Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
JAPAN’S HIKING HEAVEN
Three incredible day walks in Aomori prefecture
Aomori in Japan translates as ‘blue forest’: apt for the rugged volcanic prefecture that covers the top of mainland Honshu, where almost 70% of the land is forest and three sides are surrounded by the sea. Known for its diversity of hiking trails, you can choose from coastal paths and valley walks to long mountain treks. Here ‘s just three hikes to try...
MICHINOKU TRAIL East Aomori
The Michinoku Trail hugs Japan’s eastern shoreline for an epic 900km, from Aomori to Fukushima prefecture – the longest hiking trail in Japan. You don’t have to walk the whole trail, but can easily enjoy short stints like the 5km Tanesashi Coastal Trail, which forms the first (or last) part of the trek. Sometimes referred to as the Hana no Nagisa (Flower beach), this coast is home to over 650 species of native plants. It’s also home to birds: visit from April to July to see thousands of black-tailed gulls swirling through the sky. Don’t miss Osuka Hama beach’s ‘singing sand,’ where the grains squeal and squeak beneath your feet.
OIRASE TORRENT South Aomori
The Oirase Gorge is one of the most beautiful river valleys in Japan. This 14km trail has been carved by the silver Oirase River, which pulses out of Lake Towada to the small town of Yakeyama. Walk by the river’s edge to pass waterfalls and woodland, which turns a vibrant green in spring and a deep orange in autumn. Follow the trail from the lake for about 9km to find a small ‘rest hut’ called Ishigedo, where you can feast on ramen and the valley views.
SHIRAKAMI MOUNTAINS West Aomori
This vast mountain range, covering the south-west corner of Aomori, is among just four natural UNESCO sites in Japan. It’s home to one of the world’s largest primeval beech forests, as well as rare species like the Japanese black bear and golden eagle. There are many trails here, but the route to Aoike lake – one of 33 lakes in the region – is arguably the best due to the inky-blue colour of its surface.
What are you waiting for? Lace up those hiking boots and discover this walker’s paradise.