Aomori Prefecture: Sakes and more!

Tucked away in the northernmost region of mainland Japan is Aomori Prefecture, a prefecture best known for its delicious apples, seafood, and sake. 🍎 While waiting for travel restrictions to be lifted, learn more about this snowy prefecture and its sakes and liqueurs here with us at Sake Inn‌!

Where is Aomori?

Aomori Prefecture is located in the northern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Facing Hokkaido to the north across the Tsugaru Strait and bordering on Iwate and Akita Prefectures to the south, it is also known for its natural landscapes including volcanic mountain ranges.

Did you know?
Its capital city, Aomori City, is the snowiest city in the world! The region’s low temperatures therefore create an ideal location for the production of its most famous exports — apples and sakes.

Things to do

1. Witness the splendor of Hirosaki Castle

The initial construction of a castle in Hirosaki City started in 1603 when Tsugaru Tamenobu, a former retainer of the Nanbu clan, successfully unified the Tsugaru region. Although the retainer died in Kyoto before the completion of the castle in 1611, his legacy remains today in the form of Hirosaki Castle, the sole original castle in the Tohoku region today.

Its surrounding Hirosaki Park is also known for being one of the most popular cherry blossom-viewing sites in the whole of Japan. Featuring close to 2,600 (!) cherry blossom trees around the castle park, Hirosaki Castle is a must-visit during the cherry blossom season.

2. Go apple picking at one of Aomori’s famous apple farms

Every year, over 700,000 tons of apples are produced in Japan — more than half of which are produced in Aomori. Home to many apple farmers, enjoy apple-picking in one of their many farms from early July to November.

3. Experience a free tour of Momokawa Sake Brewery

Established in the Edo Period (c. 1603-1868), Momokawa’s sakes are definitely some of Aomori's best. The excellent quality of their brews stems from sparking freshwater flowing from Shirakami Mountains World Natural Heritage, as well as a careful selection of various premium Aomori-grown rice — all brewed under the magnificent climate of Aomori Prefecture.

Try some of their widely acclaimed sakes, freshly brewed, on a free tour of the Momokawa Brewery! Tours generally last from 30 minutes to an hour, and are usually available on weekdays between 9.30 am and 3:30 pm.

As of writing (May 2021), these tours are currently on hold due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Fret not, however — as we do have a selection of their most popular sakes and liqueurs right here at Sake Inn as well!

Momokawa Junmai Sake
桃川 純米酒

Available in both 300ML and 720ML, Momokawa Junmai Sake is an aromatic and rich junmai sake with expressive tones that become more apparent when served warm. One of Momokawa Brewery's best-selling sakes, enjoy its gentle notes of berry, melon, peach and ripe fruit.

Try it today: Momokawa Junmai Sake

Momokawa Hana-Omoi Junmai Daiginjyo Sake
桃川「大吟醸純米華想い」

SMV + 3 | Alcohol 15-16% | Aomori

Brewed using Mahoroba Ginsen yeast, a special type of yeast developed in Aomori for premium sakes and Aomori sake rice Hana Omoi, Momokawa Hana-Omoi Junmai Daiginjyo Sake boasts an incredibly rich flavour with a refined, floral scent. We recommend chilling or consuming at room temperature to bring out its rich aroma!

Try it today: Momokawa Hana-Omoi Junmai Daiginjyo Sake

Momokawa Snow Apple Liqueur
桃川 雪りんご

Alcohol 7.5% | Aomori

Bask in the refreshing sweetness of Aomori's most famous produce with Momokawa Snow Apple Liqueur, which combines Aomori apple juice with Momokawa Sake Brewery's nigori sake. Fruity and easy-to-drink, this liqueur has an excellent balance between acidity and sweetness.

Voted first place in the 5th Apple Cidre Grand Prix (第5回りんごのお酒グランプリ), this is an award-winning liqueur not to be missed by our apple lovers! 

Try it today: Momokawa Snow Apple Liqueur

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Do also check out our other a-peel-ing products from Aomori, delivered straight to your doorstep! 🍎