Furudate is a city located in Aomori Prefecture, in the northern Tohoku region of Japan. It lies in the south-central part of the prefecture, in the flatlands of the Tsugaru Plain, and is situated near the confluence of the Iwaki and Hirakawa rivers. The area has long been a rural settlement within Aomori, and it is known locally as a small agricultural and residential community rather than a major urban centre.
The city is best known for its apple cultivation, which is one of the principal agricultural activities of the surrounding region. Aomori Prefecture as a whole is Japan's leading producer of apples, and Furudate shares in that reputation, with orchards forming a prominent part of the local landscape. The area's climate, with cool winters and relatively mild summers, is well suited to fruit growing.
Furudate is also home to a number of small temples and shrines that reflect the traditional religious life of rural northern Japan. Its quiet setting and proximity to the larger city of Hirosaki make it a minor stop for visitors travelling through the Tsugaru region, though it remains largely off the main tourist routes.