Aomori

Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri (The Cherry Blossom Festival in Hirosaki), Aomori

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, which is known as one of the three major cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan. The cherry blossoms here are in full bloom around the end of April, and many tourists visit “Golden Week” (early-May holiday season in Japan). The highlight is “Cherry Tunnel”, “flower petals fallen on water”, “Hirosaki Castle”. There are 2,600 cherry blossom trees on the site of about 492 thousand hectares. Here, “Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri” (The Cherry Blossom Festival in Hirosaki) will be held every cherry blossoms in full bloom. It is held during the holidays from April 23 to May 5 every year. Over 2 million people visit this period every year.

During the cherry blossom festival, about 200 shops are open in the park, including restaurants, and it is open from 9: 00 to 21: 00. You can enjoy regional cuisine such as Tsugaru soba noodles and ginger miso oden (Japanese food of stewed ingredients), as well as old-fashioned haunted houses and simple circus.
Taking a cherry-blossom viewing event while enjoying a meal with local people, and tours by local volunteer guides are held, so you can enjoy cherry blossoms all day. In 2017, the cherry blossom festival celebrated its 100th anniversary and is showing more and more bustling. Why don’t you enjoy the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki, which is said to be the most beautiful in Japan.

Hirosaki-koen (Hirosaki Park) where the name is known as a famous tourism spot of its cherry tree. There are more than 300 Someiyoshino trees in Hirosaki-koen Park, and almost all of them are over 100 year-old. Each of them magnificently bloom, and is praised as the best in Japan.

hirosakisakuramatsuri3 — yakei-kabegami.com

It is about the end of April that cherry‐blossom front comes over to Hirosaki. The contrast of gorgeous cherry tree and old pine-tree is wonderful, it blooms beautifully and competes in Hirosaki Park.

hirosakisakuramatsuri1 — yakei-kabegami.com

The people are intoxicated with a flower under the cherry tree and get drunk on liquor and enjoy spring of Tsugaru.

hirosakisakuramatsuri5 — yakei-kabegami.com

In night, the lighted up figures of cherry tree reflecting on the surface of the water of the moat around the castle are producing fantastic atmosphere, and its beauty attracts coming people.

hirosakisakuramatsuri4 — yakei-kabegami.com

The cherry tree of Hirosaki Park attracts people until the moment a flower is about to drop. Petals flow through the surface of the water of the moat (“Hana-Ikada”), the Hana no Jutan (“The carpet of the cherry tree”) as filling up the moat with a petal becomes the topic.

hirosakisakuramatsuri6 — yakei-kabegami.com

The Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri is one of the Hirosaki’s four biggest festivals (Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, Hirosaki Nebuta Festival, Chrysanthemum and Colored Leaves Festival of Hirosaki-jo Castle, Snow Lantern Festival of Hirosaki-jo Castle). Since a holding period of the festival overlaps with “Golden Week” (early-May holiday season in Japan), it is the popular festival that 2 million people visit every year.

The Hirosaki park used as the festival site is a place famous for its cherry blossoms which is selected as one of “the Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites”, and “100 selections of the fabric of landscape relationships between people and nature in Japan.” There is the cherry tree of approximately 50 kinds of 2,600, including the Yoshino cherry trees and the weeping cherry trees, is worth seeing.

Information

Name:	Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri (The Cherry Blossom Festival in Hirosaki)
Adresse:	Shimoshiroganecho 1-1 Hirosaki-city, Aomori 036-8356 Japan
Access:	JR Ouhonsen line "Hirosaki-eki Station” (20 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 172-35-3131 (Hirosaki City Tourism Association)
Price/Charge:	310 yen (Adult) 100 yen (Junior High School Students or Under) Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.hirosakipark.jp/

Furoufushi-Onsen (Hot Springs for eternal youth and immortality), Aomori

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Soaking in the hot spring source while watching the great ocean in great view. There is such a splendid hot spring along the sea in Aomori Prefecture. Its name is “Furoufushi-Onsen” (Hot Springs for Eternal youth and immortality). Does “eternal youth and immortality” that humankind pursues come true here? In fact, you may come close to such a wish if you visit and enter. Furoufushi-Onsen is a popular accommodation that is also frequently posted on the media. Not only accommodation but also day-trip bathing are accepted.

koganesakifuroufushi1 — xn--nckg3oobb2422fgjkpucps2m.biz

Furoufushi-Onsen exists in Fukaura Town in Nishitsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture. It is located in the cape that protrudes into the Sea of Japan, called Koganezaki, and the ocean is a very close favorable place. In Aomori, there is also a hot spring of the same name around the Cape Tappi. The one of Fukaura to introduce this time is called “Koganezaki Furoufushi-Onsen”.
For day use of Furoufushi-Onsen, the outdoor bath is from 8 am to 4 pm, the inside bath is from 8 o’clock to 8 o’clock in the afternoon. It is so popular that “customers who use day trips” wait in line before 8 o’clock in the morning. It is a really popular hot spring.

This place had an image of being “an unexplored region.” before, but it is known as a hotel with the open‐air bath, and many tourists visit here now, because it had often been introduced on TV or in newspapers recently.

It is an outstanding location overlooking the Sea of Japan, the moment when the setting sun is about to sink below the horizon from here is splendid, and there are many tourists visiting for the express purpose of seeing it.

The entrance of the Furoufushi-Onsen in Koganesaki. Only seeing this signboard, and you feel irresistibly higher expectations.

You see setting sun sinking into the Sea of Japan in front of you, and you can see a state of the sunset till the last clearly while you are soaking in the hot spring.
After the sun sank, you can soak there until it becomes dark immersing in an aftertaste of the sunset. It’s fantastic!

The reason why hot water of Furoufushi-Onsen is brown is that the iron contained has oxidized. Moreover, seemingly the salt concentration of hot water will be high, and it is salty if it licks.
Although it is said that there was only one bathtub for mixed bathing from the first, there are two bathtubs, for mixed bathing and for women, now.
The one-day bathing is until 16:00, and it is used as a bath only for a lodger after 16:00.

Information

Name:	Furoufushi-Onsen (Furoufushi Hot Springs)
Adresse:	15 Shimokiyotaki Henashi Fukaura-machi Nishi-tsugaru-gun, Aomori 038-2327 Japan
Access:	JR Gono-sen line "Henashi-eki Station” (15 minutes walk) or JR Gono-sen line "Wespa-Tsubakiyama-eki Station” (Courtesy bus service is available)
Tel:	(+81) 173-74-3500
Price:	For Day Trip Guests 600 yen (Over 13 years old) 300 yen (Over 3 years old) Please refer the official web page. There are also various stay plans. Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.furofushi.com/

Nebuta Matsuri Festival, Aomori

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

The significant intangible folk cultural asset

“Aomori Nebuta Festival” will be held from August 2 to 7 every year in Aomori Prefecture in the Tohoku region. Together with “Akita Kanto Festival” and “Sendai Tanabata Festival“, it is called “one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region” and it is one of Japan’s most important festivals where more than 3 million tourists from all over the country rush. Because of the tradition and importance of the festival, it has been designated a significant intangible folk cultural asset of the country. “Aomori Nebuta Festival” is popular not only for watching but also for festivals where you can participate.
The characteristic of this festival is the huge “Nebuta” with a light in. Furthermore, the attractiveness of the participants called “Haneto” is also one of the attractions. Nebuta is held not only in Aomori City but also in Tohoku region. Its origin is derived from SAKANOUE no Tamuramaro who was the Generalissimo for the Subjugation of Barbarians of the Heian period. It is said that “In order to punish Emishi (northern/northeastern barbarians) that had dominated the Tohoku district, he burned the battlefield with lanterns and made a whistle and drum up.” There is also a theory that it is Nebuta that the Tanabata event and the Bon festive fire and sending fire changed together.

Gorgeous doll warrior

During the period of the festival, the Dashi (festival car) of the gorgeous doll warrior called “Nebuta” that modelled a picture of samurai parade through the city with a vigorous shouts “Lasselar!, Lasselar!”.
On the course of 3.1 kilometers in length in front of Aomori station, Nebuta gathers one after another by the start time, and all Nebuta starts to drive the roadway all at once. The dynamic struggle pictures such as Busho (Japanese Military Commanders), Oni (ogre), Dragon, etc. painted on Nebuta, and its maximum size is about 5 meters in height and 9 meters in width. Especially because it is lighting up at night, it is very beautiful. The sound of the drum echoes from the ground to the stomach and can be enjoyed not only by the eyes but also the whole body.

20 million yen

The “Nebuta” is the festival car with the large “Haribote” (lantern-skin doll). Its production cost is approximately 20 million yen, and It takes three months to build the Nebuta.

“Haneto” wore colorful clothes jump up and down

20 or more of large-scale Nebuta depart and are moved approximately 3.1km, with the musical accompaniment of flutes and drums, the energy of “Haneto”(leaper) who wore colorful clothes jump up and down, and the festival came to a climax.

The representative of Tohoku

In addition, the fireworks display to be held on the night of August 7 which is the last day of festival and the marine service of Nebuta is one of summer feature in Aomori that the representative of Tohoku.

Information

Name:	Nebuta Festival
Adresse:	Honcho 1 Aomori, Aomori 030-0802 Japan
Access:	JR Ouu-honsen Line “Aomori-eki Station” (10 to 20 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 17-723-7211 (Aomori Nebuta Executive Committee Office)
Price/Charge:	Free *There are some paid seats.
Official site:	https://www.nebuta.or.jp/

For parade course, please refer the official web page.

Takayama inari shrine, Aomori

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Senbon Torii has a great impact, it is worth seeing

Takayama inari shrine is the most intriguing shrine in Aomori prefecture as God of Gokokuhojo (bumper crop), safety of the ships, thriving business. The benefits of this shrine are diverse, including agriculture, commerce, industry, fishery, home safety, disease healing and so on. Therefore, the shrine has been supported by not only the local people but also the power of distant people. Also, the Senbon Torii (a thousand torii), which can only be seen here, has a great impact, it is worth seeing.

Many worshipers visit from inside and outside of the prefecture

There is an observation platform on the hill adjacent to the precincts, you can see Mt.Iwaki called Tsugaru Fuji in the south, Shichirinagahama Beach and the Sea of Japan in the west, Lake Jusan in the north and Hokkaido in the north, Tsugaru mountain ranges in the east. Many worshipers visit from inside and outside of the prefecture because of its good view. When you climb the hundreds of stone steps and go to the hall, you can see the dragon shrine, the Shoshinshi Park and others under your eyes.

The scenery in the dream

Takayama Inari-jinja Shrine is located in Tsugaru-shi, Aomori. The tunnel of the very fantastic red torii (gate) is totally like the scenery in the dream. If you pass through this tunnel, you might arrive at the place not to know where it is.
It is said that this shrine is the best sacred place of Aomori Prefecture. And it is a shrine for whom want to feel a strange power.

The same way as Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

The reason why here is said to be a power spot is that there are the Senbon Torii (a thousand torii) in the same way as Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine. Have a look at this close‐set bright red Torii surrounded by greenery! It is mysterious and very beautifully isn’t it?.

The red torii stand in a line

After going up the long stairs, you arrive at the Haiden(Worship Hall) of the Takayama Inari Jinja being regarded as having divine favor in Gokokuhojo (bumper crop), Marine security, and talisman for good business.
Over there, the red torii stand in a line as if they weren’t already enough. The Japanese garden in itself is splendid, too, but you may be dumbfounded by the file of this bright red torii.

Information

Name:	Takayama inari shrine
Adresse:	Ushigatacho Washinosawa 147-1 Tsugaru, Aomori 038-3305 Japan
Access:	JR Gono-sen Line “Goshogawara-eki Station” (35 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81) 173-56-2015
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	http://www.city.tsugaru.aomori.jp/

Mt. Osorezan, Aomori

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Osorezan is considered to be closest to the land of the dead

Mt. Osorezan is an active volcano that is located in the center of Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture and has an altitude of 800 m above sea level and the whole mountain is “Reijo” (sacred place).
The official name is “Osorezan Bodaiji Temple”, and in fact there is no mountain named “Osorezan”.
“Reijo” is the place of faith since ancient times, where the examinees pilgrim. Furthermore, Osorezan is considered to be closest to the land of the dead, and many people are visiting from all over the country as a place to think of the deceased.

An impressive sight the way is shown at the end of the river

In Japanese Buddhism, a river called “Sanzu no kawa.” over which a dead person crosses on the way to Hades. In Osorezan, the river through which it flows from Lake Usoriyama is considered “Sanzu no kawa.” With the weight of the crime committed to the lifetime, it decides on the place to cross, and it is said that there are “those who crosses using a bridge or a ship”, “those who walk along a shoal”, and “those who have to swim in a rapid stream.” It is an impressive sight that the way is shown at the end of the river by the tree as it leads the dead across the river.

It is recommended you return without having to cross over

Cloth is wrapped around the drum bridge over this river to help the dead going to the land of the dead in the dark. Tourists can cross the bridge, but the opposite shore means Hades, so it is recommended you return without having to cross over.

The atmosphere that has got lost in another world

In the precincts of Osorezan, there is a sightseeing course of about 3 kilometers, and it is possible to go around in about 40 minutes on foot. In the precincts there are 136 “hell” formed of volcanic rocks and it seems to represent the hell receiving the punishment of the crime committed in this world.
The first “hell” spreading is “SAI no KAWARA” (the Children’s Limbo). There are many stones, and it is the atmosphere that has got lost in another world.

Six Jizo will save the suffering of the land of the living in each world

The six Jizo (stone statue) in front of the main gate of Osorezan Bodaiji Temple. The world of the Rokugo, which is said to head after death, refers to “Tendo” where many people with good deeds go, people who live with their instincts and desires go on a “demon road”, a person with strong competitive spirit and self-esteem goes to “Shura”, a person who carries evil such as suicide and murder goes there, a greedy man who obsessed with wealth and power. It is said that this six Jizo will save the suffering of the land of the living in each world.

Information

Name:	Mt. Osorezan
Address:	Tanabu Usoriyama 3-2 Mutsu, Aomori 035-0021 Japan
Access:	JR Ohminato-sen Line “Shimokita-eki Station” (25 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81) 175-22-3825
Price/Charge:	500 yen (Adult) 200 yen (Junior High School or Elementary School Children)
Official site:	http://www.city.mutsu.lg.jp/

Oirase Keiryu (Mountain Stream in Oirase), Aomori

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

The promenade is established along the mountain stream

The crater lake “Towadako” adjacent to both Aomori Prefecture and Akita Prefecture.
The Oirase river is flowing out from the beautiful cobalt blue lake. The mountain stream of approximately 14km from the shore of Lake Towada is called Oirase Keiryu (Mountain Stream in Oirase).
The promenade is established along the mountain stream and can take a walk while being fully exposed to Negative ion.

The Oirase Keiryu does not not have much ups and downs

The recommended route is from Yakeyama toward Nenokuchi of the shore of Lake Towada.
This root is a leisurely atmosphere at first, but the dynamic highlight increases proceeding in steps
A reverse route is recommended if you are not good at an ascent hill. The Oirase Keiryu does not not have much ups and downs, and is very gently-sloping. Even if you walk slowly, you can walk along 14 km in 5 hours.

The highlight of the Oirase mountain stream

The section of 2.6km from Ishigedo to Kumoi-no-taki Waterfall has much spot which is unmissable.
It is Makadoiwa of the huge rock first to happen to encounter. From around here, the quantity of water becomes abundant and the flow of the water which overlaps several times over can be seen.
Then arriving at “Ashura-no-Nagare” (Water flow of Asura) which is no exaggeration to say that the highlight of the Oirase mountain stream.

The beautiful scenery that nature created

There is the rock being covered with moss everywhere around the river, and the green trees and plants cover the area. You can come across the beautiful scenery that nature created.
If you take a photograph using the slow shutter mode, the flow of the water which shines white can be caught.

The autumn colored leaves are recommended

The Choshi Otaki (water fall of Choshi) which is proud of brilliant amount of water in the leading waterfall of the Oirase mountain stream is a view of the highlight. As for the waterfall of drop 7 meters and 20 meters in width, which refusing the fish that went up the stream of the Oirase, is called the Uodome-no-Taki (Waterfall of stopping fish).
It is a perfect enjoying the cool breeze spot, but the autumn colored leaves are recommended, too.

Information

Name:	Oirase Keiryu (Mountain Stream in Oirase)
Address:	Okuse Towada, Aomori 034-0301 Japan
Access:	JR Ou-honsen Line “Aomori-eki Station” (90 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81) 176-75-2425 (Lake Towada National Park Association)
Price:	Free
Official site:	http://towadako.or.jp/towadako-oirase/

Tsutanuma Lake, Aomori

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Oirase area’s leading popularity spot

Tsutanuma Lake surrounded by the deep primeval forest of the beech is one of the seven swamps called “Tsuta no Nana Numa” (seven swamp of Tsuta). Tsutanuma Lake biggest in this Tsuta no Nana Numa is the Oirase area’s leading popularity spot that many people visit in the colored leaves season of autumn. Trees of beeches surrounding the lake are dyed bright red and yellow, and show the gorgeous world where it is reflected in the lake. The time when colored leaves of this Tsutanuma shine particularly are a morning and sunrise. While the morning sun which came in sparkles bright golden-colored from the top of the mountain, skillful autumnal leaves are projected on the water surface of Tsutanuma.

Crimson autumnal leaves are dyed by a morning glow

When a dazzling light of the morning sun hits and it spreads on the whole surface, the autumnal leaves of the dawn of whole Tsutanuma is beautifully illuminated. It is difficult to aim at the timing when the morning sun comes in beautifully at the time when colored leaves are the most beautiful. Many photographers visit Tsutanuma every year to catch few morning superb views. It is an unparalleled view which crimson autumnal leaves are dyed by a morning glow.

Recommended to visit in fine weather on a calm day

Although, it is known as a famous place of fresh green and autumnal leaves, but you can enjoy the beautiful scene like this even if you visit in the midsummer.
In order to enjoy the unparalleled view reflected in the mirror of the water surface, it is recommended to visit in fine weather on a calm day.

Around October 20 is most prosperous

The best time to see of autumnal leaves is from the middle of October to the end of October every year, and around October 20 is most prosperous. Let’s visit on the day which seems to be the closest to the conditions of a fine weather non-wind.

Six marshes are linked on a promenade

“Tsuta no Nana Numa” is a general term of seven marshes, and six marshes of those are linked on a promenade called “Numa Meguri no Komichi”. You can take a walk through them in approximately one and a half hours.

Information

Name:	Tsutanuma Lake
Address:	Okuse Towada, Aomori 034-0301 Japan
Access:	JR Tohoku-Shinkansen Line “Hachinohe-eki” station (75 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81)176-75-2425 (Towadako National Park Association)
Official site:	http://towadako.or.jp/

Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival, Aomori

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Experience the overwhelming force

“Tachineputa Festival” is a summer festival held in Goshogawara-shi, Aomori reproduced for the first time in about 80 years in 1998.
There are three big Neputa (it is also called Nebuta) festivals in Aomori. They are the Nebuta festival of Aomori, the Neputa festival of Hirosaki, and the Tachineputa of Goshogawara. Although the Nebuta of Aomori is the most famous, please also visit Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival once. Please experience the overwhelming force.
Operation of Tachineputa is August 4 to 8, and time is 19:00 to 21:00 every year.

Figure like an appearance of a huge robot

The biggest Tachineputa is a size which exceeds 20 meters in height. Although Nebuta of Aomori is also large, but only height compares, this is 3 times the size of this.
Tachineputa is saved usually in the museum called “The Hall of Tachineputa.” The figure which comes out in a town for operation is a figure like an appearance of a huge robot. The figure to look up at is great force.

The brave figure was in sight also from the 12 kilometers away place

Tachineputa is the tradition folk culture performed from the middle of Meiji period to the early stages of Taisho period, 100 years or more ago from now on.
Those days, a thing about 21 meters high is shouldered by hundreds of young men, and is said to have paraded around the town. It is told that the brave figure was in sight also from the 12 kilometers away place.
However, electric wire having been set up by widespread of the electric, it was miniaturized gradually and shifted to the usual Neputa (about 4.5 m in height) which operates now.

Been restored from one piece of photograph

However, in 1996, Neputa more than 20 meters in height was restored from one piece of photograph by volunteers of Goshogawara. The dignified appearance and the spirit of people of Goshogawara created a nationwide sensation.

“Tachineputa project” worked on in earnest

Then, the electric wire on an operation course was buried in the earth by the “Tachineputa project” worked on in earnest. On August 5, 1998, Tachineputa paraded around the Goshogawara city at last, and the dignified appearance was looked up at many people.

Information

Name:	Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival
Address:	Omachi 506−10 Goshogawara, Aomori 037-0063 Japan
Access:	JR Gono-sen Line “Goshogawara-eki Station” (6 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81)173-38-3232 (Tachineputa no Yakata)
Official site:	http://www.tachineputa.jp/

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival, Aomori

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Selected as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival is the leading gay festival in the Tohoku district performed in Hachinohe-shi, Aomori from July 31 to August 4 every year. This festival that is proud of the history and tradition in about 290 is designated also as the significant intangible folk cultural asset. It was selected as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2016.

Joint operation of no less than 27 floats

“Sansha” (three shrine) of “Hachinohe Sansha Taisai” are the three Shinto shrines of “Ogami-jinja Shrine”, “Shinran-jinja Shrine”, “Shinmei-gu Shrine” in Hachinohe-shi. The highlights of this festival are a mikoshi procession of these three shrines, and joint operation of no less than 27 floats dealing with a myth, a tradition, kabuki, etc.
The festival car in particular is gorgeous and will be certainly that you are overwhelmed to its size.

It is worth seeing

Continuous hits of a drum, the tone of a continued whistle, and an energyful of a shout of children heap up a festival further.
The festival car is lighted up at night, and it is more fantastic, and there are brightness, and it is worth seeing.

More than one million people visit in five days

The number of spectator mobilization in the period of Hachinohe Sansha Taisai is more than one million people in five days.

All the floats gather to the main street

In the festival car, a front part and central part develop horizontally, and there is the thing with the device such as the rear rising.
Moreover, in the eve of the festival (July 31) and the post of the festival (August 4), all the floats gather to the main street of the center of the city, and the civic square in front of a municipal office.
Since the state that all the mechanisms operated can be seen thoroughly, the expressiveness of the doll and the elaborate constitution of the scene can be enjoyed.

Information

Name:	Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival
Address:	Uchimaru 1-1 Hachinohe, Aomori 031-0075 Japan
Access:	JR Hachinohe-sen Line “Honhachinohe-eki Station” (5 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81)178-46-4040 (Hachinohe-city Tourism Department)
Official site:	https://hachinohe-kanko.com/

Aomori

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Footer

Newsletter