, favored by many repeat visitors, offers a wide variety of apples—including Fuji, Tsugaru, Ou-rin, Hokuto, and Jonagold—each with its own harvest season. Apple picking is available for an extended period, and if you don’t have time to pick your own, you can always buy apples to take home as souvenirs. It is open from early September to late November and is situated in a location with sweeping views of the vast Tsugaru Plain and Mount Iwaki.

The orchard is located in a spot that overlooks the expansive Tsugaru Plain and Mount Iwaki, making it a delightful outing for all ages, especially families.

3. Nuttsuyu Onsen

Kuroishi City is home to four onsen resorts collectively known as Kuroishi Onsenkyo, which have long been popular as healing destinations. Among these, “Nuttsuyu Onsen” is particularly notable, with a history spanning over 400 years. Here, a large communal bath is surrounded by numerous traditional ryokan, creating a serene and nostalgic atmosphere.

The source water, at 52°C, refreshes your body and relieves travel fatigue. With a sodium chloride spring that is reputed to help with gastrointestinal issues, rheumatism, and motor dysfunction, Nuttsuyu Onsen offers a truly authentic onsen experience.

The communal bath “Tsurunayu” opens at 4:00 AM and remains open until 10:00 PM, making it a perfect way to start or end your day in Kuroishi.

4. Roadside Station “Rainbow Lake Park”

Rainbow Lake Park is set in a vast, naturally blessed area of Kuroishi City. This park is built around a dam lake and includes a restaurant, free rest areas, and a vibrant street market with food stalls. Additional attractions in the park include a field athletic area, a putt golf course, a large jungle gym with a jumbo slide marked by a kokeshi doll, and even a barbecue corner where supplies and drinks are sold.

The park also features a peony garden that blooms in red and white during June. It’s a fantastic spot for families or groups to spend an entire day outdoors.

Please note that Rainbow Lake Park is open seasonally, from around April to November; check the official website for detailed dates.

5. Nakamachi Komise-dori

Nakamachi Komise-dori is a rare, wooden arcade-style shopping street designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Streets in 1987 and later recognized as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2005.

This street, which has retained its traditional charm since the feudal era, is a must-see attraction in Kuroishi. Local volunteer guides from the “Komise Volunteer Guide Association” offer tours to share the history and charm of this preserved arcade.

Originally built as a shelter from harsh winter blizzards and the summer sun, the arcade reflects the kindness and ingenuity of the people of Kuroishi, making it a truly heartwarming experience.

6. Takahashi Family Residence

The Takahashi Family Residence is a historic mansion located on Nakamachi Komise-dori and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The Takahashi family was once the trusted merchant family of the Kuroishi Domain, dealing in rice, miso, soy sauce, and more.

Although the residence is still inhabited, you can tour the earthen-floored areas and sitting rooms. The traditional architecture, featuring suspended shoji windows and a cozy café that overlooks Komise-dori, makes it a unique place to relax. On sunny days, you can even enjoy tea in the garden with freshly brewed coffee made using water drawn from an onsite well. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

When visiting Kuroishi, why not take some time to relax at the Takahashi Family Residence?

7. Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum

The Tsugaru Kokeshi Museum showcases around 4,000 traditional kokeshi dolls from Tsugaru and other regions of Japan. The Jumbo Kokeshi, created for the opening of the new Shinkansen station at Shin-Aomori, is a must-see. The collection of adorable kokeshi dolls is a delight for enthusiasts, and many unique souvenirs are available here.

You can even try your hand at making your own kokeshi doll, creating a personalized memento of your visit. With many fascinating exhibits and events, this museum is a place you'll want to visit again and again. When you visit Kuroishi City for sightseeing, be sure to check out the Kokeshi Museum!

8. Oyama Omoshie School

Oyama Omoshie School, located in Kuroishi City, was originally the Okawara Elementary School, which closed in 2006 and was renovated with modern seismic standards, reopening in 2009. Preserving the old wooden school building, the school is now a place designed to delight visitors.

At Oyama Omoshie School, you can learn about traditional culture from Aomori and Kuroishi, including experiences like soba-making and insights into the Matagi (traditional hunters).

The classrooms feature exhibits of Showa-era tools and host soba-making workshops. The staff room operates as a nostalgic café with vintage records playing, and the outdoor pool has been transformed into a mountain herb garden heated by onsen water.

You can even enjoy strawberry milk made from strawberries harvested in the herb garden. This time-traveling school is a highly recommended stop in Kuroishi.

9. Kuroishi Neputa Festival

The Kuroishi Neputa Festival is one of Kuroishi’s signature events. It begins at Miyuki Park, which still preserves the site of the former domain administrative office.

Held every summer, this vibrant festival features the parade of neputa floats throughout the city. A unique characteristic of Kuroishi Neputa is that it simultaneously features doll neputa and fan neputa—something seen only in Kuroishi.

The floats are distinguished by large farewell paintings on their backs, contrasting with the warrior paintings on the fronts. The enchanting atmosphere created by these floats captivates both locals and visitors.

10. Suzunoya – Tsuyu-Yakisoba Specialty Store

“Suzunoya” is a specialty store for tsuyu-yakisoba, a local variation of yakisoba that originated in Kuroishi. If you visit Kuroishi, you simply must try this traditional local dish.

“Suzunoya” expresses the authentic flavor of the original yakisoba, and its tsuyu-yakisoba is both delicious and reasonably priced, making it an accessible treat. They also serve a “Bake-Yakisoba” dish that combines yakisoba and tsuyu-yakisoba—highly recommended.

Now recognized nationwide as a famous local B-grade gourmet, this shop is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Kuroishi.

11. Aoninet Onsen

Aoninet Onsen, also known as “Aoninet Onsen” (or the “Lighthouse Inn”), is a single ryokan located along the Aoni Valley. Nestled quietly within pristine nature, this inn exudes a hidden, secluded atmosphere. With only lamp light as its source, the interior of the inn is imbued with a gentle, almost otherworldly ambiance, while the corridors remain impeccably maintained and clean.

The onsen features a clear, colorless simple spring, and offers four types of baths: Kenroku no Yu, an outdoor bath, an indoor bath in the main building, and a waterfall-view bath. In total, there are 11 baths available for men, women, and mixed bathing—all supplied with natural onsen water straight from the source. Enjoy soaking in the onsen while admiring the majestic views of the Hakkoda Mountains. At night, the inn is lit only by lamp light, creating a magical, hidden hot spring experience.

◎Summary of Kuroishi City’s Recommended Tourist Spots

Kuroishi City in Aomori Prefecture is a town that cherishes its rich historical traditions and warmly welcomes visitors. Many of its attractions retain the nostalgic atmosphere of old Japan, evoking a sense of reminiscence. Festivals and events are thoughtfully designed to be enjoyed not only by locals but also by tourists.

By preserving its historical traditions while actively promoting tourism, Kuroishi City invites you to experience its gentle, welcoming culture and explore a multitude of captivating spots. Enjoy your journey through Kuroishi City and embrace its rich heritage!

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11 Must-See Tourist Spots in Kuroishi City, Aomori – Experience Rich Historical Traditions