This past weekend (September 18- September 22), Hirosaki had an Autumn Festival in replacement of not being able to have the Cherry Blossom Festival as well as Nebuta. This festival is happening in tandem with the the Autumn Sakura Light Festival, which started September 16 and goes till November 8 (光の桜紅葉).
Iwakiya Honten 岩木屋本店
Today I went for a nice little stroll on the mountain. The road leading up to Mt. Iwaki has a nice walking path with small sets of stairs and bridges. For most of the year it’s buried under snow, but in the fall and spring you can walk along it to look at the trees … Continue reading Iwakiya Honten 岩木屋本店
Dake-Kimi 嶽きみ
Have you ever heard of dake-kimi? If you live in Aomori the name might sound familiar, but it’s most easily recognizable in Hirosaki! Kimi is the Tsugaru word for tomorokoshi, meaning corn. Dake is the name of the district at the foot of Mt. Iwaki. So in short Dake-kimi means corn grown and harvested in … Continue reading Dake-Kimi 嶽きみ
Hirosaki Castle Park 弘前公園
Hirosaki is famous for it’s beautiful cherry blossoms and delicious apples. The most famous place in Hirosaki is definitely the Castle Park. This is where you can find the cherry blossoms in spring, beautiful chrysanthemums in Autumn, impressive sculptures made of snow in winter, and lush green trees in summer. The park is a great … Continue reading Hirosaki Castle Park 弘前公園
Nebuta Village ねぶた村
An all-encompassing Tsugaru experience~
Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival
It’s been a year since I first moved to Japan for the JET Programme. The first thing I got to experience in Aomori was Nebuta. Even though I arrived too late to see Hirosaki Neputa and Aomori City Nebuta, I was lucky to catch Goshogawara Tachineputa. First I want to talk a little bit about … Continue reading Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival
Tsuta Onsen 蔦温泉
In February, I stayed in a ryokan at Tsuta Onsen for my birthday! This was the first ryokan I’ve stayed in since moving to Japan. Just in case you don’t know, a ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn that features tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata. … Continue reading Tsuta Onsen 蔦温泉
Yukata (浴衣)- History
Hello everyone! My name is Courtney and I am now a 2nd year ALT in Hirosaki, Aomori! Iwaki Mama and I are good friends and have been talking about writing for each other for a little while now so I come to you today with my first post for this wonderful blog! I will be … Continue reading Yukata (浴衣)- History
The Five-Storied Pagoda at Saishoin 最勝院五重塔
Hirosaki is home to many beautiful and historic landmarks, one of which is the Five-Storied Pagoda at Saishoin. The pagoda is said to be the most beautiful pagoda in all of Tohoku.
Kabushima Shrine (蕪嶋神社) In Spring
Famous for the overabundance of seagulls. This shrine is covered in birds from the month of May.
