Wednesday 31 August 2016

Hiranai Halloween 2016

Hiranai Halloween 2016 ひらないハロウィン

Halloween market and Halloween party at Yogoshiyama Forest Park!

Hiranai Halloween 2016 poster 平成28年 ひらないハロウィン ポスター

Date: Sunday October 10, 2016
Time:
  • Halloween Market: 11:00-16:00
  • Halloween Party: 17:00-21:00
Location: Yogoshiyama Forest Park 夜越山森林公園 (map)
Admission:
  • Halloween Market: Free
  • Halloween Party: 500yen
    (Elementary School Aged & Younger Children: Free)

Takko Garlic & Beef Festival 2016

Takko Garlic & Beef Festival 2016
第31回田子町にんいくとべごまつり (Takko-Machi Ninniku to Bego Matsuri)

A food festival celebrating two of Takko town's garlic and beef!

Takko Garlic & Beef Festival 2016 poster 平成28年第31回田子町にんいくとべごまつり ポスター Takko-Machi Ninniku to Bego Matsuri

Date: October 1-2, 2016 (Rain or Shine!)
Time: 10:00-15:00
Location: Soyumura 229 Ski Land 創遊村229スキーランド (map)
Admission: Free

Starry Sky Candle Night in Tsuruta 2016

Starry Sky Candle Night in Tsuruta 2016
星空のキャンドルナイトin Tsuruta 2016
(Hoshizora no Candle Night in Tsuruta)
Facebook Event Page (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/HoshizoraCandleNight/

Enjoy a "handmade" market and workshops during the day, and the beauty of Tsuru no Maihashi Bridge illuminated with candles in the evening.

Starry Sky Hoshizora Candle Night in Tsuruta 2016 poster 平成28年星空のキャンドルナイトイン鶴田 ポスター

Date: Saturday September 17, 2016
Time: 11:00-21:00 (Candle Lighting: 18:30)
Candle Night Registration Period: 11:00-20:00
Location: Fujimi Lake Park (Tsuruta Town) 富士見湖パーク (map)
Admission: 500yen/person (Pre-School & Younger Children: Free)
Family Discount: 1 Free Admission for Groups of 4+ (not counting pre-school & younger children)

Oma Tuna Day & Super Tuna Festival 2016

Oma's "Sunday is Tuna Day" 2016
日曜日はマグロだDay (Nichiyoubi wa Maguro da Day)

Oma is renowned throughout Japan for its high quality and bluefin tuna.  The world's most expensive tuna (sold in January 2013 at the Tsukuji Fish Market auction for 155.4 million yen, or about 1.8 million US dollars) came from Oma.

On Sundays throughout September and October in Oma, you can watch tuna carving demonstrations and also purchase a meal made with the freshly carved tuna.

Date: September 4, 11, 17-18, 25 & October 2, 9, 16, 23, 2016
Time: Morning Session: 9:30~; Afternoon Session: 12:15~
Location: Omakou Tokusetsu Kaijou (Kyuurei) 大間港特設会場 (キュウレイ)(map)
Admission: FREE

Towada Horse Festa 2016

Towada Horse Festa 2016
平成28年十和田駒フェスタ (Towada Koma Festa) 
Official Website (Japanese): http://towada-yabusame.com/koma/

This year's event is spread over two weekends. The yabusame (horseback archery) competition is the first weekend, and yabusame demonstrations, show jumping and other events are on the second weekend.
2016 Yabusame Demonstration in Towada Horse Festa poster 平成28年 流鏑馬デモンストレーションin第23回十和田駒フェスタ ポスター Horseback Archery Koma Festa 2016 World Yabusame Championship in Towada Horse Festa poster 平成28年 第2回世界流鏑馬選手権in第23回十和田駒フェスタ ポスター Horseback Archery Koma Festa

Date: October 16-17 & 22-23,2016
Time:
    October 16-17: 9:30-15:00
    October 22-23: 10:00-15:00
Location: Towada Central Park (Chuo Koen) 十和田市中央公園緑地 (map)
Admission: Free (some paid events)

Monday 29 August 2016

Hawaii Festa in Hachinohe 2016

Hawaii Festa in Hachinohe 2016 ハワイフェスタin八戸

Enjoy a taste of Hawaii in Hachinohe!

Hawaii Festa in Hachinohe 2016 poster 平成28年ハワイフェスタイン八戸 ポスター

Date: September 10-11, 2016
Time: September 10: 17:00-20:00; September 11: 11:00-17:30
Location: Hachinohe Portal Museum Hacchi 八戸ポータルミュージアムはっち (map)
Admission: Free (some paid events)

Aomori Rakuichirakuza 2016

Aomori Rakuichirakuza 2016 AOMORI楽市楽座
Event Facebook Page (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/aomorirakuichirakuza/

This year's theme is "Let's dance with masks!" Everyone is invited to make masks and do a Bon Odori dance with tengu (a Japanese supernatural creature or Shinto god).

Aomori Rakuichirakuza 2016 poster AOMORI楽市楽座 ポスター 青森市

Date: Saturday September 10, 2016
Time: 11:00-20:30
Location: Utō Shrine 善知鳥神社 (map)
Admission: Free

Ajigasawa Squid Curtain Festival 2016

Ajigasawa Squid Curtain Festival 2016
鰺ヶ沢イカのカーテンまつり
(Ajigasawa Ika Curtain Matsuri)

This year's goal is to make a 90m curtain with 900 dried squids!

Ajigasawa Squid Curtain Festival 2016 poster 平成28年鰺ヶ沢イカのカーテンまつり ポスター Ika Curtain Matsuri

Date: Saturday September 3, 2016
Time: 9:30-16:00
Location: Special Venue across from Umi no Eki "Wando"
海の駅わんど向かい特設会場 (map)
Admission: Free (some paid events)
Advance Tickets: 1000yen (incl. 1 Squid + 7 x 100yen vouchers)

Friday 26 August 2016

A-Paradise 2016

A-Paradise 2016 エーパラダイス
Event Website (Japanese): http://a-paradise.com/

"Two days to play with art and music in Aomori. It is A-Paradise 2016."

Art Paradise is an art, music and performance event organized by local students and young people with the goal of revitalizing the city through arts and culture.

A-Paradise 2016 flyer front 平成28年 エーパラダイス 青森市 チラシ表 Aomori City A-Paradise 2016 flyer back 平成28年 エーパラダイス 青森市 チラシ裏 Aomori City

Date: September 9-10, 2016
Location: Warasse West Plaza ワ・ラッセ西広場 (map)
Admission: Free

Warasse West Plaza ワ・ラッセ西広場 1 Chome-1-1 Yasukata (青森県青森市安方1丁目1−1)
Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture 030-0803


More Information:
Event Website (Japanese): http://a-paradise.com/

Aomori Fukaura Beef Festival 2016

Aomori Fukaura Beef Festival 2016
あおもり深浦牛まつり2016
(Aomori Fukaura Gyuu Matsuri)

An event where you can enjoy Aomori Fukaura's high grade kuro wagyu beef and various fun events!

Aomori Fukaura Beef Festival 2016 poster 平成28年 あおもり深浦牛まつり ポスター Gyuu Matsuri

Date: September 10-11, 2016
Time: 11:00-16:00 (BBQ Area Entry: 10:45-15:00)
Location: WeSPa Tsubakiyama ウェスパ椿山 (map)
Admission: Advance: 2000yen; At-Door: 2500yen
(includes Aomori Fukaura Beef BBQ Set: 200g beef; vegetables, sauce, chopsticks and plate)
Advance Purchase Period: August 1-September 9
Advance Purchase Locations: WeSPa Tsubakiyama & Fukaura Kaihatsu

Fuji Rock Festa 2016

Fuji Rock Festa 2016 フジロックフェスタ
Event Facebook Page (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/fujirockfesta

A late summer rock festival with indoor and outdoor stages, food stalls, and more!

Fuji Rock Festa 2016 poster 平成28年 フジロックフェスタ ポスター

Date: Sunday August 28, 2016
Time: 10:00-19:00
Location: Fujisaki Town Bunka Center 藤崎町文化センター (map)
Admission: Free


Fujisaki Town Bunka Center 藤崎町文化センター
1 Chome-1 Nishitoyoda (青森県南津軽郡藤崎町西豊田1丁目1)
Fujisaki Town, Minamitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture 038-3803
Tel: 0172-75-3311


More Information:
Fuji Sanpo Fujisaki Town Tourism Information Site (Japanese): http://www.fujisaki-kanko.jp/2893.html
Event Facebook Page (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/fujirockfesta

Children's Hip Hop Paradise 2016

Children's Hip Hop Paradise 2016
こどもヒップホップパラヂアス
(Kodomo Hip Hop Paradise)
Event Website (Japanese): http://hiphop-towada.net/
Various hip hop performances from nursery school children to high school aged students! Special guest appearance by Towada mascot characters "Towada Families"!

Children's Hip Hop Paradise 2016 poster こどもヒップホップパラヂアス ポスター

Date: Saturday October 22, 2016
Time: 13:00-15:00 (doors open 12:30)
Location: Towada Shimin Bunka Center, Dai Hall 十和田市民文化センター 大ホール (map)
Admission: Free

Towada Shimin Bunka Center 十和田市民文化センター
2-1 Nishi Sanbancho (十和田市西三番町2-1)
Towada City, Aomori 034-0083


More Information:
Towada Jouhou Hasshin Community Facebook Page (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/towadajyouhouhassin/posts/1015438745241782
Event Website (Japanese): http://hiphop-towada.net/

30th Annual Lake Towada Four Seasons Photo Contest

30th Annual Lake Towada Four Seasons Photo Contest
第30回十和田湖の四季写真コンテスト (Towadako no Shiki Shashin Contest)

The feeling of Lake Towada... Get hooked.  十和田湖感に…はまる。
(Towadako kan ni ... hamaru.)

2016 30th Annual Lake Towada Four Seasons Photo Contest flyer 第30回十和田湖の四季写真コンテスト チラシ

Contest Details
  • Theme: Events/Festivals, the Four Seasons, etc. of Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge, Hakkoda, and/or Jukairain (樹海ライン)
  • Contest Judge: Mitsuhiro Wada, photographer
  • Contest Awards & Prizes
    • Minister of the Environment Award (1): 20,000yen + Certificate
    • Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award (1): 20,000yen + Certificate
    • Governor of Aomori Award (1): 10,000yen + Certificate
    • Governor of Akita Award (1): 10,000yen + Certificate
    • Mitsuhiro Wada Award (1): 20,000yen + Certificate
    • Mayor of Towada Award(1): 10,000yen + Certificate
    • Mayor of Kosaka Town Award: 10,000yen + Certificate
    • Special Mention (5): 5000yen + Certificate
    • Honourable Mention (5): Certificate

Thursday 25 August 2016

Shichinohe Fall Festival 2016

Shichinohe Fall Festival 2016
しちのへ秋まつり
(Shichinohe Aki Matsuri)

A fall festival featuring float parades, traditional performing arts, nagashi odori dancing, and more!

Shichinohe Fall Festival 2016 poster 平成28年しちのへ秋まつり ポスター Aki Matsuri

Date: August 31-September 4, 2016
Location: Shichinohe Town (various) 七戸町内
Admission: Free

Tohoku Horse Power Competition in Shichinohe 2016 (Fall)

Tohoku Horse Power Competition in Shichinohe 2016 (Fall)
第34回東北馬力七戸大会
(Tohoku Bariki Shichinohe Taikai)

A draft horse racing event where horses pull sleds with weights--some weighing almost 1 tonne!--across a straight track with a slope at the end.

Tohoku Horse Power Competition in Shichinohe 2016 (Fall) poster 平成28年(秋) 第34回東北馬力七戸大会 ポスター Bariki Taikai

Date: Sunday September 11, 2016
Time: 8:00~
Location: Aomori Prefecture Livestock Market Yard 青森県家畜市場構内 (map)
Admission: Free?

Towada Rock Festival 2016

Towada Rock Festival 2016 十和田ロックフェスティバル
Event Website (Japanese): http://towada-rock-festival.jimdo.com/

Free live music and other performances, including local group Umagin and the Towada mascot characters Towada Families!

Towada Rock Festival 2016 poster 平成28年十和田ロックフェスティバル 道の駅とわだ 「とわだぴあ」Michi no Eki Towadapia

Date: Saturday October 8, 2016
Time: 12:00~
Location: Michi no Eki Towada "Towadapia" 道の駅とわだ とわだぴあ (map)
Admission: Free


Michi no Eki Towada "Towadapia" 道の駅とわだ とわだぴあ
Tairakubo-37-2 Denpōji (青森県十和田市伝法寺平窪37−2)
Towada City, Aomori Prefecture 034-0051
Tel: 0176-28-3790


More Information:
Event Website: http://towada-rock-festival.jimdo.com/

Friday 19 August 2016

The Tsugaru Shamisen 2016

The Tsugaru Shamisen 2015 The津軽三味線2015
Website (Japanese)

An incredible performance featuring 300 shamisen players playing together, guest singers, and teodori dance performances.


Date: Saturday September 24, 2016
Time: Afternoon Performance: 14:00~ (Doors open 13:30)
        Evening Performance: 17:30~ (Doors open 17:00
Location: Hirosaki Shimin Kaikan Dai Hall 弘前市民会館大ホール (map)
Admission: S Seats: 3000yen; A Seats: 2000yen

2016 Japan Local Oden & Sake Summit in Aomori

2016 Japan Local Oden & Sake Summit in Aomori
2016 第4回全国ご当地おでん地酒サミットin青森

(Zenkoku Gotochi Oden Jizake Summit in Aomori)

Try oden and sake from around Japan--from Hokkaido to Okinawa!

2016 Cross-Japan Local Oden & Sake Summit in Aomori poster 平成28年 第4回全国ご当地おでん地酒サミットin青森 ポスター Zenkoku Gotochi Oden Jizake Summit in Aomori

Date: September 9-11, 2016
Time:
  • Friday September 9: 16:00-19:00
  • Saturday September 10: 10:00-19:00
  • Sunday September 11: 10:00-18:00
Location: Aoi Umi Park 青い海公園 (map)
Admission: ?

Misawa Air Show 2016

Air Festival 2016 in Misawa Air Base (a.k.a. Misawa Air Show)
三沢基地航空祭 (Misawa Kichi Koukuu Matsuri)

Air Festival 2016 in Misawa Air Base (a.k.a. Misawa Air Show) poster 平成28年三沢基地航空祭 ポスター Kichi Koukuu Matsuri

Date: Sunday September 11, 2016
Time: 9:00-15:00
Location: Misawa Air Base 三沢基地内 (map)

Misawa Harbor Festival 2016

Misawa Harbor Festival 2016
第32回 みさわ港まつり
(Misawa Minato Matsuri)

An waterside festival featuring various activities, performances, etc. and fireworks.

Misawa Harbor Festival 2016 poster 平成28年 第32回 みさわ港まつり ポスター Minato Matsuri

Date: Sunday August 28, 2016
Time: 9:30-20:00
Location: Misawa Fishing Port 三沢漁港 (map)
Admission: Free

Sannohe Fall Festival 2016

Sannohe Town Festival 2016
2016さんのへ秋まつり
(Sannohe Aki Matsuri)

Sannohe Town's Fall Festival features a parade of floats, dancers, and more!

Sannohe Town Festival 2016 poster 平成28年さんのへ秋まつり Aki Matsuri

Date: September 9-11, 2016
Location: Sannohe Town (various)
Admission: Free
Events/Attractions:
    Friday September 9
  • 14:00-19:00 Float Parade (JA Sannohe Branch~Universe)
    (JA八戸三戸支店前 (map)~ユニバース (map))

  • Saturday September 10
  • 14:00-17:00 Float Parade (JA Sannohe Branch (Muikamachi)~Universe)
    (JA八戸三戸支店前(六日町)(map)~ユニバース (map))
  • 19:00-21:00 Festival Area (Sekine Ichiban ~ Universe closed to traffic)
    (せきね一番 (map)~ユニバース (map))

  • Sunday September 11
  • 13:30-19:00 Float Parade

More Information:
Sannohe Town Tourism Information (Japanese): http://sannohe-kankou.com/news/160812_162047

Tohoku Town Fall Festival 2016

Tohoku Town Fall Festival 2016
2016東北町秋まつり
(Tohoku-machi Aki Matsuri)

Fall Festival featuring floats, costumes, dancing, and more!

Tohoku Town Fall Festival 2016 poster 平成28年東北秋まつり ポスター Aki Matsuri

Date: August 25-28, 2016
Location: Tohoku Town Office~Kamikitacho Station
東北役場 (map)~上北町駅周辺 (map)
Admission: Free

Towada Yosakoi Dream Festival 2016

Towada Yosakoi Dream Festival 2016
2016とわだYosakoi夢まつり (Towada Yosakoi Yume Matsuri)
Official Website (Japanese): http://www.towada.or.jp/yosakoi/

See various Aomori groups performing yosakoi, a type of dance where large teams perform amazingly choreographed routines featuring an energizing combination of modern music, traditional Japanese dance moves, props such as fans, umbrellas and naruko (small wooden clappers), and on-the-spot costume changes.

Towada Yosakoi Dream Festival 2016 poster 平成28年とわだYosakoi夢まつり ポスター Towada Yosakoi Yume Matsuri)

Date: September 24-25, 2016 (Rain or Shine!)
Time:September 24: 15:00-17:00; September 25: 9:30-17:00
(road closed to traffic on Kanchogai Street between the Library and City Hall from 8:30-18:00)
Admission: Free
Location: Central Towada
  • In Front of City Hall 十和田市役所前
  • In Front of Sakura Hiroba 桜広場前
  • Towada Central Park 緑地公園

Thursday 18 August 2016

Towada Fall Festival 2016

Towada Fall Festival 2016
平成28年度十和田秋まつり (Towada Aki Matsuri)

The Fall Festival is the biggest annual festival in central Towada. Enjoy various performances, parades of large floats and portable shrines, a festival music competition (drum, flute, and hand cymbal), a variety of different food stalls and more!

Towada Fall Festival 2016 poster 平成28年度十和田秋まつり ポスター Aki Matsuri


Date: September 9-11, 2016 *Rain or Shine*
Location: Central Towada (various - see map)
Admission: Free

Inaugural Rokkousai

Rokkousai 2016 第1回六興祭

A festival where you can see floats and festival music performances from various festivals across Aomori and Iwate Prefectures all in one place!

Rokkousai 2016 poster front 平成28年第1回六興祭 ポスター表 Rokunohe Town 六戸町 Rokkousai 2016 poster back 平成28年第1回六興祭 ポスター裏 Rokunohe Town 六戸町

Date: Sunday September 25, 2016
Time: 10:00-16:00
Location: Rokunohe Central Shopping Arcade 六戸中央商店街 (map)
Admission: Free

Rokunohe Fall Festival 2016

Rokunohe Fall Festival 2016
六戸秋まつり (Rokunohe Aki Matsuri)

Fall festival featuring a parade of floats, etc., a rope sumo competition and more!

Rokunohe Fall Festival 2016 poster 平成28年六戸秋まつり ポスター Aki Matsuri

Date: September 1-4, 2016
Location: Inuotose Shotengai Shopping District 六戸町犬落瀬商店街 (map)
Admission: Free

Wednesday 10 August 2016

2016 Scarecrow Road 280

2016 Scarecrow Road 280
かかしロード280
(Kakashi Road 280)

Enjoy a scenic autumn drive with original scarecrows on display along National Route 280 in Aomori City.

(This year's "symbol scarecrow" is Aomori-born (Mutsu City) actor Kenichi Matsuyama who played "L" in "Death Note" among many other major roles.)

2016 Scarecrow Road 280 poster かかしロード280 ポスター Kakashi Road

Date: August 27-September 30, 2016
Location: National Route 280 in Aomori City (Aburakawa-Ushirogata see poster)
国道280号線バイパス周辺(油川、奥内、後潟地区)
Admission: Free

Shichinohe Railbus Display & Rail-Cycle Riding Experience 2016

Shichinohe Railbus Display & Rail-Cycle Riding Experience 2016
レールバス車両展示・軌道自転車乗車体験

(Railbus Sharyou Tenji・Kidou Jitensha Jousha Taiken)

A chance for train fans to see the old Shichinohe Railbus and also try out riding a railroad track rail-cycle!

Shichinohe Railbus Display & Rail-Cycle Riding Experience 2016 平成28年 レールバス車両展示・軌道自転車乗車体験 七戸町 Railbus Sharyou Tenji・Kidou Jitensha Jousha Taiken
(Photo Source: Base of the Trip, Shichinohe)

Railbuses* were used on the Nanbu Jukan Railway Line (南部縦貫鉄道線) running between Noheji and Shichinohe from 1962-1997. Although the line went out of use in 2002 the railbuses have been preserved and maintained in running condition, and are periodically put on public display.

(*A railbus is a very lightweight type passenger rail vehicle (typically non-articulated or rigid frame) (Source: Wikipedia).)

Date: Sunday September 18, 2016
Time: 11:00-15:00 (Venue Opens 10:00)
Location: Former Nanbu Jukan Railway Line Shichinohe Station 
旧南部縦貫鉄道線 七戸駅(map)

2016 Aomori 10 City Festival in Goshogawara

2016 Aomori 10 City Festival in Goshogawara
あおもり10市大祭典in五所川原
(Aomori Toshi Taisaiten in Goshogawara)
Event Website (Japanese): http://aomori10shi.jp/

A festival showcasing major festivals and local foods/products, etc. from 10 cities around Aomori Prefecture: Aomori City, Hirosaki City, Hachinohe City, Kuroishi City, Goshogawara City, Towada City, Misawa City, Mutsu City, Tsugaru City, and Hirakawa City.

(Note: Information will be updated as it becomes available)
2016 Aomori 10 City Festival in Goshogawara 平成28年あおもり10市大祭典in五所川原 Aomori Toshi Taisaiten

Date: September 24-25, 2016
Time:
    Saturday September 24: 10:00-20:00
    Sunday September 25: 10:00-15:00
Location: Tachineputa Museum Area 立佞武多の館周辺 (map)
Admission: Free (parade paid seating available)
Notes/Cautions: Using drones, and playing Pokemon Go in the event venue area are strictly PROHIBITED.

All-Japan University & High School Sumo Tournaments in Towada 2016

All-Japan University & High School Sumo Tournaments in Towada 2016
第51回全日本大学選抜相撲十和田大会 & 第65回選抜高校相撲十和田大会

(Nihon Daigaku Senbatsu Sumo Towada Taikai & Senbatsu Koukou Sumo Towada Taikai)

Cheer on local Sanbongi Agricultural High School sumo wrestlers and other young wrestlers at the All-Japan Sumo Tournaments in Towada City.

2015 National High School Sumo Tournament in Towada 第64回選抜高校相撲十和田大会
2015 High School Tournament (Photo Source: Towada City Blog)
Date/Time:
  • Sunday August 14, 2016, 9:00~ - University Sumo
  • Monday August 15, 2016, 8:30~ - High School Sumo/li>
Location: Towada Sumo Dohyo 十和田市相撲場 (map)

Tuesday 9 August 2016

Misawa Festival 2016

Misawa Festival 2016
三沢まつり
(Misawa Matsuri)

Misawa City's main summer festival features float parades, traditional performing arts performances, and more!

Misawa Festival 2016 poster 平成28年三沢まつり ポスター Matsuri

Date: August 18-21, 2016
Admission: Free
Location: Misawa Shopping Arcade, etc. 三沢市アーケード街他

Monday 8 August 2016

Noheji Gion Festival 2016

Noheji Gion Festival 2016
2016のへじ祇園まつり
(Noheji Gion Matsuri)

The Noheji Gion Festival features impressive two-tiered floats decorated with doll figures and has its origins in the Kyoto Gion Festival.

Noheji Gion Festival 2016 poster  平成28年のへじ祇園まつり ポスター matsuri

Date: August 18-21
Admission: Free
Location: Various