The first image to come to mind when thinking of Aomori is the apple. There are many types of delicious snack foods that use Aomori apples, and also various home-cooked snacks that have been passed on through generations.
In the past, snack foods had a strong connection with local prayers for good harvest, which were made at the change of agricultural phases and seasons, and presented to family altars and Buddha as offerings.
Snack foods in Aomori have strong roots to the local culture surrounding agriculture, food, and Shinto and Buddhist traditions, and have been passed on from generation to generation.
Shitogi-Mochi
Shitogi-mochi is a ceremonial mochi from the grain-growing region of Tsugaru, used in ceremonies to pray for good harvest. Shitogi-mochi uses powdered uncooked rice, softened... more
Dried Mochi
Dried mochi, or “hoshi-mochi,” is a traditional preserved food from the northwestern area of the Tsugaru region in Aomori prefecture. It is also called kori-mochi,... more
Umpei
“Umpei” is a half-moon shaped Japanese confectionery made with mochi rice, sugar, and water. Umpei was often given to guests at weddings in the rice-producing... more
Kinka-Mochi
Kinka-mochi is a local specialty of the Nanbu region in Aomori prefecture. Kinka-mochi is a half-moon shaped confectionery containing a filling made with brown sugar,... more
Beko-Mochi
Beko-mochi is a type of Japanese confectionery. There are various theories as to the naming of beko-mochi. The name beko-mochi may have come from how... more
Imo Mochi no June-ae/Oshiruko
Imo, or potato, is a treasured produce in the Shimokita region in Aomori due to its resilience to the summer cold and humid Yamase winds.... more
Nanbu Senbei Crackers
Nanbu senbei is a type of crackers from the Nanbu region of Aomori. In the end of Edo period, the region experienced famine and poor... more
