[2025 Aomori Attraction] Travel Guide for Utou Shrine (Updated Jul)

#Overseas Travel#Aomori#Japan Travel There is a thousand-year-old Zenchi-tori Shrine in the city of Aomori⛩️⛩️ Zenchi-tori is the former place name of Aomori, and it was called Zenchi-tori Village in the early days🤨 Therefore, Zenchi-tori Shrine is known as the birthplace of Aomori. Zenchi-tori Shrine⛩️👉🏻 ✅One of the 100 selected Japanese shrines ✅A shrine with great historical significance ✅Cement-shaped torii ✅There are large painted horses with the name of the shrine on the left and right sides in front ✅Mainly praying for traffic safety and ocean guardians Transportation Not far from Aomori Station, it is in the alley of Shinmachi-dori, the busiest street in front of Aomori Station. It takes about 10 minutes to walk

Walking slowly in the pure white snow, the foot is covered with thick snow on the shrine road, and the vermilion torii in the distance is particularly bright under the blue sky and white clouds - this is the Zenchi-tori Shrine (うとうじんじゃ) in the center of Aomori City, a low-key and spiritual shrine. The "zenchi-tori" in the name of the shrine comes from the legendary divine bird, which is regarded as a symbol of the guardian of the soul. Locals firmly believe that this place not only blesses traffic safety and health, but also brings peace and strength to the soul. 🪔The road is full of lanterns with blessings, red and white, which looks particularly ceremonial in the winter background. There are also some lanterns with company names written on them, showing the community's support and connection with the shrine. From the stone torii into the inner courtyard, the vermilion wooden structures, Kagura Hall and Tsukudon along the way are all well preserved, revealing a historical atmosphere in simplicity. ✨The most special experience this time is to visit the shrine on a snowy day. The snow pressed down the Torii Gate, and the lanterns were covered with a layer of dense white snow, making the whole shrine seem to be still in a winter fairy tale. Walking in the shrine, you can hear the sound of stepping on the snow and smell the faint wood fragrance in the cold air. Everything is peaceful and awe-inspiring. 📸If you come to Aomori in winter, you must come here for a walk. This is not only a photo-taking spot, but also a place where you can feel the integration of Japan's northern religious culture and nature. — 🧭 Address: 2-7-18 Ankata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture 🚶♂️ Transportation: About 10 minutes walk from Aomori Station 🎌 Recommended season to visit: Winter is the most dreamy, autumn leaves are also beautiful 📷 Check-in points: Stone Torii, lanterns in the snow, vermilion buildings in front of the main hall #Aomori #Aomori Travel #Zenchi Bird Shrine #Japanese Shrine #Snow Scene Shrine #Tohoku Travel #Shrine Tour #Japanese Winter #Japanese Faith Aesthetics #Snow Torii #Register for June Hotel Test Sleeper 2025

#青森 When I first arrived in Aomori, the air seemed to be filled with the scent of apples and the smell of snow. In this northeastern city, winter is always white and deep. Snow quietly covers the streets, eaves and sidewalks, and the world seems to have pressed the mute button. There is no bustling noise, only the sound of the wind passing through the street corners and the echo of footsteps on the snow. ⸻ 🍎Apple pie and the scenery under the bridge: a heartwarming encounter at A-FACTORY Walking along Aomori Port to A-FACTORY, it was exactly three o'clock in the afternoon. The sun shone through the thick clouds, and the reflections of the bridge and snow were reflected on the glass windows. I ordered a glass of apple juice and a piece of hot apple pie and sat by the window. Outside the window is the Aomori Bay Bridge and a row of cute painted apple barrels. Thick snow is piled on the railings, like a dessert gently wrapped in icing sugar. At that moment, everything was just right. The contrast between the warm interior and the cold world outside the window is the most charming tension in Aomori in winter. ⸻ 🏮Snow lanterns and quiet street scenes: the poetry of winter in Aomori Leaving the port and walking into the city, the streets are hung with Japanese lanterns covered with snow. The red and white patterns and full calligraphy strokes embellish the retro atmosphere of the entire city. These lanterns are not set up for festivals, but are part of Aomori's local culture and life. The snow piles under the eaves are thick but not heavy, but instead cover the streets with a soft filter. There are not many pedestrians, and time seems to be particularly slow. This is not the kind of city where you have to "walk through several attractions", but a place suitable for you to sit down at a corner, order a cup of hot tea, and feel it quietly. ⸻ 🚶♀️Travel Notes｜Aomori Winter Tips • 📍Recommended locations: A-FACTORY, Aomori Bay Trail, JR Aomori Station, Furukawa Market • 🚉Transportation: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori Station for about 3 hours, then transfer to the tram or bus to Aomori Station • 🧣Equipment: Please prepare warm clothes and anti-ski shoes. It is recommended to wear a scarf and earmuffs when the wind is strong • 🕰️Rhythm: Aomori is suitable for slow travel. It is especially recommended to stay overnight to feel the rhythm of the city under the falling snow

Aomori's winter is a wonderland of falling snowflakes and a landscape blanketed in white, making it feel like a fairy tale. Amidst this snowy expanse lies a tranquil and spiritual place—Zennotori Shrine. Located in what was once known as Zennotori Village, the shrine still exudes a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. A Unique Winter Visit In winter, Zennotori Shrine, with its snow-covered torii gates and shrine buildings, seems to emit a warm energy despite the cold season. As you walk into the shrine, stepping on the snow, you hear the soft crunch of footsteps and the occasional sound of falling snowflakes. This scene and sound evoke a unique sense of tranquility and peace that is special to winter. Historical Echoes of Zennotori Village The area where Zennotori Shrine is located was once called Zennotori Village. The village was renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and rich historical culture. The shrine holds a significant place in the hearts of the local residents, and it is said to bring happiness and well-being. Every winter, Zennotori Shrine becomes a spiritual haven, attracting numerous visitors and worshippers. A Spiritual Experience in the Snow Visiting the shrine in the snow is a unique experience. Standing within the shrine grounds, looking up at the snow-covered roofs and trees, you feel an unprecedented sense of calm. As you pray, snowflakes gently fall, seemingly carrying your wishes and blessings to the heavens. Here, the cold of winter is tempered by the shrine's spirituality, filling your heart with warmth and hope. A Spiritual Cleansing Visiting Zennotori Shrine is not just about appreciating the natural beauty; it is also a spiritual cleansing. Here, you feel as if time stands still, and all worries and noise are kept at bay. Whether you quietly admire the snowy scenery or pray devoutly, you will find inner peace and strength. Conclusion Zennotori Shrine in Aomori has an unparalleled charm in winter. Its beauty lies not only in the magnificent snowy scenery but also in its tranquility and sanctity. Whether you believe in deities or not, you will be moved by the serene beauty of this place. If you have the chance to travel to Aomori in winter, do not miss this hidden gem in the snow—Zennotori Shrine.

Utou Shrine is located in Aomori City. It is written as Utou but pronounced as Utou. It began when Utou Middle Counselor Yasukata, who ruled this area, enshrined the three Munakata goddesses as deities. It was rebuilt by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro in 807, and is now the main shrine of Aomori. Within the grounds, a swamp, a remnant of the past, surrounds the main shrine. There are also carp, making for a picturesque sight. As for the name Utou🦆, it is an unfamiliar bird that suddenly appeared after Utou Middle Counselor passed away. When the parent bird cries "Utou", the baby bird cries "Yasukata", and it is said that the soul of Utou Middle Counselor transformed, and so the name "Utou" came about! ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Zenchidori Shrine ꕥAddress: 2-7-18 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture ꕥAccess 🚌🚏Shin-Aomori Station →🚏Prefectural Office →About 10 minutes walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #besttrip2023 #Aomori Tourism #Aomori Trip #Shrine Tour #Temple and Shrine