Goshogawara Tachineputa 2017

Goshogawara Tachineputa 2017 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)

Goshogawara Fireworks Display 2017

Goshogawara Fireworks Display -Festival of Water, Light & Sound-
第６８回五所川原花火大会 -水と光と音の祭典-
(Goshogawara Hanabi Taikai - Mizu to Hikari to Oto no Saiten)

A fireworks display set to music. The finale features an 80m-wide "water curtain."

Date: Thursday August 3, 2017
Time: 19:30-20:45
Location: Iwaki River Floodplain "Hokuto Ground" 岩木川河川敷「北斗グラウンド」 (map)
Parking: 1,000yen (limited spaces; parking available from 15:00)
Admission: Free (paid seating available)

Okutsugaru Mushi to Hi Matsuri 2017

Okutsugaru Mushi to Hi Matsuri (Insect & Fire Festival)
奥津軽虫と火まつり
Official Website (Japanese): http://goshogawarajc.com/matsuri/

This is a festival to ward off insects that harm the rice fields. It originated from "mushi okuri"(literally "sending off (driving away) insects"). Large "insects" with wooden heads and straw bodies were paraded down the street and then hung up at the entry points to the village to ward off insects. From 1983, the city decided to combine the mushi okuri festival with "fire"--another powerful symbol for warding off bad things--to give birth to the Mushi to Hi Matsuri.

Date: Saturday, June 17, 2017
Time: 18:00-21:00
Location:Goshogawara City Hokuto Ground 五所川原市北斗グラウンド (map)
Parade Route & Road Closure Map
(Blue = Parade Route; Red = Road Closures)

Admission: Free
Events/Attractions:

• 9:00-18:00 "Mushi Okuri" Float Displays
  (In front of Goshogawara Station (map) & Tachineputa No Yakata (Tachineputa Museum) (map))
• "Mushi Okuri" Float Parade
• Bonfires
• & More!

Goshogawara City Hokuto Ground 五所川原市 北斗グラウンド


More Information:
Official Website (Japanese): http://goshogawarajc.com/matsuri/
Okutsugaru Sightseeing Website, "The festival 'Mushito Himatsuri'" (English): http://www.okutsugaru.com/e/shichoubetu/goshogawara/mushitohimatsuri.html

Kanagi Cherry Blossom Festival 2017

Kanagi Cherry Blossom Festival 2017
金木桜まつり (Kanagi Sakura Matsuri)

Ashino Park in Kanagi Area, Goshogawara City is considered one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.

Photo Source: aptinet

Date: April 29-May 5, 2017 Time: AM～21:00
Location: Ashino Park 芦野公園 (map)
Parking: 350 car parking lot: 500yen cars; 1000yen micro buses; 2000yen large buses (seats 20+)
Admission: Free

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?)

Dazai Museum Tsugaru Festival Snow and Light Pageant 2017

Dazai Museum Tsugaru Festival Snow and Light Pageant 2017
太宰ミュージアム津軽まつり　雪と光のページェント 2016 
(Dazai Museum Tsugaru Matsuri Yuki to Hikari no Pageant)

Enjoy the winter outdoors with evening illuminations & fireworks, a snow sports festival, stage events, and more!

Date: February 2-12, 2017
Time: 17:00-20:30
Location: Ashino Park, Goshogawara City 五所川原市 金木町の県立芦野公園 (map)
Admission: Free

Pocky x Lover's Sanctuary Special Valentine 2017

Pocky x Lover's Sanctuary Special Valentine 2017
Pocky x 恋人の聖地 スペシャルバレンタイン2017

Visit select Lover's Sanctuary and Satellite locations to receive a free Pocky present! (While supplies last.)

(Left: Lover's Sanctuary Special Pocky; Right: Pocky "Shooter" Balloon)

Date: February 1-14*, 2017 (*while supplies last)
Admission: Free
Location: Various
   Aomori Locations:
   ・Tachi Neputa no Yakata, Goshogawara City (map)
   ・Notre Dame Hachinohe (map)
(See full list of participating Lover's Sanctuary & Satellite locations here (in Japanese).)

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.

Goshogawara Industry Festival 2016

Goshogawara Industry Festival 2016
第33回ごしょがわら産業まつり (Goshogawara Sangyou Matsuri)

Autumn festival featuring local product sales as well as various stage events.

Date: October 22-23, 2016
Time: 9:30-15:00
Location: Tsugaru Kokusetsu Dome つがる克雪ドーム (map)
Admission: Free

Northwest Tsugaru Tradtional Folk Performing Arts Fair 2016

Northwest Tsugaru Tradtional Folk Performing Arts Fair 2016
平成28年　西北五民俗芸能フェア (Seihokugo Minzoku Geinou Fair)

An event showcasing traditional folk performing arts (songs, music, lion dance, Tsugaru shamisen, etc.) from the Northwestern Tsugaru-area of Aomori.

Date: Sunday November 20, 2016

Time: 13:00～ (Doors Open: 12:30)

Location: Furusato Koryu Kenmin Center Ortensia, Goshogawara City
ふるさと交流圏民センター オルテンシア (map)

Admission: Free

Shovel Shamisen World Cup 2016

The Tenth Schop (Shovel) Jamisen World Cup 2016
第10回津軽すこっぷ三味線世界大会 (Tsugaru Sukoppu Jamisen Sekai Taikai)
Official Website (Japanese)

Tsugaru Shamisen (aka Tsugaru Jamisen) is a version of shamisen (a Japanese three-stringed lute played using a large pick) originating in the western (Tsugaru) side of Aomori Prefecture.

"Schop Jamisen" is an amusing imitation using a shovel for an instrument and a bottle cap opener in place of the pick to mimic the sound of an actual shamisen in a performance. It represents a new twist on a traditional Japanese instrument and performing art.

(Given the amount of snow in Aomori Prefecture, the shovel is quite the appropriate choice!)

Date: Sunday, December 4, 2016
Time: 11:00-16:30 (Doors Open 10:00)
Location: Elm Mall, Elm Hall (2nd Floor), Goshogawara City
エルム街ショッピングセンター　エルムホール（２階） (map)
Admission: Free

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)

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.

Goshogawara Tachineputa 2016

Goshogawara Tachineputa 2016 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)

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 4	Aug 5	Aug 6	Aug 7	Aug 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

Goshogawara Chamber of Commerce & Industry 五所川原商工会議所(map)
Hours: 9:00-16:00
FAX: 0173-35-2124
TEL: 0173-35-2121
Website: http://www.gocci.or.jp/
Reservation Form Download: http://www.gocci.or.jp/kanko/kanranseki/2016yousi.pdf
(Sample English/Japanese Form)

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

Goshogawara Fireworks Display 2016

Goshogawara Fireworks Display -Festival of Water, Light & Sound-
第６７回五所川原花火大会 -水と光と音の祭典-
(Goshogawara Hanabi Taikai - Mizu to Hikari to Oto no Saiten)

A fireworks display set to music. The finale features an 80m-wide "water curtain."

Date: Wednesday August 3, 2016
Time: 19:30-20:45
Location: Iwaki River Floodplain "Hokuto Ground" 岩木川河川敷「北斗グラウンド」 (map)
Parking: 1,000yen (limited spaces; parking available from 15:00)
Admission: Free (paid seating available)

Aiuchi Mushiokuri 2016

Aiuchi (no) Mushiokuri 2016 相内の虫送り

(Mushiokuri is an event to drive away crop-eating insects. It usually involves a procession with a long, snake-like straw effigy.)

Aiuchi Mushiokuri is a Goshogawara City designated Important Intangible Cultural Property with a long history and which is considered to be a prototypical Tsugaru area Mushiokuri. It is held after rice field planting (2nd Saturday of June, annually) and is an event to pray for an abundant harvest and good health for the year. The crucial sword dance of Mushiokuri is said to represent Sakanoue no Tamuramaro's conquest of the Emishi people in Northern Honshu during the early Heian period.

Accompanying the large 5-metre-long snake-like straw effigy in the procession are sword-wielding dancers, flute, drum & hand cymbal players, etc. When watching the parade, pay attention to the uniquely shaped (compared to other areas) "swords" as well as the head of the effigy.

Photo Source: Aomori Prefectural Government Website

Date: Saturday June 11, 2016
Location: Goshogawara City, Aiuchi Area 五所川原市相内地区 (map)
Admission: Free

Goshogawara City, Aiuchi Area 五所川原市相内地区

More Information:
Aomori Sightseeing News aptinet (Japanese): http://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00002570.html
Goshogawara City Website (Japanese): http://www.city.goshogawara.lg.jp/kyouiku/bunka/aiuchimushiokuri.html

Tsugaru Kanayamayaki Spring Pottery Festival 2016

Tsugaru Kanayamayaki Spring Pottery Festival 2016
津軽金山焼「春の陶器祭り」 (Tsugaru Kanayamayaki Haru no Touki Matsuri)

A chance to get greal deals on Tsugaru Kanayamayaki pottery!

Date: April 2-May 8, 2016
Time: 9:00-18:00
Location: Chiyozuru-5-79 Kaneyama, Goshogawara City
青森県五所川原市金山千代鶴５−７９ (map) Admission: Free

Kanagi Cherry Blossom Festival 2016

Kanagi Cherry Blossom Festival 2016
金木桜まつり (Kanagi Sakura Matsuri)

Ashino Park in Kanagi Area, Goshogawara City is considered one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.

Photo Source: aptinet

Date: April 29-May 5, 2016 Time: AM～21:00
Location: Ashino Park 芦野公園 (map)
Parking: 350 car parking lot: 500yen cars; 2000yen large vehicles (buses, etc.)
Admission: Free

Hokugen Plum Blossom Festival 2016

Hokugen Plum Blossom Festival 2016
北限の梅まつり (Hokugen no Ume Matsuri)

Usher in spring in Goshogawara by enjoying the sight of 2000 trees with plum blossoms in full bloom.

Photo Source: aptinet

Date: April 23-May 1, 2016
Location: Tsugaru Flower Center 津軽フラワーセンター (map)
Admission: Free
Events: Soba, udon, and other local product sales

Tsugaru Flower Center 津軽フラワーセンター
Kamiyama (青森県五所川原市神山)
Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture 037-0611

More Information: Aomori Sightseeing News aptinet: http://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00004057.html

Okutsugaru Kite Flying Contest 2016

Okutsugaru Kite Flying Contest 2016
第5回奥津軽凧揚げ大会 (Okutsugaru Tako Age Taikai)

A great chance to see Tsugaru Kites and other Japanese kites in action!

(Photo Source: http://aomori.photo-web.cc/tako2/01.html) 

Aomori Winter Illuminations 2015-16

Are the cold weather and long nights of winter 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.

Mutsu Kasamakan Illuminations
むつかさまい館イルミネーション
November 14, 2015 - December 31, 2015, 16:00-22:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Mutsu Kasamaikan Facebook Page)

Hirakawa City Illuminations
平川市イルミネーション
November 20, 2015 - January 14, 2016, 17:00-23:00
(December 23-25 & 31 ONLY: 17:00-01:00)
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Hirakawa City Tourism Website)

Oirase Illumination in Yakeyama
奥入瀬イルミネーションin焼山
November 22, 2015-February 28, 2016, 16:00-21:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Oirase Information hakocco)

Misawa Christmas Festival
みさわクリスマスフェスティバル
November 25-December 25, 2015
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Misawa City Chamber of Commerce and Industry)

Takko Town Illuminations
田子町イルミネーション
November 25, 2015 - January 11, 2016, 17:00-21:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Takko Ouji Facebook Page)
*Takko Ouji = Takko Prince, Takko Town's Mascot Character

Gonohe Town's Illumination 2015
五戸町　Town'sイルミネーション2015
December 1, 2015 - January 17, 2016 16:00-21:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Gonohe Town Tourism Association)

Hirosaki Electrical Fantasy
弘前エレクトリカルファンタジー
December 1, 2015 - February 29, 2016, 16:30-24:00
More Information: English | Japanese

(Photo Source: Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau)

Tonttu Garden Illumination (Higashidori Village)
トントゥのガーデンイルミネーション
December 1-25, 2015, 17:00-19:30
(Closed December 7, 13, 14, 21)
More Information: Japanese (map)

Art Station Towada Illumination
アートステーショントワダイルミネーション
December 3(?) 2015-??, Sunset～19:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Towada City Tourism Association Facebook Page)

Arts Towada Winter Illumination
アーツトワダワインターイルミネーション
December 4-25, 2015, 16:30-21:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Arts Towada)

Aomori Light & Paper Pageant
あおもり灯りと紙のページェント
December 4, 2015 - February 7, 2015
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Tonami Winter Fantasy (Misawa)
となみウィンターファンタジー
December 5-25, 2015, 16:00-18:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Shingo White Illumination 2015
しんごうホワイトイルミネーション2015
December 6, 2015 - January 17, 2016, Sunset - 22:00
More Information: Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Shingo Village Official Website)

Aomori Snow Light Festival
あおもり雪灯りまつり 
January 29-31, 2016, 17:00-21:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: aptinet Aomori Sightseeing Guide)

Dazai Museum Tsugaru Festival Snow and Light Pageant 2016 (Goshogawara)
太宰ミュージアム津軽まつり　雪と光のページェント 2016 
February 1-7, 2016, 16:00-20:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Snow and Light Pageant Facebook Page)

Lake Towada Winter Story
十和田湖冬物語
February 5-28, 2016, 17:00-21:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Michael Sarmiento)

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
弘前城雪燈籠まつり
February 11-14, 2016, 16:30-21:00
More Information: English | Japanese (map)

(Photo Source: Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau)