1
Patisserie Yamazaki "Miracle Apple Ringo

The apples grown by Akinori Kimura, an apple farmer in Aomori, after many years of trying, completely without pesticides and fertilizers, have become famous as "miracle apples" and have been introduced in books and movies. These karinto are made from the pulp, skin, and seeds of these rare "miracle apples.
Unlike most karinto, it is not dipped in honey, so you can enjoy its subtle sweetness and crispy texture. They go well with Japanese tea, black tea, and coffee, and are safe for small children. Patisserie Yamazaki also sells many other products made from the "miracle apple," such as herb tea, rice crackers, and cold soups, which are also popular.

Miracle Apple Karintou (also sold individually)
Best Before: 2 months from manufacture

Local Guide

Once you try them, you will be addicted to their deliciousness! I end up buying some for myself as well.

Patisserie Yamazaki

• 36 Oyakata-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori MAP
• Take Dote-machi circular bus from Hirosaki Bus Terminal, get off at Mutsu-Shimpo Company and walk 4 minutes.
• 10:00 - 21:00
• Every Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 PM
• 0172-34-7469
• None

2
Lagunoo "Patissier's apple stick" and "Pollo chocolat

“Pastry Chef’s Apple Sticks” are treats made by wrapping generously cut pieces of apples from Aomori Prefecture in puff pastry along with sponge cake. We recommend both ways of enjoying them: warming them in a toaster oven revives the crispy texture of the pastry, while chilling them in the refrigerator enhances the apples’ juiciness.
In addition, the chocolate cake “Polo Chocolat” is also extremely popular. Made with plenty of high-purity chocolate and milk, the chocolate kneaded into the batter melts smoothly in your mouth, creating a truly luxurious taste.

Pastry Chef’s Apple Sticks (5-pack)
Best by: 45 days from manufacture (at room temperature)

Polo Chocolat
Best before: 180 days from manufacture (at room temperature)

Local Guide

In addition to the classic Aomori souvenir, “Pâtissier’s Apple Sticks,” we also recommend the rich chocolate cake “Polo Chocolat,” the “Seiten Financier” made with rice flour from Aomori’s premium rice variety “Seiten no Heikiri,” and “Pâtissier’s Chocolat Roman”!

Raguno Hirosaki Hyakusekicho Main Store

• 1F, Ragnuo Sasaki Head Office, 9 Momoseki-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori-ken, Japan MAP
• Take Dote-machi Loop Bus from Hirosaki Bus Terminal, get off at Shimo-dote-machi Bus Stop, and walk shortly.
• 8:00-19:00
• Tuesdays (irregular holidays)
• 0172-33-2122
• Free (4 cars)

3
KOMEKUUTO "PeboRa

KOMEKUUTO is a shop that offers carefully selected rice from across Japan, foods that make rice even more delicious, kitchen goods to brighten up your table, and even operates a café that takes pride in its ingredients. One product that really catches the eye inside the store is “PeboRa.”
About 40 varieties of brand-name rice from across Japan, carefully selected by a five-star rice master, are packaged in plastic bottles. All are no-rinse rice and come in 2-go portions, making them perfect for trying out rice varieties that pique your interest. Choose a cute package to give as a souvenir—it’s sure to be a hit.From Aomori, the lineup includes six varieties: “Seiten no Heikireki,” “Masshigura,” “Harewatari,” “Tensho Rice Asayuki,” “Tensho Rice Harewatari,” and “Natural Farming Rice.”We also offer a series of mixed-grain and brown rice varieties that don’t require soaking, which are also very popular.

PeboRa
Best before: 1 year from the date of milling

Local Guide

The cute packaging makes it easy to compare Aomori's brand rice, and they make great souvenirs for friends who live alone.

KOMEKUUTO Hachinohe Store

• 2-14-10 Tamukai, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture MAP
• About a 15-minute drive from JR Konakano Station
• Business Hours: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
  Cafe: Weekdays 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (Last Order 3:30 PM)
  　　　Weekends and Holidays 11:00 AM–4:30 PM (Last Order 4:00 PM)
• First and third Wednesdays of the month (subject to change)
• 0178-51-6070
• Free

4
Gokashishi Osaka-ya "Take Nagashi

Founded in 1630 (the 7th year of the Kan’ei era), this long-established Japanese confectionery shop became the official purveyor to the Tsugaru Domain. Inside the store, a chest of drawers adorned with the peony—the Tsugaru Domain’s family crest—evokes a sense of tradition.
Their signature product, “Take-nagashi,” is a rice cracker that lets you enjoy the toasty aroma of buckwheat and the subtle sweetness of syrup; reportedly, the recipe has remained unchanged for 253 years since its launch. Its most distinctive feature is its thinness. When you open the can, you’ll find over 100 rice crackers packed tightly inside.
According to the 13th-generation owner, it is “the most labor-intensive confection.” To ensure consistent flavor and thinness, the method of applying the syrup is adjusted according to the season, and even today, artisans hand-bake each piece one by one.

Takunagashi
Best before: 4 months from manufacture

Local Guide

The confectionery is sold in a tanzu (a small chest of drawers) carved with peonies, the family crest of the Tsugaru family (raden inlay), and is so magnificent that you should definitely check it out when you visit. The "bamboo sink" is a unique and uniquely crispy dish with a buckwheat flavor and a rustic taste that will leave you wanting more.

Osaka Sweets Shop

• 20 Honmachi, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori-ken MAP
• Take Dote-machi Circulation Bus from Hirosaki Bus Terminal, get off at Daigaku Byoin-mae Bus Stop, and walk 3 minutes.
• 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Sundays: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
• New Year's Day only
• 0172-32-6191
• Free

5
Café de Ami “Cosmopolitan Pie”

This European-style restaurant in Goshogawara City offers high-quality pies. They always have around 10 varieties available, including traditional European pies, apple pies made with local Kogetsu apples, and pies featuring seasonal fruits. To deepen the flavor, the pies are left to rest overnight after baking, so all pies are baked the night before.The popular “Cosmopolitan Pie” is a masterpiece of a gratin pie featuring a flaky crust, juicy shrimp and chicken, and a creamy white sauce. Lightly warm it in a toaster oven, then heat it in the microwave for about 20 seconds to enjoy its luxurious aroma and texture.

Cosmopolitan Pie Whole (21cm) 2,800 yen
Keep refrigerated and it will taste good for 3 days.

Local Guide

The crispy pies are so delicious that pie lovers should definitely give this store a try!

Café de Ami

• 175-1 Funabashi, Ubayagi, Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture MAP
• 9 minutes by cab from Goshogawara Station
• 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  Dinner is by reservation only (course meals only)
• Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; occasional additional closures
• 0173-34-6072
• Free

6
Hanaman Foods “Nakayoshi”

“Nakayoshi,” a combination of high-quality squid landed at Hachinohe Port and a special cheese developed over three years with meticulous care, is a long-standing bestseller celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
The exquisite combination of aromatic cheese and the plump texture of flattened squid makes it a perfect match for both tea and alcohol, establishing it as a classic Aomori souvenir. In addition to the “Original” shown in the photo, the “Black Pepper” variety—which pairs well with beer—is also popular. We recommend buying both varieties to compare their flavors.

Nakayoshi (Prices vary by size)
Best-by date: Approximately 90 days from the date of manufacture

Local Guide

It is also a perfect snack with alcohol! When I go back to my parents' house, I buy sake and "Nakayoshi" as a souvenir.

Hanaman Foods (in-house sales space)

• 24-11 Mishimashita, Shiragi-cho, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture MAP
• 8 min. walk from Mutsu Minato Station
• 8:00-17:00
• Sunday
• 0178-33-0353 (Representative)
• Free

7
Roadside Station “Oirase” Oirase Roman Park

“Roadside Station Oirase Roman Park” serves as the eastern gateway to Oirase tourism and attracts many visitors.
The grounds feature a variety of properties, including “Miraku Kobo,” which produces original dairy products, and “Shikisai-kan,” a tourist product center brimming with local charm.
“Shikisai-kan” offers a wide selection of souvenirs unique to Oirase, including fresh vegetables harvested locally.
We especially recommend their original products, such as “Oirase Spring Water” (mineral water), “Oirase Soda,” and local craft beer brewed at the on-site brewery—all designed to enhance your Oirase experience.
In addition, handmade snacks that have long been beloved by locals—such as dried mochi—are also popular. Their nostalgic and simple flavors make them perfect souvenirs.

All the products shown in the photos are original items from “Roadside Station Oirase Roman Park.”
Oirase Spring Water 500ml
*Also available in 2L bottles.
Shelf life: 2 years

A rewarding break with apples and craft beer at Roadside Station Oirase.

"Roadside Station Oirase" is a popular stop for tourists visiting the Oirase Stream. Here, popular shops where travelers can savor the bounty of Aomori and Towada welcome visitors.
At “Ara, Ringo,” a shop specializing in apple desserts, you’ll find handmade tarte tatin and baked goods made with generous amounts of apples—the sweet, toasty aroma will make you stop in your tracks.Meanwhile, at “OIRASE BEER Brewery & Restaurant,” you can savor craft beer brewed on-site and dishes made with local ingredients. Enjoy freshly baked pizza and beer in the property’s spacious, open atmosphere. This is a must-visit spot along your drive where you can experience all the unique “delicacies” of Aomori in one place.

Local Guide

There is also limited-edition soft-serve ice cream depending on the season. There is also a park with beautiful lawn where you can take a relaxing break.

8
Roadside Station Towada · Towada Pia

The produce direct sales corner offers a wide variety of vegetables and fruits delivered directly from local farmers. Freshly picked products such as burdock root, long potatoes, and green onions, which are local specialties, are on display, and depending on the season, wild vegetables and other seasonal products are also available.
Towada City is especially famous for garlic production. In addition to fresh garlic, the specialties section also offers a lineup of processed garlic products such as garlic oil and raayu (Chinese chili oil).
In addition, be sure to check out the "Towada's Famous Confectionery" corner, where you will find a variety of local Japanese and Western confections that have been well-received by word of mouth. Many of the products can be purchased in bulk, and visitors are delighted to be able to enjoy a variety of flavors.

The photo shows a recommended garlic product.
Oirase Daichi "NaturalBlack Natural Black" *625 yen per ball (tax not included)
Shelf life: 6 months

A variety of leisure activities, such as events and Experience programs

The catchphrase of Michi no Eki Towada Towada Pia is "a comprehensive information center for sightseeing and products, and a home for Experience workshops. In addition to the "Center House," which houses a souvenir store, there is also a "Takumi Workshop," where visitors can experience "Nanbu SAKIORI," a traditional Aomori textile, and agricultural product processing, making bread and tofu with ingredients from Towada City.
In addition, a variety of events are held each season, such as summer festivals and vegetable-themed events in summer and harvest festivals in fall, making this an attractive place not only for shopping but also for leisure activities.

Local Guide

You can buy Towada Garlic Pork and rare Western vegetables here. There’s also a Restaurant on site where you can enjoy Towada soba and other dishes.

9
Yuzuriha Lifestyle Crafts

Craft store located on the shore of Lake Towada. The shop collects handmade goods from the Tohoku region, from tableware to fashion accessories and interior goods, in the hope that Tohoku handicrafts will be handed down from generation to generation.
For example, Tsugaru lacquerware from Aomori Prefecture, Bunako lacquerware made from beech, and Nanbu ironware from Iwate. There is also a wide variety of items made from Tsugaru's traditional Kogin Sashimi and Nanbu SAKIORI textiles.
The owner himself visited the makers of these items, touched the actual items, and was convinced of the quality of all of them. The items are comfortable to use and have a wonderful design that makes you want to pick them up.

Kogin Stitch Pouch

From artists' works to the works of local grandmothers

The concept of this store is "things that can be used in daily life. You will find bento boxes made of bento-wappa (bento box), which has been handed down in Akita since ancient times, and artists' bags woven from mountain grape vines, which are typical of the Tohoku region blessed with nature.
You will find not only works by skilled craftsmen and artists, but also some made by 80-year-old farmer grandmothers. Originally, Nanbu SAKIORI and Kogin Sashimi were made by women in the snow country, who made them for their families while waiting for spring to arrive, in between farm work and housework. These handicrafts, which have become a part of daily life, are arranged in modern designs.

Local Guide

You will never get tired of looking at the tasteful array of crafts in the store. The items are beautiful and have a warm feeling that will enrich your life.

10
A-FACTORY

The original brand “Aomori Cider,” produced in the on-site workshop, is very popular. Cider is a sparkling beverage made by fermenting apple juice, characterized by its fine bubbles and refreshing taste.
The apples used here are 100% sourced from Aomori Prefecture. We blend two varieties—the “Fuji,” which has a good balance of sweetness and acidity, and the “Jonagold,” which has a crisp acidity—to add depth to the flavor. With its beautiful, fine bubbles, a sweet and fruity aroma wafts out the moment you open the bottle.

Local Guide

Aomori Cider is very easy to drink, so it’s recommended even for those who aren’t big on alcohol.

A full lineup of Aomori specialties!

Inside the facility, you’ll find “Food Marché,” where you can purchase a wide variety of Aomori souvenirs. The lineup includes A-FACTORY original T-shirts, special-edition items like apple-wood corkscrews, and a rich selection of local crafts and folk art.
There are also restaurants where you can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients; we especially recommend the gelato shop, which offers a variety of flavors. These include flavors made with seasonal apples of various varieties, fruits like Aomori cassis, vegetables such as “Dake-kimi” corn, and even flavors made with local sake.
In addition, the tasting bar (for a fee), where you can sample Aomori cider and other beverages, is very popular.

11
Shin-Aomori Station Building, Aomori Shunmi-kan

A convenient souvenir spot located on the first floor of Shin-Aomori Station. The interior, designed to evoke “Komise Street”—a traditional Tsugaru townscape—features shops offering everything from Aomori Prefecture’s long-established Japanese and Western confectioneries to traditional crafts such as Tsugaru lacquerware and Kogin embroidery.
In addition, “Aomori Hokusaikan” offers a wide range of items, including about 60 varieties of local sake, prefectural specialties, and crafts. It features a section dedicated entirely to apples and offers a rich selection of “delicacies” to enjoy during your trip.
Furthermore, be sure to check out the “Shunmi-ichi” event corner, where shops from across the prefecture set up temporary stalls every week. Here, you can find rare items not commonly seen elsewhere, such as bento boxes and local sweets.

Koyama Senbei “Hand-Baked Senbei 3-Variety Assortment Set” (8 pieces each of pistachio, pecan, and almond) Best before: 2 months

Dining Area and Event Space for Tuna from Oma

In addition to the shopping zone, the “Local Produce Dining Zone” is home to a collection of restaurants featuring Aomori ingredients. It features a variety of shops serving seafood dishes—such as Oma tuna rice bowls—as well as restaurants where you can sample local cuisine.
This zone also includes an event space called “Azumashi Plaza,” which showcases the charms of Aomori.

Local Guide

A dizzying array of souvenirs and specialty products are available. Located inside Shin-Aomori Station, it is the perfect place to purchase souvenirs while waiting for the Shinkansen.

12
Aomori Prefectural Tourism and Local Products Center Aspam

The 15-story equilateral triangle-shaped building is a beloved landmark of Aomori City.
The first floor is lined with five souvenir shops, offering one of the best selections in the prefecture. In addition to a store directly operated by JA Zen-Noh Aomori, there are shops carrying a wide range of items—from sweets and local character merchandise to folk crafts—ensuring you’ll find every kind of Aomori souvenir imaginable.
In addition, there is “Sweets Factory pampam,” a shop selling freshly baked apple pies, and “Tachinomi Jizake Aspam,” where you can enjoy local sake.

Experience the charms of Aomori in multiple ways

In addition to the shops, the facility is packed with attractions that showcase the charms of Aomori. These include the “360° Digital Video Theater,” where you can experience the prefecture’s festivals and natural scenery, and an observation deck 51 meters above ground level offering panoramic views of Aomori City, the Hakkoda Mountain Range, and Mutsu Bay.

You can also enjoy a meal while taking in the view at “Nishimura: Michinoku Regional Cuisine,” which features dishes made with an abundance of local ingredients.

In addition, there is the “Tsugaru Shamisen Concert” (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) featuring young musicians such as university students from Aomori Prefecture, as well as the “Aomori Experience Corner,” where you can try your hand at crafts like kogin embroidery, allowing you to easily learn about local performing arts and traditional crafts.

Local Guide

From the observatory on the 13th floor (fee required), visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of Aomori city, the Shimokita, Tsugaru, and Natsudomari peninsulas, Mutsu Bay, and the Hakkouda mountains, both day and night.