The navigator is JAL flight attendant Ms. Kasai. Ms. Kasai, who is originally from Hirosaki City and is active as a "JAL Hometown Ambassador," says, "You should definitely go to Hirosaki this summer." What is the reason? Find the answer in the article.
*The opening days and hours of each facility may change depending on the spread of COVID-19.
*The mask was removed only for the photo shoot.
Hirosaki's addictive point 1: Neputa
Experience the roots of Tsugaru culture with all your senses | Tsugaru Neputa Village
When talking about summer in Hirosaki, you can't leave out "Neputa." The name is widely known, but many people don't really know what it is. So, to fully enjoy Neputa, we recommend visiting "Tsugaru Han Neputa Village." In addition to Neputa displays and music demonstrations, you can also experience traditional folk crafts such as Goldfish Neputa and Tsugaru lacquerware.
Furthermore, during harvest season there is a shop selling Aomori's specialty apples and restaurants specializing in local flavors, making it a true theme park of Tsugaru culture.
At the Hirosaki Neputa Museum, you are greeted by a large 10m tall Neputa. You can also see the internal structure of the Neputa. In this space, you can listen to a staff member explain about the Neputa, as well as a live performance of flute and drum music. "One of the best parts of the Neputa is the drums. It's exciting to hear the powerful sound that resonates throughout your body," says Kasai.
Furthermore, 2022 marks the milestone year for the 300th anniversary of the Hirosaki Neputa Festival. On Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th, "Neputa" and "Nebuta" floats from inside and outside the prefecture will gather in Hirosaki for a special parade.
In addition to the Aomori Nebuta, Hirosaki Neputa, and Goshogawara Tachineputa, the Shiretoko Shari Neputa and Ojima Neputa from outside the prefecture are also scheduled to participate. Normally, you can only see the two Neputa in their own places, but now you can enjoy them at the same time in the same place. This is the best reason to go to Hirosaki this summer. Don't miss this memorable timing.
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On this day, Tsugaru shamisen player Sachimi Yamada, who has won the Tsugaru Shamisen World Championship, gave a performance. After that, I was given some instruction on how to hold the plectrum and other basics of the shamisen while I performed.
After your shamisen experience, head to the Tsugaru Warehouse Workshop "Takumi," which is housed in a rice storehouse from the Tsugaru domain. Here, you can purchase traditional handicrafts representative of Tsugaru, such as "Tsugaru lacquerware," "Kogin embroidery," "Kokeshi dolls," "Spinning tops," "Tsugaru pottery," and "Tsugaru Nishikie (Neputa paintings and kite paintings)." You can also observe the manufacturing process.
In the folk crafts making experience, I tried my hand at painting a "Goldfish Neputa" (1,150 yen). The motif of the Goldfish Neputa is a goldfish called Tsugaru Nishiki, which was bred during the Edo period. It is said that the Goldfish Neputa was born because it was loved as a "goldfish that brings good luck."
Festival lovers, food lovers and music lovers will surely find something they like. Tsugaru Neputa Village is a place that encapsulates the charm of Hirosaki.
Tsugaru Domain Neputa Village
| address | ： | 61 Kikkocho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 0172-39-1511 |
| web | ： | http://neputamura.com/ |
Hirosaki's addictive spot 2: "Dakekimi"
Enjoy the timeless sweetness of Dakekimi at Restaurant Kozakura
Hirosaki's specialty "Dakekimi" is corn that is only grown on the Dake Plateau at the foot of Mt. Iwaki. The sugar content of freshly harvested "Dakekimi" is an astounding 18 degrees! It is said to be as sweet as melon or even sweeter.
We visited Restaurant Kozakura, which is attached to the farm shop Noichigo. The restaurant is popular for its menu, which mainly features freshly picked local vegetables, including the vegetable farm lunch (1,000 yen), which is limited to 10 meals per day, and also has a wide selection of dishes using Dakekimi.
The first dish on the menu is "Takekimi Tempura" (500 yen). It is made by coating thinly sliced "Takekimi" in batter and deep frying it. A light sprinkling of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the "Takekimi", making it a simple yet delicious dish that allows you to enjoy the taste of the ingredients. Kasai said, "The sweetness of Takekimi is not cloying, but it's addictive!" and he couldn't stop eating.
The "Dakekimi Miso Ramen" (980 yen) is characterized by its shape, which resembles the towering Mt. Iwaki. The uniquely blended miso gives the soup a rich flavor and mixes well with the noodles.
The "Dakekimi Parfait" (880 yen) is a luxurious dessert made with everything from Dakekimi, including roll cake, monaka, waffle cookies, Dakekimi soft serve ice cream, and lightly browned Dakekimi. "Not only can you fully enjoy the sweetness of the Dakekimi, but you can also enjoy the granular texture, making it delicious!" says Kasai.
Restaurant Kozakura is operated by the agricultural production corporation ANEKKO. They also run an online shopping site that delivers Aomori products such as the Aomori brand "Dakekimi," sweets made with "Dakekimi," Aomori apples, and processed agricultural products directly from the source.
On this day, we were given a tour of the Takekimi fields by the kindness of ANEKKO's representative, Mr. Murakami. The location is right in front of the majestic Mount Iwaki. The Take area is 400-500m above sea level, and from the end of summer the temperature difference between day and night can be as much as 10°C or more. This is why the corn that grows here is so sweet and rich in flavor.
Reference: The maximum temperature in Hirosaki in August 2021 was 35.6°C, and the minimum temperature was 15.1°C. Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
"Dakekimi" is harvested from mid-August to late September. During this time, you can see "Dakekimi" farmers' direct sales shops in the Dake and Hyakuzawa areas. In addition to raw "Dakekimi", you can also enjoy freshly boiled or grilled "Dakekimi".
The product Kasai is holding in his hand is ANEKKO's new product "Kuma-san's Premium Vacuum Packed Gokukimi" (800 yen). It is made by quickly heating freshly picked "Dakekimi" and then vacuum packing it. It can be eaten as is, so it is also recommended for those who want to enjoy "Dakekimi" at home.
Restaurant Kozakura
| address | ： | Aomori Prefecture Hirosaki City Miyajikawazoe 77-4 Direct sales store Noichi Sato |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 0172-82-1055 |
| web | ： | http://www.anekko.com/ (ANEKKO) |
Hirosaki's addictive point 3: "Hot springs even in summer!"
According to Kasai, "Many Hirosaki residents enjoy hot springs all year round." The reason why hot springs are listed as a "summer recommendation" in Hirosaki is clear: "Soaking in a hot spring is the perfect way to end a series of experiences."
Iwakisan Shrine: A tranquil place where Mount Iwaki, Tsugaru Fuji, is worshiped as a sacred object
When you stand at the torii gate at the entrance to Iwakisan Shrine, you'll see the stone-paved approach stretching straight up to Mt. Iwaki. This is a recommended photo spot. Each season has its own charm, but there's a powerful beauty in the summer scenery, where the blue of the sky and the green of the plants stand out.
Iwakiyama Shrine has a history of over 1,200 years since its founding. Mt. Iwaki, the object of worship, has been affectionately referred to as "Oiwaki-sama" or "Oyama" since ancient times, and is an irreplaceable symbol for the people of Tsugaru.
The Oyama Pilgrimage will be held from August 25th to August 27th, 2022. It is an event held on August 1st of the lunar calendar where people climb the mountain in groups to pray for bountiful harvests and safety in their homes. The three days of the Oyama Pilgrimage are called "Mukaiyama," "Yoiyama," and "Sakujiyama," and are open to the public.
After climbing the stairs and passing through the middle gate, you will find the worship hall. Kasai has been there several times, but he says that he is always overwhelmed by the size and grandeur of the shrine. "It's so beautiful...! I was so fascinated that I forgot to take pictures," says Kasai. The main hall is so beautiful that it has been nicknamed "Nikko of the Deep North," and the colorful carvings are magnificent. They stand out against the summer sky.
Iwakisan Shrine, said to be Tsugaru's most powerful spot, is sure to leave anyone who visits feeling refreshed.
Iwakiyama Shrine, guardian of the north gate
| address | ： | 27 Hyakuzawajizawa, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 0172-83-2135 |
| web | ： | https://iwakiyamajinja.or.jp/ |
Kojima Ryokan: A long-established inn in Dake Onsen that has been in business for 350 years
Located at the foot of Mt. Iwaki, "Dake Onsen" was opened by the fourth feudal lord of Tsugaru, Tsugaru Nobumasa, and has been a popular hot spring resort for 350 years among the people of Tsugaru. The "Kojima Ryokan" we visited is a long-established hot spring inn in Dake Onsen, run by Mr. Kojima, who is currently the eighth generation owner.
Kojima Ryokan offers 100% natural spring water, a milky, sulfur-containing acidic spring that flows from Mt. Iwaki. Relax in the bathtub, made entirely from Aomori cypress, and soothe your everyday fatigue. This is an important time to slowly face your own heart.
Visit Iwakisan Shrine and refresh your body and mind in Dake Onsen. It is only by experiencing this flow that you can feel as if your soul has been purified.
Kojima Ryokan
| address | ： | Tokiwano Yunosawa 20, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 0172-83-2130 |
| web | ： | http://kojimaryokan.com/ |
"When I looked at Hirosaki from the perspective of summer, I found even more reasons to love it," Kasai reflected. The traditions and culture that have been passed down from the feudal era must be a source of healing and strength to people living today. This is what makes it so addictive and appealing to so many people. Why not take a trip this summer to experience the charm of Hirosaki in depth?
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*This article was updated in part on August 4, 2022.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
