Marine Festa in Ominato & Ominato Navy Festival 2017

Marine Festa in Ominato 2017 マリンフェスタＩＮ大湊

Date: Saturday June 10, 2017
Time: 9:00-15:00
Location: Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) Ominato Base (Headquarters District)
海上自衛隊大湊基地（総監部地区） & Ominato Air Base 海上自衛隊大湊航空基地 (map)
Parking:

• Ominato Air Base 大湊航空基地内
• Kamafuseyama Ski Resort Parking Lot 釜臥山スキー場駐車場 (map)

Admission: Free
Events/Attractions:

• Naval Fleet Open to the Public
• Tugboat Bay Cruise
  (整理券 numbered tickets will be distributed from 9:15 (first 200 people) & 11:15 (first 250 people))
• Ground & Air Force Vehicle Display
• Disaster Relief Operation Equipment Display
• Corner to Try on Uniforms
• Stamp Rally
• Airplane Display
• Railroad Car Display (Fire Engine, Snow Plough, etc.)
• Control Tower Tour
• Dog Tag Making
• Etc.

Hirosaki Apple Blossom Festival 2017

Hirosaki Apple Blossom Festival 2017
弘前りんご花まつり (Hirosaki Ringo Hana Matsuri)

Enjoy the sight of apple blossoms blooming with snow-capped Mount Iwaki in the background.

Date: May 6-14, 2017
Time: 10:00-21:00
Location: Hirosaki Apple Park 弘前りんご公園 (map)
Admission: Free (some paid events)

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

Hirakawa Festa 2016

Hirakawa Festa 2016 ひらかわフェスタ

A festival celebrating Hirakawa's local products and foods.

Date: October 1-2, 2016
Time:

October 1: 9:00-16:00
October 2: 9:00-15:00

Location: Rakuten Eagles Hirakawa Dome 楽天イーグルス　ひらかわドーム (map)
Admission: Free

Thai Cooking Class

Thai Cooking Class
タイ料理教室 (Thai Ryouri Kyoushitsu)

Learn how to make green curry! It's easy and delicious!

Date: Sunday July 10, 2016
Time: 10:00-14:00
Location: Aomori Chuo Shimin Center
青森市中央市民センター　料理室 (map)
Cost: 900yen (incl. ingredients cost)
Registration: Required
Max. Participants: 20 people
(Register by phone (090-7660-1583, Kamiyama-san) or email (potlucksmore[at]yahoo.co.jp))
Notes/Cautions: Please bring an apron and bandana (to cover your hair/head)


Aomori Chuo Shimin Center 青森市中央市民センター
Matsubara, 1 Chome−6−15 (青森県青森市松原１丁目６−１５)
Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture 030-0813


More Information:
Aomori International Exchange Association (Japanese): http://www.kokusai-koryu.jp/news_event/2016/05/post-87.html

Marine Festa in Ominato & Ominato Navy Festival 2016

Marine Festa in Ominato 2016 マリンフェスタＩＮ大湊

Date: Saturday June 4, 2016
Time: 9:00-15:00
Location: Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) Ominato Base (Headquarters District)
海上自衛隊大湊基地（総監部地区） & Ominato Air Base 海上自衛隊大湊航空基地 (map)
Parking:

• Ominato Air Base 大湊航空基地内
• Kamafuseyama Ski Resort Parking Lot 釜臥山スキー場駐車場 (map)

Admission: Free
Events/Attractions:

• Naval Fleet Open to the Public
• Tugboat Bay Cruise
  (整理券 numbered tickets will be distributed from 9:15 (first 200 people) & 11:15 (first 250 people))
• Ground & Air Force Vehicle Display
• Disaster Relief Operation Equipment Display
• Corner to Try on Uniforms
• Stamp Rally
• Airplane Display
• Railroad Car Display (Fire Engine, Snow Plough, etc.)
• Control Tower Tour
• Dog Tag Making
• Etc.

Aspam Spring Festival 2016

Aspam Spring Festival 2016
2016 アスパム春まつり (Aspam Haru Matsuri)

Craft festival, Aomori local product festival, curry festival, and local gourmet festival all rolled into one big event!

Date: April 29-May 5, 2016
Time: 9:00-19:00
Location: Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center Aspam
青森県観光物産館アスパム (map)
Admission: Free

Hirosaki Apple Blossom Festival 2016

Hirosaki Apple Blossom Festival 2016
弘前りんご花まつり (Hirosaki Ringo Hana Matsuri)

Enjoy the sight of apple blossoms blooming with snow-capped Mount Iwaki in the background.

Date: May 6-15, 2016
Time: 10:00-21:00
Location: Hirosaki Apple Park 弘前りんご公園 (map)
Admission: Free (some paid events)

Curry & Ramen Tanchatei

Restaurant Spotlight: Tanchatei たんちゃ亭

A popular curry and ramen restaurant that offers a good variety of ramen and curries, including miso curry gyuunuu (milk) ramen, curry noodles, and lamb curry among others.

The original restaurant, Tanbo no Chaya (たんぼのちゃや), was located in Towadako Machi (on the way to Lake Towada) and had been in business for over 20 years. After a fire destroyed the original building, Tanbo no Chaya re-opened in central Towada as Tanchatei in April 2012.

 

Ordering
There is a numbered picture menu on a wall near the entrance. Use the numbers to buy food tickets from the machine to the left of the entrance and give the tickets to the staff at the counter to place your order. Drinks and some other items need to be ordered and paid for at the counter.

 

You can choose the spiciness level for curry* and spicy miso ramen (辛みそラーメン kara miso ramen) :

• Mild (普通 futsuu =  "regular")
• Medium (中辛 chuukara)
• Hot (大辛 ookara),
• Very Hot (激辛 gekikara)
• Hell (地獄 jigoku) 30x hotter, extra 100yen
• Heaven (天国 tengoku) 50x hotter, extra 150yen 

*Note: You cannot select the spiciness level for: lamb curry (ラムカレー); mini curry (ミニカレー); children's curry (お子様カレー okosama curry); and curry that comes as part of a set (セットのカレー setto no curry)

Recommended Menu Items:

Miso Curry Milk Ramen 760yen
みそカレー牛乳ラーメン (miso curry gyuunyuu ramen)

Chicken Ramen チキンラーメン 890yen

Curry Noodles カレーヌードル 850yen

(For an extra 100yen (pay at the counter), you can get a bowl of rice and cheese to mix into the leftover soup to turn it into a sort of risotto.)

Cheese Cutlet Curry 860yen
チーズカツカレー (cheese katsu curry)

*Winter Only* Baked Curry 850yen??
焼きカレー (yaki curry)

Hours: 11:00-15:00 (14:30 last order), 17:00-21:00*, Closed Wednesdays
*Closing time may change depending on the season

Website: http://www.tancha-tei.com/
Price Range:～1500yen

English/Picture Menu: Partial Picture Menu

Seating: Table (3 tables x 4 people, 3 tables x 2 people), Tatami (1 table x 6 people), and Counter (3 people); Non-Smoking Environment During Lunchtime  

Good For: Solo Dining, Couples, Small Groups, Parties (with Reservations) 

Reservations: Only needed for parties

Phone: 0176-58-6969

Parking: Available (6 cars in front of the restaurant and an overflow lot to the north of the restaurant)

Address/Map:
1-9 Nishinijunibancho (十和田市西二十二番町1‐9)
Towada City, Aomori 034-0094

Pasta & Curry Cafe Gaucho

Cafe Spotlight: Gaucho ガウチョ

A nice cafe that has tasty and reasonably priced pasta and curry dishes, among other things. The high ceilings, wood furnishings, and abundance of plants give the space a bright and cozy feel.

(If you're planning on hanging out there for a while, though, just be warned that it only has a Japanese-style toilet.)

Recommended Menu Items:

Curry Seafood Mix カレーシーフードミックス 700yen
(Comes with salad and choice of drink (hot/iced coffee, orange juice, or apple juice))

Curry Spaghetti カレースパゲッティ 700yen
(Comes with salad and choice of drink (hot/iced coffee, orange juice, or apple juice))

Hamburg Curryハンバーグカレー 700yen
(Comes with salad and choice of drink (hot/iced coffee, orange juice, or apple juice))

Napolitan (Spaghetti) Lunch ナポリタンランチ 700yen
(Comes with choice of drink (hot/iced coffee, orange juice, or apple juice))

Cheese Spa(ghetti) チーズスパ 750yen
(Comes with salad and choice of drink (hot/iced coffee, orange juice, or apple juice))

Chilled Tomato Sauce Spaghetti Set 750yen
冷静スパ（トマトソース）　(reisei supa (tomato sauce))
(Comes with salad, bread, and choice of drink (hot/iced coffee, orange juice, or apple juice))

(Option to add a drink (hot/iced coffee, orange juice, or apple juice) for 100yen available for most food that doesn't already come with a drink.)

Apple and Sweet Potato Pie  500yen
りんごとさつまいものパイ (ringo to satsuma imo no pie)
(Comes with choice of any drink on the menu, excluding floats--great value considering that drink prices alone range from 200yen-400yen)

Hours: 9:00-10:00, Closed Tuesdays

Price Range:～1000yen

English/Picture Menu: Partial picture menu available

Seating: Table (1 table x 4 seats, 6 tables x 3seats) and Counter (3 seats)  

Good For: Solo Dining, Couples, Families, Small Groups

Reservations: Usually not necessary

Phone: 0176-22-6845

Parking: Available (4 cars)

Address/Map:
6-5 Inaoicho (十和田市稲生町6‐5)

Towada City, Aomori　034-0011

Relaxing Restaurant-Cafe Drive-In Isshin

Restaurant/Cafe Spotlight: Drive-In Isshin ドライブイン イッシン
(Commonly referred to as "Isshin")

 

With its warm lighting and wood-burning stove, Isshin is a great place to study, read books, play board games (Japanese comics, books, and games are available for free use) and enjoy a leisurely meal, alone or with friends. However, it is not the best choice for those in a hurry, as food and drinks take a fair bit of preparation time. The large menu has a little bit of everything: Japanese food, curry, pasta, pizza, sandwiches, parfaits, hot and cold drinks, etc. The parfaits are particularly well known for the impressive arrangement of fruits on top.

Recommended Menu Items:

Vegetable Stir-Fry-Style Grilled Meat (Pork) Set* 750yen 
野菜炒め風焼肉(ポーク)セット (Yasai Itame-Fu Yakiniku (Pork) Setto)
*Set includes rice, miso soup, salad, and pickled vegetables (tsukemono); 540yen à la carte (tanpin 単品)

Cream Stew Set* クリームシチューセット 970yen
* Set includes salad and choice of rice or bread; 750 yen à la carte (tanpin 単品)

Lasagne ラザニャ 915yen

(Comes with salad; eggplant in lasagne)

Cake Set ケーキセット 810yen

Choice of Hotcakes or Daily Cake; Isshin Blend Coffee, Ice Coffee, Isshin Blend Tea, or Ice Tea

Parfait パフェ All 750yen

Chocolate Parfait チョコレートパフェ (pictured)/ Fruit Parfait フルーツパフェ/ Matcha Ice Parfait 抹茶アイスパフェ

Cocoa Parfait ココアパフェ/ Tea Parfait ティーパフェ/ & Other Drink Parfaits

 

Banana Parfait バナナパフェ

(Whipped Cream Roses! Choice of Chocolate (pictured), Vanilla, Strawberry or Matcha Ice Cream)

 

Hours: 10:30-22:00, Closed Thursdays
Price Range: 1000yen～2000yen
English/Picture Menu: N/A
Seating: Counter and Tables
Good For: Solo Dining; Couples; Families; Small to Large Groups
Reservations: Usually not necessary, except for large groups
Phone: 0176-22-8788
Parking: Available （～10 cars)
Address/Map: 
Shimomaekawara-65−2 Osaka (十和田市大字相坂字下前川原65‐2)
Towada, Aomori Prefecture 034-0041