Reviews,Local food,Transportation Information,and Map Information of Aomori Nebuta Festival and Hirosaki Castle

1.Basic Information

Located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, Aomori Prefecture is a region rich in history and culture. It boasts the cherry blossoms of Hirosaki Castle in the spring and the Aomori Nebuta Festival in the summer, which are representative tourist attractions of the Tohoku area.

Hirosaki Castle (Hirosakijyou)

Hirosaki Castle is the northernmost castle tower in Japan and is designated as a national Important Cultural Property. The castle grounds feature historic gates, bridges, and moats that still exist today. The third tier of the castle tower is adorned with a Shachihoko, a mythical fish with a tiger’s head. It is also recommended to explore the expansive Hirosaki Park by rickshaw.

Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aomori-nebuta-maturi)

Held annually from August 2nd to 7th in Aomori City, the Aomori Nebuta Festival is a large-scale festival visited by over two million tourists. It is considered one of the “Three Great Festivals of Tohoku.” The festival is unique for the large number of dancers called “Haneto” who accompany the Nebuta floats. Many tourists participate as Haneto as well.

2.Reviews

Hanaikada in Hirosaki Park

During the Hirosaki Sakura Festival held annually from late April to early May, approximately two million people from both Japan and abroad gather at Hirosaki Park. The main attraction is the Hanaikada. As the cherry blossoms start to fall, the surface of the moat surrounding the park is covered with pink petals, creating an overwhelming beauty resembling a pink carpet. It’s worth visiting at least once.

Memorial Ship Hakkoudamaru

The Hakkoudamaru, a representative ship of the Aomori-Hakodate ferry service, has been moored and preserved in Aomori since 1988. It is a historic spot cherished by many citizens. The ship features a globally rare space for transporting railway cars, and authentic postal cars from the time are displayed.

3.Local Food

Introduction to hot pot dishes using meat from all over Japan

Japanese hot pot cuisine is a dish where various ingredients are simmered in a broth. The broth, made from kelp and bonito flakes, is flavored with soy sauce or miso. Thinly sliced beef or pork, vegetables, and tofu are added. Eating together deepens the bonds with family and friends, making it especially popular during the cold seasons.

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Introduction to Eastern Japan's Yakisoba

Yakisoba is a dish made by frying boiled noodles on a griddle, seasoned with a special sauce, vegetables, and meat (mainly pork). The sauce is a crucial element that defines the flavor of yakisoba, and its characteristics vary by region. In Eastern Japan, Yokote yakisoba from Akita Prefecture is particularly famous.

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Introduction to East Japan’s  Ramen: Part 1

Introducing ramen from various parts of Eastern Japan.

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4.Transportation Information

■How to get to Hirosaki Castle
Official site of the Hirosaki Tourism Convention Association (Available in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese)
https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/

■Guide to Aomori Nebuta Festival
Official site of the Aomori Tourism Convention Association (Available in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese)
https://www.nebuta.jp/

5.Map Information