Tsugaru Neputa-mura Village, where You Can See Beautiful Hirosaki Neputa

The Tsugaru Neputa-mura Village is a hands-on visitors' facility in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, that is based on Hirosaki neputa. You can also buy souvenirs!

Click here for the 100-yen Tamenobu bus timetable (in Japanese only)

Hirosaki Castle, also Famous for Its Cherry Blossoms

Since 1903, about 2,600 cherry blossom trees have been planted within this park. Many tourists come each year to the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival. This park is designated as one of the 100 best locations in Japan for cherry blossom-viewing.

Note: The cherry blossoms bloom between late April and early May.

Experience the Appeal of Tachi Neputa All Year Round at the Tachi Neputa-no Yakata

Among the Nebuta and Neputa Festivals that represent Tohoku, the highlight would be the tachi neputa, figures that are very tall. Seeming to stretch up to the heavens, in actuality they are 22 meters tall. That rivals the height of a seven-story building. This wonderful facility lets you experience the flavor of the festival all year round with a permanent display of those tachi neputa.

Ashino Park, a favorite of Osamu Dazai

Ashino Park is a natural park with its own lake, and it is deeply loved by the local residents. With 2,200 cherry trees and 1,300 pine trees planted along the lake's edge, it is one of the top 100 locations in Japan for cherry blossom viewing. The great Japanese author Osamu Dazai often played here when he was a child, and there are paths and other monuments commemorating his presence, so you will see fans and other travelers thinking of Dazai as they stroll and ride in the boats on the lake.

Note: The cherry blossoms bloom between late April and early May.

Shayokan, for a Trip to Take in Osamu Dazai

Osamu Dazai's father was a major landholder in the Meiji era, and he owned a large two-story mansion with nineteen rooms, made primarily of Aomori cypress. Osamu Dazai lived here until the time he entered middle school. It had since been used as an inn, but it became a commemorative museum in 1998, and includes exhibits of Dazai's handwritten drafts and his own beloved items.