Aomori Nebuta 2017

Aomori Nebuta 2017 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)
(Road closures and parking map (Japanese))
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)

Aomori TKG Festival 2017

Aomori Tamago Kake Gohan Matsuri 2017 (Aomori Raw Egg on Rice Festival)
2017 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.

Date: June 30-July 2, 2017
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)
Time: 10:00-15:00
Admission: Free (purchase required for some events)

Beer Terrace 2017 at A-Factory

Beer Terrace 2017 at A-Factory ビアテラス・アット・エーファクトリー

Enjoy cold beers with an ocean view on a hot summer night!

Date: June 9-August 31, 2017 (closed during Nebuta, Aug. 1-8)
Time:

Weekdays: 18:00-21:00 (20:30 last order)
Saturdays: 16:30-21:00 (20:30 last order)
Sundays: 17:00-20:00 (19:30 last order)

Location: A-Factory 1st Floor Terrace (map)
Cost: 1500yen (90min all-you-can-drink)
(food NOT included; available for purchase 500yen～)

Namioka Cherry Blossom Festival 2017

Namioka Cherry Blossom Festival 2017
浪岡さくらまつり (Namioka Sakura Matsuri)

Enjoy various performances and cherry blossoms at the site of the Namioka Castle ruins.

Date: April 29-30, 2017
Time: Apr 29: 13:00～; Apr 30: 10:00～
Location: Namioka Castle Ruins 浪岡城跡 (map)
Admission: Free(?)

CIDRE Spring Festa 2017

CIDRE Spring Festa 2017 シードルスプリングフェスタ

Celebrate the anniversary of CIDRE Day with one hour of all-you-can-drink Aomori Cidre!

Date: Sunday April 16, 2017
Time: 13:00-15:00
Location: A-Factory 1st Floor Food Court (map
Cost: 1500yen (60min all-you-can-drink, includes 1 glass new Cidre product; food NOT included)

2017 Aomori 10 City Festival in Towada

2017 Aomori 10 City Festival in Towada
あおもり10市大祭典in十和田 (Aomori Toshi Taisaiten in Towada)
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.

Date: September 23-24, 2017
Time:
   Saturday September 23: 10:00-20:00
   Sunday September 24: 10:00-15:00
Location: Kanchogai Street Area 官庁街通り周辺 (map)

Admission: Free (parade paid seating may be available?)

Pocky x Lover's Sanctuary Valentine Photo Contest 2017

Pocky x Lover's Sanctuary Valentine Photo Contest 2017
Pocky x 恋人の聖地バレンタインフォトコンテスト2017

Take a "lovey-dovey couple photo"* at one of 230 designated "Lover's Sanctuary" & "Satellite" locations and enter for a chance to win various prizes!
(*"Couple photo" must be of two people, but does not have to be a romantic couple--can be two friends, family members, etc.)

Contest Details
Contest Website (Japanese): http://www.seichi.net/photocon2017/photocon02.php

• Contest Judges:
  ・IMALU, singer/model/talent
  ・Yumi Katsura, bridal fashion designer
  ・Shogo Kariyazaki, floral designer
  ・& Others
• Contest Awards & Prizes
  
  • Pocky Prizes:
    ・Hotel Grèges Suite Room Pair Voucher
    ・Tokyo Bay Cruising Symphony Pair Dinner Cruise
  • Kobe-Awaji-Naruto-Expressway Service Area Special Prize: TBA
  • Lover's Sanctuary Prizes: Various Hotel Pair Vouchers; Food & Travel Vouchers; Etc.

Aspam Winter Festival 2017

Aspam Winter Festival 2017
2016 アスパム冬まつり (Aspam Fuyu Matsuri)

Enjoy various local foods, crafts, and activities!

Hosono Aizawa Winter Story 2017

Hosono Aizawa Winter Story 2017
第14回　細野相沢冬物語 (Hosono Aizawa Fuyu Monogatari)

Enjoy homemade local cuisine, snow lanterns, winter fireworks and more! (Caution: Dress warmly as the event is held outdoors)

Date: Saturday February 4, 2017
Time: 18:00-19:45 (17:30～Registration)
Location: Aomori City Namioka "Hosono Yama no Ie" 青森市浪岡「細野山の家」(map)
Admission: (Includes: Food (9) & Drink (2) tickets)
  Advance: Adult: 2500yen; Elementary/Junior High School Student: 500yen
  At-Door: Adult: 3000yen; Elementary/Junior High School Student: 500yen

Sake & Snacks Snow Viewing Train 2017

Sake & Snacks Snow Viewing Train 2017
酒のあで雪見列車 (Sake no Ade Yukimi Ressha)

Enjoy a wintertime rail trip with live performances, local sake, and drinking snacks.

Date: Sundays from January 8-February 26, 2017 (8 times)
Time: 11:30-13:20
Departure Location: Hoshino Resort Aomoriya (Misawa City) 星野リゾート青森屋 (map)
Cost: 8640yen (incl. round trip train fare)
(Elementary School Students: 4320yen)
Reservations: Online or By Phone (0176-51-1116)
*Must be made at least 3 days in advance*

Aomori Curry Festival 2017

Aomori Curry Festival 2017
あおもりカレーまつり (Aomori Curry Matsuri)

Try various local curries from around Aomori Prefecture!

Date: January 7-9, 2017
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 (purchase required for curry)

Warm Heart Aomori Exciting Winter Project 2016-17

Warm Heart Aomori Exciting Winter Project 2016-17
こころ、あったか。あおもり冬感動プロジェクト
(Kokoro Attaka Aomori Fuyu Kandou Project)

Various winter events and illuminations invite you to brave the snow and enjoy Aomori City!

Date: November 25, 2016-February 5, 2017
Time: Various
Location: Aomori City, Various
Admission: Free (select paid events)
Events/Attractions:

Aomori Light & Paper Pageant
あおもり灯りと紙のページェント (Aomori Akari to Kami no Pageant)
Nov 25, 2016-Feb 5, 2017, 16:00-21:00
★Aomori Bay Area Walking Paths 青森ベイエリア遊歩道
Nebuta-style illuminated Japanese paper "snowmen"

Warm Heart Aomori Exciting Winter Menu
こころ、あったか。あおもり冬感動メニュー (Kokoro Attaka Aomori Fuyu Kandou Menu)
Nov 25, 2016-Feb 5, 2017　
★Aomori Bay Area and Central Shopping Arcade ベイエリア・中心商店街
Enjoy 500yen special menu items at various establishments around downtown Aomori.

Hakkoda Maru Illumination
八甲田丸イルミネーション
Nov 25, 2016-Feb 5, 2017 16:00-21:00
Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru 青函連絡船メモリアルシップ八甲田丸 (map)

Tsugaru Warasse Laughter Theater
津軽笑っせ劇場 (Tsugaru Warasse Gekijou)
Dec 2, 2016, 18:00-19:30; Jan. 2, 2017, 16:00-17:30; Feb 3, 2017, 18:00-19:30
Nebuta no Ie Warasse ねぶたの家ワ・ラッセ (map)
Tickets: At-Door 1300yen (Advance: 1000yen)
★Tsugaru folk songs, dance, and other traditional performing arts all in one funny and heartwarming production!

Aomori Museum of Art Christmas
青森県立美術館クリスマス (Aomori Kenritsu Bijutsukan Christmas)
Dec 23-25, 2016, 16:00-18:00
Aomori Museum of Art 青森県立美術館 map
★ Dec. 3 only, choral and hand bell performances, and unveiling of Yoshitomo Nara's new work "Hakkakudo." Area around "Hakkakudo" will be illuminated with LED lights throughout the event period.

Hakkoda Maru Countdown 2017
八甲田丸カウントダウン2017
Dec 31, 2016-Jan 1, 2017 22:00-01:00
Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru 青函連絡船メモリアルシップ八甲田丸 (map)
& Surrounding Waterfront Area
★New Year fireworks, amateur band performances, and more!

Neubta no Ie Warasse 6th Anniversary Event
ねぶたの家ワ・ラッセ開館6周年記念イベント
(Nebuta no Ie Warasse Kaikan 6-Shuunen Kinen Event) Jan 2-9, 2017, 9:00-18:00
Nebuta no Ie Warasse ねぶたの家ワ・ラッセ (map)
★Present with admission to museum and various events.

New Year Mochi Making
新春もちつき大会 (Shinshun Mochitsuki Taikai)
Jan 3, 2017 ①11:30-12:30, ②13:30-14:30
Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center "Aspam"
青森県観光物産館アスパム (map)
★Free freshly made mochi rice cakes for the first 100 people

2017 Aomori Curry Festival
2017あおもりカレーまつり (Aomori Curry Matsuri)
Jan 7-9, 2017 10:00-15:00
Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center "Aspam"
青森県観光物産館アスパム (map)
★Try different curries from around Aomori Prefecture. Prize draws and more!

Aomori Snow Light Festival
あおもり雪灯りまつり (Aomori Yuki Akari Matsuri)
January 27-29, 2017, 17:00-21:00
Nebuta no Ie Warasse West Plaza ねぶたの家ワ・ラッセ西の広場 (map)
★Snow lamps illuminated with candles.

The Motsuke Festival & Winter Fireworks
ザ・もつけ祭り＆冬花火 (Za Motsuke Matsuri & Fuyu Hanabi)
Feb 4, 2017, 17:30-19:00
Nebuta no Ie Warasse West Plaza ねぶたの家ワ・ラッセ西の広場 (map)
★Motsuke* guys in fundoshi (loin clothes) carrying a Nebuta-style Mikoshi (portable shrine), competing in a tug-of-war, etc. Fireworks display as the grand finale.
(Motsuke means "a very enthusiastic person, or a person going nuts over something" in Tsugaru dialect)

Warm Stew & Rice Bowl Festa
あったか鍋&丼フェスタ (Attaka Nabe & Don Festa)
Feb 4-5, 2017 10:00-15:00
Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center "Aspam"
青森県観光物産館アスパム (map)
★Warm up with various nabe stews, and rice bowls.

Aomori Winter Festival
青森冬まつり (Aomori Fuyu Matsuri)
Feb 4-5, 2017, 9:00-15:00
Aoi Umi Park 青い海公園 (map)
★Giant snow slide, fire-baked bread on sticks, stage shows, etc.

& More!

More Information: 
Warm Heart Aomori Exciting Winter Project PDF Flyer (Japanese): http://www.atca.info/img/top/fuyukandou.pdf

Aomori Winter Illuminations 2016-17

Cold weather and long winter nights getting you down? Check out the various winter illuminations Aomori has to offer and remind yourself of the beauty of the season!

Illuminations are listed in order of starting date, then sub-sorted in alphabetical order by city name. (Information will be added/updated as it becomes available.)

Aomori Light & Paper Pageant
あおもり灯りと紙のページェント
November 25, 2016 - February 5, 2016, 16:00-21:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Hakkoda Maru Illumination (Aomori)
八甲田丸イルミネーション
Nov 25, 2016-Feb 5, 2017 16:00-21:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Christmas Festa (Misawa)
クリスマスフェスタ
November 25-December 25, 2016
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Andokan Christmas Tree & Illuminations (Mutsu)
安渡館クリスマスツリー・イルミネーション
November 25, 2016* - January 15, 2017**
(*Christmas Tree & Illumination Lighting Ceremony November 25, 15:50～*)
(**Christmas Tree on Display until December 25 only**)
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Takko Town Illuminations
田子イルミネーション
November 29, 2016-January 9, 2017, 17:00-21:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Hachinohe City Tourism Blog)

Hirosaki Illuminations
弘前のイルミネーション
December 1, 2016-February 28, 2017, Sunset-24:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Hirosaki Tourism & Convention Bureau)

Snow Apple "Light Up" (Aomori, Michi no Eki Namioka "Apple Hill")
雪見りんごライトアップ
December 1, 2016-January 4, 2017, 16:00-21:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Michi no Eki Namioka "Apple Hill" Facebook Page)

Arts Towada Winter Illumination 2016
アーツトワダワインターイルミネーション2016
December 2, 2016-January 9, 2017, 16:30-21:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Arts Towada)

Town's Illumination 2016 (Gonohe)
Town'sイルミネーション2016
December 2, 2016 - January 15, 2017 Sunset～20:30
More Information: Japanese (map)


(Photo Source: Gonohe Town Tourism Association)

Tonami Winter Fantasy (Misawa)
となみウィンターファンタジー
December 3-25, 2016, 16:00-18:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Shingo White Illumination
しんごうホワイトイルミネーション
December 4, 2016 - January 15, 2017, Sunset - 22:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Shingo Village Official Website)

Hirakawa Illumination Promenade
ひらかわイルミネーションプロムナード
December 15, 2016 - February 3, 2017, 17:00-23:00*
(*December 23-25 & 31 ONLY: 17:00-01:00*)
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Hirakawa City Tourism Website)

Nagane Illumina
長根★イルミナ
December 23*-24, 2016, 12:00-20:30**
(*Illumination Lighting Ceremony December 23, 16:30～*)
(**Only until 20:00 on December 24**)
More Information: English | Japanese

(Photo Source: Hachinohe Sightseeing Navi)

Illumination Light Festival (Aomori, Michi no Eki Namioka "Apple Hill")
イルミネーション　光の祭典
December 23, 2016-February 12, 2017, 16:00-21:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Aomori Snow Light Festival
あおもり雪灯りまつり 
January 27-29, 2017, 17:00-21:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Lake Towada Winter Story
十和田湖冬物語
February 4-26, 2017, 17:00-21:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Michael Sarmiento)

Dazai Museum Tsugaru Festival Snow and Light Pageant (Goshogawara)
太宰ミュージアム津軽まつり　雪と光のページェント
February 6-12, 2017, 16:00-20:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Snow and Light Pageant Facebook Page)

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
弘前城雪燈籠まつり
February 9-12, 2017, 16:30-21:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau)

Aomori Coffee Festival 2016

Aomori Coffee Festival 2016 青森コーヒーフェスティバル
Event Facebook Page (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/aomoricoffeefestival/

A festival celebrating and promoting coffee. Featuring a coffee tasting contest (vote for your favourite coffee!), latte art demonstrations & workshops, coffee shops and roasters from around Japan, bread/sweets, etc. sales, and more!

Date: November 5-6, 2016 (rain or shine!)
Time: 10:00-16:00
Location: Nebuta no Ie Warasse West Plaza ねぶたの家ワ・ラッセ西の広場 (map)
Admission: Free

Apple Hill 20th Anniversary Fall Grand Harvest Festival

Apple Hill 20th Anniversary Fall Grand Harvest Festival
アップルヒル２０周年祭 秋の大収穫祭
(Apple Hill Nijuu Shuunen-Sai Aki no Daishuukaku-Sai)

An event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Michi no Eki Namioka "Apple Hill" featuring apple picking, performances, evening fireworks and various other events & activities!

Date: October 22-23, 2016
Time: 10:00～
Location: Michi no Eki Namioka "Apple Hill" 道の駅なみおか「アップルヒル」 (map)
Admission: Free
Events/Attractions:

Both Days


• 10:00-15:00 Apple Picking Experience
  Cost: Free (ticket required)
  Ticket Information:
  • Participate in a Walking Rally to the Nishiyama Viewing Platform to get a free "Apple Picking Experience" ticket
  • Max. 100 tickets/day
  • Max. 2 tickets/family
  • Pick 3 apples per ticket


• Apple Photo Contest (Cell Phone/Smart Phone)
  Awards/Prizes:
  • Gold Prize (1): 10,000yen Restaurant Apple Hill Gift Certificate
  • Silver Prize (3): 5,000yen Restaurant Apple Hill Gift Certificate
  • Bronze Prize (10): Apple Hill Original Apple Juice 1L Bottle x 6
  • "Station Master" Award (3): Tsugaru Roman Rice 10kg Bag
  Eligbility:
  • Photos must be taken at the event venue during the event period (Oct. 22-23)
  • Photos should include apples in some way (food products, event activities, etc.)
  • Maximum submission of 3 photos per person
  Contest Submission:
  • Photos should be submitted by email to applehill[at]applehill.co.jp
    
  • Email should include:
    1. Name (名前)
    2. Phone Number (電話番号)
    3. Apple Photo(s) (りんご写真)
  • Submission Deadline: Monday October 24, 2016
• Results will be announced on the Apple Hill website on October 30.

Saturday October 23 Only


• 10:00 & 14:00 Apple Weight Guessing Contest
  Try to put 2kg* of apples into the basket--succeed and you win the apples!
  (*plus or minus a 5% error margin)
  • Cost: Free
  • Max. Participants: 30 per time slot
  • Max. 1 participant/family
  • Max. 2 tries (if you don't succeed on the first try)


• 11:00～ Apple Sweets Competition
  Try various apple sweets and vote for your favorite!

Sunday October 23 Only


• 10:30-17:30 Fall Apple Hill Live
  Schedule:
  • 10:30-11:00 Move On Dance Performance
  • 13:00-13:20 Yoshinoda Shishi Odori Lion Dance
  • 13:30-13:50 Namioka Tozan Bayashi Mountain Climbing Sacred Music
  • 14:00-14:45 Tsugaru Te Odori Dance
  • 15:00-15:50 Sonia & Masashi(?) Saitou Acoustic Live
  • 16:00-17:00 Aomori Nightingale Live
  • 17:00-17:30 Yoko Harima Mini Live

Michi no Eki Namioka "Apple Hill" 道の駅なみおか「アップルヒル」
Nojiri-2-3 Namioka Ōaza Megasawa (青森県青森市浪岡大字女鹿沢野尻２番地３)
Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture 038-1331
TEL: 0172-62-1170


More Information:
Michi no Eki Namioka "Apple Hill" Website (Japanese): https://www.applehill.co.jp/infodetail/?topic=93

Aomori Bar-Gai 2016 Vol 8

Aomori Bar-Gai 2016 Vol 8 あおもりバル街

Enjoy a special "bar menu" (1 drink + small appetizer/snack) at a maximum of five participating drinking establishments in Aomori City.

Sanmaru Jomon Days 2016

Sanmaru Jomon Days 2016
さんまる縄文の日 (Sanmaru Jomon no Hi)

Sanmaru Jomon Days encompasses three events held at Sannai Maruyam Site annually in September: Jomon Festival, Aomori Traditional Performing Arts Festival & Workshops, and Feel the Roots.

Jomon Festival 2016
縄文大祭典 (Jomon Taisaiten)

A festival celebrating Jomon history and culture.