Tuesday 28 June 2016

Misawa Tanabata Festival 2016

Misawa Tanabata Festival 2016
みさわ七夕まつり2016
(Misawa Tanabata Matsuri)

Tanabata (a.k.a. Star Festival) is a festival in honour of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi (Vega and Altair) who are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. The Misawa Tanabata Festival features Tanabata streamer decorations and various performances.

Misawa Tanabata Festival 2016 poster 平成28年みさわ七夕まつり ポスター matsuri

Date: July 29-31, 2016
Location: American Hiroba (parking lot of Sky Plaza Misawa) アメリカン広場 (map)
Admission: Free

Tsugaru City Nebuta Festival 2016

Tsugaru City Nebuta Festival 2016
つがる市ネブタまつり
(Tsugaru-shi Nebuta Matsuri)

The earliest of the many Nebuta/Neputa festivals in Aomori Prefecture, Tsugaru Nebuta Festival features both human and fan-shaped floats as well as a kenka daiko festival music battle.
Tsugaru City Nebuta Festival 2016 poster

Date: July 26-28, 2016
Time: July 26 & 28: 19:00~; July 27: 18:30~
Location: Tsugaru City Kizukuri Area つがる市木造地区 (map)
Admission: Free
Schedule:
  • July 26, 19:00~ Opening Ceremony
  • July 27
      18:30~ Parade Start
      20:00~ Kenka Daiko Festival Music Competition
  • July 28, 19:00~ Parade Start



More Information:
Tsugaru Brand Website (Japanese): http://www.tsugarubrand.jp/web/detail.html?id=00002745

Monday 27 June 2016

Firefly Festival in Nakadomari 2016

Firefly Festival in Nakadomari 2016
第11回ホタルまつりinなかどまり
(Hotaru Matsuri in Nakadomari)

Firefly viewing event in Nakadomari Town.

Firefly Festival in Nakadomari ホタルまつりinなかどまり
Date: July 23-24, 2016
Time: 18:00-21:00
Admission: Free?
Location: Nakadomari Hotaru no Sato (Takinosawa Furusato Sabouai Land)
中泊町 ホタルの里(滝ノ沢ふるさと砂防愛ランド)(map)
Schedule:
  • 19:00~ Opening Ceremony
  • 20:00~ Firefly Viewing

Goshogawara Tachineputa 2016

Goshogawara Tachineputa 2016 立佞武多

Goshogawara Tachineputa 五所川原立佞武多

Goshogawara Tachineputa features extremely tall, towering Neputa floats. The average float is 20 metres tall! The oldest records of Tachineputa date back to 1907, but with the increase in electrical power lines during the Taisho Period (1912-1926), the size of the floats had to be scaled back. Then two devastating post-war fires destroyed records and schematics for the large floats and consequently Tachineputa was lost to obscurity until schematics and pictures were found in 1993, enabling the revival of the tradition. But even then it took several years to re-wire the city's power lines to create a safe path for the floats, so the revival of Goshogawara's Tachineputa Festival didn't come about until 1998--nearly 80 years since the last time the event had been held!  

Festival "Shout": Yattemare, yattemare!
Dates: August 4-8
Location: Central Goshogawara City (map)
Schedule:
    (August 3: Festival Eve: Fireworks (19:30 start))
    August 4-8: Night Time Parade (19:00 start)
Admission: Free (paid seating available)
Paid Seating:
    General Notes/Cautions:
  • Wheelchair seating is separate from the paid seating area.
  • Smoking is prohibited in the paid seating area.
  • Pets are not allowed in the paid seating area.
  • Refunds will only be issued in the event that the event is cancelled due to weather, etc.

  • Ticket Purchase Locations:

    Machinaka Goshogawara
    Cost: 3000yen
    Cancellation Fee: 1500yen/seat Sale Period: March 22, 2016 10:00~
    Ticket Pick-Up/Delivery Period: July 11-31 Purchase Method: Email, Fax, or In-Person
      Machinaka Goshogawara 株式会社まちなか五所川原 (map
      (Tachineputa Paid Seating Division 立佞武多有料観覧席係)
      Hours: 10:00~17:00
      Email: ap-91125[at]machinaka-go.co.jp
      FAX: 0173-33-6338 (24 Hours)
      TEL: 0173-33-6338
      Website: http://www.machinaka-go.co.jp/
    Reservation Form Downloads: Fax/In-Person, Email
    (Sample English/Japanese Form)
    Tachineputa 2016 Machinaka Goshogawara Paid Seating Sample Reservation Form English/Japanese 平成28年 立佞武多有料観覧席(個人用)申込書 まちなか五所川原 英和
    Notes/Cautions:
  • Money transfer (payment) and postage fees are the responsibility of the ticket purchaser.
  • Delivery Fees:
    • Tohoku: 756yen
    • Kanto, Shinetsu (Nagano & Niigata): 864yen
    • Hokkaido, Hokuriku (Toyama, Ishikawa & Fukui), Chubu: 972yen
    • Kansai: 1080yen
    • Chugoku: 1188yen
    • Shikoku: 1296yen
    • Kyushu: 1404yen
    • Okinawa: 1620yen
  • Seating Availability as of June 25, 13:00
    Aug 4Aug 5Aug 6Aug 7Aug 8
    Remaining Seats
    0
    150
    0
    160
    90

  • Goshogawara Chamber of Commerce & Industry
    Cost: 2500yen
    Cancellation Fee: 1500yen/seat (June 10-July 1)
    (Once tickets have been paid for, refunds cannot be issued)
    Sale Period: April 25, 2016, 9:00~
    Ticket Pick-Up/Delivery Period:
    Purchase Method: Fax or In-Person
    Notes/Cautions:
  • If payment has not been received by July 1, reservations will be cancelled.
  • Ticket delivery fees are the responsibility of the ticket purchaser.




Website:Tachineputa no Yakata (Japanese)
More Information: Aomori Sightseeing Guide: Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai 2016

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai 2016
2016 八戸三社大祭 (Hachinohe Three Shrine Grand Festival)

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai 2016 poster 平成28年八戸三社大祭 ポスター Hachinohe Three Shrine Grand Festival

Although perhaps not quite as well known as the Nebuta/Neputa festivals of Aomori, Hirosaki, and Goshogawara, Hachinohe's Sansha Taisai is another famous summer festival in Aomori. It has a history of over 290 years and was recognized in 2004 as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

It is a festival for 3 major Shinto shrines in Hachinohe, Ogami Shrine (おがみ神社), Shinra Shrine (新羅神社), and Shinmei Shrine (神明宮). The festival features a parade of 27 large dashi floats, mikoshi (portable shrines) from the 3 shrines, and Toramai tiger dancing, etc., as well as other events such as Kagami-style Kiba Dakyu (a polo-like horseback sport).

Friday 24 June 2016

Kamikita Summer Festival 2016

Kamikita Summer Festival 2016
2016 かみきた夏まつり
(Kamikita Natsu Matsuri)

A summer festival with something for everyone: a drinking rally, basketball tournaments, festival food and games, etc.
Kamikita Summer Festival 2016 poster 平成28年かみきた夏まつり ポスター 東北町 Tohoku Town
Date: July 2-3, 2016
Time: July 2: 19:00-21:00; July 3: 10:00-17:00
Location: Kamikitacho Station Plaza 上北町駅前広場 (map)
Admission: Free (some paid events)

Lake Towada 80th Anniversary Fireworks Display

Lake Towada 80th Anniversary Fireworks Display
十和田湖花火大会
(Towadako Hanabi Taikai)

A special fireworks display to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the designation of Lake Towada and Mount Hakkoda as part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
Lake Towada 80th Anniversary Fireworks Display poster 2016 平成28年 十和田湖花火大会 ポスター Towadako Hanabi Taikai 十和田八幡平国立公園十和田八甲田地域指定80周年
Date: Saturday July 9, 2016
(Rain Date: Sunday July 10)
Time: 19:30-20:00
Location: Open Space by Yasumiya Pier 休屋桟橋前広場 (map)
Admission: Free
Events/Attractions: Fireworks Viewing Cruise (limited spaces, reservations required)


Yasumiya Pier 休屋桟橋
Towada-16 Okuse (青森県十和田市奥瀬十和田16)
Towada-shi, Aomori-ken 034-0301


More Information:
The Official Portal of the City of Towada (Japanese): http://www.city.towada.lg.jp/docs/2016060300040/

Thursday 23 June 2016

Aomori Nebuta 2016

Aomori Nebuta 2016 青森ねぶた


Aomori Nebuta is one of the most well known Japanese summer festivals both domestically and internationally. In 1980 it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. Aomori Nebuta floats mostly feature human figures. When they come to an intersection, the floats are spun around at an impressive speed considering their size. Anyone dressed in the appropriate garb (many shops offer costume rental and dressing services) is welcome to join in the jumping and shouting, making Aomori Nebuta a lively and interactive experience.

Festival "Shout": Rassera, rassera!
Dates: August 2-7
Location: Central Aomori City (map)
Schedule: 
    (August 1: Festival Eve: Performances (18:00 start)
         Fireworks (19:00 start))
    August 2-3: Children's Neputa & Large Floats (19:10 start)
    August 4-6 Large Floats (19:10 start)
    August 7: Daytime Large Floats Parade (13:00 start)
         Fireworks & Boat Parade (19:15 start)
Admission: Free (paid seating available)
Paid Seating: (Seating Area Opens 17:30)
(Includes Souvenir Pamphlet)

Aomori Nebuta 2016 Seating Map & Configuration Images 平成28年青森ねぶた個人観覧席設置場所 席の形態
    Advance Purchase Period:
      August 2-6 Seats
    • TicketPia, Lawson Ticket, Aomori Portal Site Pomitto! Ticket, Seven Ticket: July 10 (Sat), 10:00~
    • Aomori Stores, etc. (in person only): July 1 (Fri), 10:00~

    • August 2-6 Wheelchair Seating & August 7 Seats
    • Aomori Tourism and Convention Bureau (phone & in-person): July 1 (Fri), 9:00~
    Ticket Prices
    • Reserved Seats (Aug 2-7): 2600yen
    • Non-Reserved Seats (Aug 2, 4-6): 2300yen
      (31号 Wooden Box Stand Seating, free seating within specified block)
    • Wheelchair Seating (Aug 2-6): 2000yen
      (~20 seats/day, Max. 1 attendant (2600yen))
    • August 7 Afternoon Nebuta & Fireworks Set: 6600yen

    Notes/Cautions:
  • All seats are reserved other than the 31号 Wooden Box Stand Seats
  • Reserving seats in the non-reserved seating area using signs, personal items, etc. is prohibited.
  • Maximum of 9 tickets per person (purchases of 10+ seats require group seating)
  • Pets are not allowed within the seating areas
  • Please inquire about permission for seeing eye dogs and service dogs before purchasing tickets
  • Smoking in the seating areas is prohibited
  • Please be considerate of others when eating/drinking in the seating area. All garbage should be taken home.
  • Seat selection is done automatically by computer for purchases made through kiosks, phone, or online. It is not possible to select specific seats.

  • Ticket Purchase Methods
    (〇= Available, ― = Not Available, △ = Limited Quantities)
    TicketPia/
    Lawson Ticket
    Pomitto!Seven TicketAomori StoresAomori Tourism & Convention Bureau
    1号 Box Seating
    3号 Elevated Box Seating
    4号 Box Seating
    5号 Box Seating
    9号 Chairs
    11号 Box Seating
    12号 Box Seating
    27号・30号 Chairs
    31号 Wooden Box Stand Seating
    44号 Box Seating
    81号 Box Seating
    90号 Chairs
    91号 Chairs
    30号 Wheelchair Seating
    August 7 Seats

    TicketPia (P-Code 632-830)
    • Kiosks (Circle K/Sunkus, Seven Eleven, etc.)
      Circle K/Sunkus: 7/2 Only 10:00-02:00; From 7/3 05:30-02:00
      Seven Eleven: 24hr, Daily (Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
    • Phone (0570-02-999)
      24hr, Daily (Tue. & Wed. 02:30-05:30 closed for system maintenance)
      (System Fee: 216yen + Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
    • Internet (http://t.pia.jp/)
      (System Fee: 216yen + Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen (+Delivery Fee: 617yen, + Etc.))
    Lawson Ticket (L-Code 25555)
    24hr, Daily
    • Kiosks (Lawson, Mini-Stop, etc.)
      (Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
    • Phone (0570-84-002)
      (System Fee: 216yen + Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
    • Internet (http://l-tike.com/)
      (System Fee: 216yen + Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen (+Delivery Fee, etc.))
    Pomitto (http://www.pomit.jp/?p=15316)
    Ticket Pick-Up Locations:
    • Sakurano Department Stores
      ・Aomori (map)
      ・Hirosaki (map)
      ・Hachinohe (map)
    • Sun Road Aomori (map)
    • Elm Mall (Goshogawara) (map)
    Seven Ticket
    24hr, Daily
    • In-Store Copy Machines
      Select "Ticket"「チケット」→ "Seven Ticket"「セブンチケット」→ Keyword Search "Nebuta" キーワード検索「ねぶた」
    • Internet (http://7ticket.jp/sp/nebuta/)
      (Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
    Aomori Stores
    • JTB Aomori (map)
      Mon-Fri 10:00-17:30, closed weekends & holidays
    • Kinki Nippon Tourist (map)
      Mon-Fri :30-17:30, closed weekends & holidays
    • Nippon Tourist Agency (map)
      Mon-Fri :30-17:30, closed weekends & holidays
    • Tobu Top Tours (map)
      Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00, closed weekends & holidays
    • Meitetsu Kankou Service (map)
      Mon-Fri 9:30-17:00, closed weekends & holidays
    • Ntour (map)
      Mon-Fri 9:00-17:30, closed weekends & holidays
    Aomori Tourism & Convention Bureau (map)
      Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-16:30, closed weekends & holidays
      TEL: 017-723-7211
      Payment & Delivery: Tickets will be mailed COD.
      (Fees will be outlined at time of reservation)

Aomori Nebuta 青森ねぶた

Website: http://www.nebuta.jp/
More Information: Aomori Sightseeing Guide: Aomori Nebuta Festival

Tsugaru Dialect Competition 2016

Tsugaru Dialect Competition 2016
第20回外国青年による津軽弁大会2016

(Gaikoku Seinen ni Yoru Tsugaru-ben Taikai)

A competition for non-Japanese to show off their Tsugaru-ben (regional dialect of western Aomori) skills through skits, dance, etc.

Tsugaru Dialect Competition 2016 第20回外国青年による津軽弁大会 平成28年 鶴田町 Gaikoku Seinen ni Yoru Tsugaru-ben Taikai Tsuruta Town

Date: Saturday July 2, 2016
Time: 15:00~ (Doors open 14:30)
Location: Kokusai Kouryuu Kaikan (Tsuruta Town Office) 国際交流会館(鶴田町役場)(map)
Admission: Free

Kokusai Kouryuu Kaikan 国際交流会館
Hayase-200-1 (青森県北津軽郡鶴田町鶴田早瀬200−1)
Tsuruta Town, Kitatsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture 038-3503
TEL: 0173-22-2111


More Information:
Tsuruta Town Website (Japanese): http://www.town.tsuruta.aomori.jp/event/post-177.html

Wednesday 22 June 2016

Hirosaki Neputa 2016

Hirosaki Neputa 2016 弘前ねぷた

Hirosaki Neputa 2016 poster 弘前ねぷた 平成28年 ポスター

Hirosaki Neputa features fan-shaped with illustrations representing images and themes from Chinese literature such as The Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin. There is often nudity and/or grotesque images such as severed heads and bloodied people depicted on Hirosaki Neputa. The often darker tone and relatively smaller size of the floats, as well as the strong involvement of community groups in the making of the floats as well as in participating in the parade itself give Hirosaki Neputa an intimate feeling that belies the size of the event.

Festival "Shout": Yayado, yayado!
Dates: August 1-7
Location: Central Hirosaki (map) Schedule: 
    August 1-4: Dotemachi Course (19:00 start)
    August 5-6: Ekimae Course (19:00 start)
    August 7: Nanuka-bi (Final Day) Dotemachi Nanuka-bi Course (10:00 start)
Admission: Free (paid seating available)
Paid Seating: (Seating Area Opens 17:30)


(Includes Hirosaki apple juice and Neputa uchiwa fan souvenirs)
    Advance Purchase Period: July 1-24, 2016

    DOTEMACHI COURSE (Aug. 1-4)

  • Sakura Odori Reserved Seats (chairs)
    Cost: 1800yen
    Purchase Methods:
    In-Person
    • 弘前市立観光館 Hirosaki Kankokan (map)
    • 弘前市まちなか情報センター Hirosaki Machinaka Jouhou Center (map)
    TicketPia (P-Code 632-779)
    • Kiosks (Circle K/Sunkus, Seven Eleven, etc.)
      (Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
    • Phone (0570-02-999)
      24hr, Daily (Tue. & Wed. 02:30-05:30 closed for system maintenance)
      (System Fee: 216yen + Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
    • Internet (http://t.pia.jp/)
      (System Fee: 216yen + Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)

  • Sakura Odori Unreserved Wooden Elevated Seats
    Cost: Adults: 1800yen; Elementary School Students: 900yen
    Purchase Locations:
    • 弘前市立観光館 Hirosaki Kankokan (map)
    • 弘前市まちなか情報センター Hirosaki Machinaka Jouhou Center (map)
  • Hirosaki Neputa Festival 2016 Paid Seating Map Dotemachi Course 平成28年弘前ねぷたまつり有料観覧席案内図 土手町コース
    Dotemachi Course Paid Seating Map

    EKIMAE COURSE (Aug. 5-6)

  • Ekimae Reserved Seats (chairs)
    Cost: 1800yen
    Purchase Methods:
    In-Person
    • 弘前市立観光館 Hirosaki Kankokan (map)
    • 弘前市まちなか情報センター Hirosaki Machinaka Jouhou Center (map)
    TicketPia (P-Code 632-779)
    • Kiosks (Circle K/Sunkus, Seven Eleven, etc.)
      (Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
    • Phone (0570-02-999)
      24hr, Daily (Tue. & Wed. 02:30-05:30 closed for system maintenance)
      (System Fee: 216yen + Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
    • Internet (http://t.pia.jp/)
      (System Fee: 216yen + Ticket Printing Fee: 108yen)
  • Hirosaki Neputa Festival 2016 Paid Seating Map Ekimae Course 平成28年弘前ねぷたまつり有料観覧席案内図 駅前コース
    Ekimae Course Paid Seating Map



Website: Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau: Hirosaki Neputa Festival Information
More Information:Aomori Sightseeing Guide: Hirosaki Neputa Festival

Aomori Kyodokan Special Exhibit "Spirit of the Sword"

Aomori Kyodokan Special Exhibit: July 15, 2016 (Fri.) – August 28, 2016 (Sun.)

Spirit of the Sword (刀剣魂 touken damashii)

An exhibit exploring swords throughout Aomori and Japan's history, as well as in modern culture and folklore.
Spirit of the Sword Aomori Kyodokan Special Exhibit flyer front 青森県立郷土館特別展 刀剣魂 チラシ表 touken damashii 平成28年 2016

Kyodokan Hours: 9:00-18:00 Daily (last admission 17:30)
Admission:
  • Adult: 500yen at door (400yen advance ticket)
  • High School & University Students: 240yen at door (200yen advance ticket)
  • Junior High School Students & Younger: Free

Tuesday 21 June 2016

Aomori TKG Festival 2016

Aomori Tamago Kake Gohan Matsuri 2016 (Aomori Raw Egg on Rice Festival)
あおもりたまごかけごはんまつり
Tamagao kake gohan ("TKG") is a simple and popular Japanese dish: just crack a raw egg onto a bowl of warm rice and add soy sauce/other condiments to taste. Try TKG with various locally made soy sauces and different types of eggs at the Aomori Tamago Kake Gohan Matsuri.

Tamago Kake Gohan Raw Egg on Rice 卵かけご飯

Date: July 1-3, 2016
Time: 10:00-15:00
Location: Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center "Aspam" 1st Floor Event Hall
青森県観光物産館アスパム1階イベントホール (Map)
Admission: Free

Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center "Aspam" 青森県観光物産館アスパム
1-1-40 Yasukata (青森県青森市安方1丁目1-40)
Aomori, Aomori 030-0803
017-735-5311


More Information:
Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center Aspam Website (Japanese): http://www.aomori-kanko.or.jp/web/event_detail.html?id=00003985

Hirosaki Bar-Gai 2016 Vol 11

Hirosaki Bar-Gai 2016 Vol 11 弘前バル街

Enjoy a summer night of eating, drinking, and performances in Hirosaki.

Hirosaki Bar-Gai 2016 Vol 11 弘前バル街 flyer チラシ

Date: Saturday July 9, 2016
Time: 14:00-24:00
Location: Various (Hirosaki City, Aomori)
Events:
  • 17:00~ Opening Ceremony
    (かだれ横丁前 In front of Kadare Yokocho (map)) 
  • 18:00~ Performances 
    • かだれ横丁 Kadare Yokocho (map)
    • 土手町コミュニティパーク Dotemachi Community Park (website)
    • フォーク酒BARてふてふ Folk Saka Bar Chou Chou (map)
    • レストラン山崎 Restaurant Yamazaki (map)
  • 16:00-21:00 Kumamoto Earthquake Fundraising Bar
    (かだれ横丁前 In front of Kadare Yokocho (map)) 
Admission: Tickets for food/drink purchase
Tickets: 1 book = 5 tickets
   Advance Purchase: 3500yen; Day-Of: 4000yen
Special Present: Owani Line Round Trip Fare Ticket with Bar-Gai Ticket Purchase
(Chuo Hirosaki Station 中央弘前駅⇔ Hirosaki Gakuin Mae Station 弘前学院大前駅)

Monday 20 June 2016

Towadako Kosui Matsuri 2016

Towadako Kosui Matsuri 2016 (Lake Towada Lake Festival)
十和田湖湖水まつり 2016
Official Website (Japanese): http://www.kosuimaturi.com/

Fireworks by Lake Towada, performances, and various other events!
Lake Towada Lake Festival 2016 poster 平成28年十和田湖湖水まつり ポスター

Date: July 16-17, 2015 (Sat.-Sun.)
Time: 9:00~22:00
Location: Lake Towada, Yasumiya 十和田湖畔 休屋 (map)
Admission: Free

Towada Summer Dance & Miss Yukata Contest 2016

Towada Summer Dance & Miss Yukata Contest 2016
第9回とわだ夏おどり&第7回ゆかたの似合う女性コンテスト

(Towada Natsu Odori & Yukata no Niau Josei Contest)

Enjoy dancing various local folk dances in yukata (summer cotton kimono) in Towada Central Park.
Towada Summer Dance & Miss Yukata Contest 2016 poster 平成28年 第9回とわだ夏おどり 第7回ゆかたの似合う女性コンテスト ポスター 十和田市

Date: Thursday August 11, 2016 (Mountain Day Holiday)
Time: 16:00-21:00
Location: Towada Central Park (Chuo Koen) 十和田市中央公園緑地 (map)
Admission: Free

Monday 13 June 2016

Towada Nouryou Festival 2016

Towada Nouryou Matsuri 2016
2016十和田納涼まつり

A festival to enjoy the cool of summer evenings with food, drink, and entertainment!

Towada Nouryou Matsuri 2016 poster 平成28年十和田納涼まつり ポスター

Date: Friday July 22, 2016 (rain or shine)
Time: 17:00-20:30
Location: Towada Sumo Dohyo 市相撲所 (Map)
Admission: 1500yen (price includes 2 drinks & 2 types of drinking snacks, food & drinks will also be available for purchase at the venue)

Friday 10 June 2016

Oirase Roman Park Festival 2016

Oirase Roman Park Festival 2016
奥入瀬ろまんパークフェスティバル 2016

Enjoy various performances, giveaways and more at the Michi Eki Towada "Oirase Roman Park" Festival.

Oirase Roman Park Festival 2016 poster 平成28年奥入瀬ろまんパークフェスティバル 十和田市 Towada City

Date: July 2-3, 2016
Time:10:00-16:00 (Sat. Jul. 2); 9:30-16:00 (Sun. Jul. 3)
Location: Oirase Roman Park 奥入瀬ろまんパーク (Map)
Admission: Free

Hirosaki Castle Dance & Performance Festival 2016

Hirosaki Castle Dance & Performance Festival 2016
弘前城ダンス&パフォーマンスフェスティバル 2016


A summer weekend of dance competitions, music, art, and more!

Red Bull BC One Hirosaki Cypher
(Breaking Competition, Nagoya World Final Qualifier)
Red Bull BC One Hirosaki Cypher poster breaking competition Nagoya World Final Japan Qualifier Hirosaki University 弘前大学

Date: Saturday July 2, 2016
Time: 16:00-20:00
Location: Hirosaki University 弘前大学 (map)
(Outdoors or in the 50th Anniversary Building 50周年記念会館 in the event of rain)
(*NO PARKING at the university*)
Admission: Free
Events/Attractions: Red Bull BC One Japan Representative Qualifier, etc.


Hirosaki University 弘前大学
1 Bunkyōchō (青森県弘前市文京町1 文京町1)
Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture 036-8560


More Information:
Red Bull BC One Website (Japanese): http://redbullbcone.jp/


Shiro Fes 2016
Shiro Fes 2016 poster Hirosaki Castle Park 弘前市 弘前城 弘前公園

Date: Sunday July 3, 2016
Time: 11:00-21:00
Location: Hirosaki Castle Honmaru, Hirosaki Park 弘前公園 弘前城本丸 (map)
Admission: Free* (*events in park paid zone require admission fees)
Events/Attractions:
  • 11:00-20:00 Live Painting (Aomori-Born Artists)
  • 11:30-20:30 Free Art Space
  • 13:00-19:00 POP 1on1 BATTLE "SAMURAI" Asia Final
  • 13:00-19:00 ​FREESTYLE 2on2 BATTLE "FUNKY STADIUM"
  • 17:00~ Free Apple Pie
    (700 pieces from one giant apple pie)
  • 19:30-20:30 Free Portrait Photography Session
    (Registration from 17:00, limited to first 30 people/groups)
  • Dance Show Case
  • Hirosaki Castle Projection Mapping
  • Street Performance Festival
  • Mascot Character Appearances
  • Live Music & DJ Time
  • Street Dodge Ball
  • Food Stalls
  • Etc.

Hirosaki Castle Honmaru 弘前城本丸
1 Shimoshiroganecho (青森県弘前市下白銀町1)
Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture 036-8356


More Information:
Shiro Fes 2016 Website (Japanese): http://studiofunkystadium.wix.com/hirosakicastlefes

Thursday 9 June 2016

Mutsu Hashigo Sake Rally in Ominato 2016

Mutsu Hashigo* Sake Rally in Ominato 2016
第23回 走五酒ラリーin大湊

An event where participants must go to five different establishments and finish a drink there in order to collect stamps. Participants who fill their stamp card within the time limit are eligible to participate in a prize draw. The grand prize is a voucher for a Shimokita area onsen stay for two.
Mutsu Hashigo* Sake Rally in Ominato 2016 poster 平成28年 第23回 走五酒ラリーin大湊 ポスター
(*The name is a pun. "Hashigozake" is usually written with the kanji for "ladder" + "alcohol" (梯子酒 ) and means to go around to various places drinking (bar hopping). This event name, however,  combines the characters for "run" and "five" reflecting the nature of the event--running around and trying "sake" (alcohol) at five different places.)

Date: Saturday, June 25, 2016
Time: 18:00-20:00 (Registration from 17:00)
Location:
  • Registration/Prize-Drawing: Ominato Parking Lot 大湊駐車場 (map
  • Various Drinking Establishments
Participation Fee: 2500 yen Advance, 3000yen At-Door

Sai Sea Urchin Festival 2016

Sai Sea Urchin Festival 2016
第11回佐井村 うに祭り
(Sai-mura Uni Matsuri)

Enjoy fresh sea urchin on rice for 1000yen.
Sai Sea Urchin Festival 2016 poster 平成28年 第11回佐井村 うに祭り ポスター Uni Matsuri

Date: June 18-19, 2016
Time: 10:00-14:00
(Sea Urchin Rice Bowl Ticket Distribution from 9:00)
Location: Location: Tsugaru Kaikyo Bunkakan Arusasu Shiosai Hall
津軽海峡文化館アルサス しおさいホール (map)

Monday 6 June 2016

Inakadate Rice Field Art 2016

Inakadate Rice Field Art 2016
第24回田舎館村田んぼアート
Inakadate-mura Tanbo Art)

The theme for this year's rice field art is "Ishida Mitsunari and Sanada Masayuki from Sanada Maru*" for the main site and "New Godzilla" for the second site (Michi no Eki Inakadate "Yayoi no Sato").

(*Sanada Maru is a Japanese television series (NHK Taiga Drama) that started airing in January 2016.)


Date:
・ Site 1: May 30-October 10, 2016 (closed Sunday October 2, 2016 for rice harvesting)
・ Site 2: June 18-October 10, 2016
  Recommended viewing period: Mid-July to Mid-August
  Check the status of the rice fields beforehand using the live camera feeds

Inaugural Towada Tanabata Rally 2016

Inaugural Towada Tanabata Rally 2016 第1回とわだ七夕ラリー

Enjoy a drink at 5 designated bars around Towada and complete the event stamp card within the time limit to be entered into a prize raffle drawing.

Inaugural Towada Tanabata Rally 2016 poster 第1回とわだ七夕ラリー ポスター

Date: Wednesday July 6, 2016
Time: 18:30-20:00 (Registration from 17:30)
Location: Towada Chamber of Commerce & Industry 十和田商工会議所 (map)
Fee: 3000yen (Advance Tickets Only, Limited Tickets--First Come First Served)

Lake Towada 80th Anniversary Fireworks Cruise

Lake Towada 80th Anniversary Fireworks Cruise
十和田八幡平国立公園十和田八甲田地域指定80周年 花火観賞船

(Towada-Hachimantai Kokuritsu Kouen Towada Hakkoda Chiiki Shitei 80 Shuunen Hanabi Kanshou Fune)

A special fireworks viewing cruise to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the designation of Lake Towada and Mount Hakkoda as part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park.

Lake Towada 80th Anniversary Fireworks Cruise poster 2016 平成28年 十和田八幡平国立公園十和田八甲田地域指定80周年 花火観賞船 ポスター

Date: Saturday July 9, 2016
Time: 19:10-20:15
Location: Yasumiya Pier 休屋桟橋 (map)
Fare: Adults: 1,400yen; Children: 700yen
(*Limited to first 100 reservations.*)

Thursday 2 June 2016

Towada Street Festa June 2016

Towada Street Festa June 2016
とわだストリートフェスタ2016・6

Towada Street Festa June 2016 poster 平成28年6月 とわだストリートフェスタ ポスター

Date: Sunday, June 26, 2016
Time: 11:00-16:00 (road closed from 10:00-17:00)
Location: Old National Rte. 4, 7-8 Chome 旧国道4号七・八丁目路上
(i.e. the section of "awning street" between Rte. 102 (the road to Oirase Gorge/Lake Towada) and Kanchogai Dori)
Admission: Free