Located on the eastern side of AOMORI HARBOR, GAPPO PARK is a popular bathing area in the summertime and has many monuments inscribed with poems, including some by well-known Haiku poet TAKUBOKU ISHIKAWA. In the spring, about 600 cherry trees bloom beautifully, including varieties of SOMEI YOSHINO, the most common, and SHIDARE ZAKURA (weeping cherry) and SATO ZAKURA. This park is famous in AOMORI PREFECTURE as a cherry-blossom viewing site. During this season, the AOMORI SPRING FESTIVAL is held at GAPPO PARK AND NOGIWA PARK as the main venues.

Legend says that a warrior from the TSUGARU HAN brought 25 cherry trees from Kyoto and planted them on the castle grounds. After the MEIJI ERA began, former warrior TATEEI　KIKUCHI planted 1,000 SOMEI YOSHINO cherry trees and in 1897, 1,000 more trees were planted. Since then, through donations by citizens, the number of trees has increased until at present, the park boasts some 50 varieties of cherry trees making up a total of 2600 trees, including the most common, SOMEI YOSHINO, as well as SHIDARE ZAKURA (weeping cherry) and YAEZAKURA (double cherry blossom).

Located at an elevation of 120 meters, SHIROYAMA PARK was the site of the main castle during the feudal age with samurai homes lining the area. There is an 800-year old cedar tree standing in the park. Even 800 years after the founding of the NANBU HAN, there are still many relics from feudal times. Historic sites include the NUKANOBE SHRINE where MITSUYUKI　NANBU is worshiped and the ONKOKAN, a museum constructed in the shape of a corner turret of the SANNOHE CASTLE.

The acreage of NANOHANA under cultivation in YOKOHAMA TOWN, located at the southern end of SHIMOKITA PENINSULA, is the largest in Japan. During blooming season, the vivid colors of the rape blossoms stretch as far as the eye can see. The NANOHANA FESTIVAL IN YOKOHAMA is held when the rape blossoms are in full bloom, and special events include a marathon race, giant maze, photograph session, performance of traditional arts, and sales of local food and products.