Inakadate Rice Art: Mum always said not to play with your food but..

Around 10km northwest of Hirosaki, the clever people of Inakadate have managed to create a concoction consisting of Japan's strongest attributes: rice growing, and painstaking perfection. With a population of around 8400, Inakadate, a seemingly little town like many others in Aomori (packed full of rice, apples and old people), has managed to stand out from the crowd with its incredible rice art, or tanbo art (田んぼアート).

2010 design

Started in 1993, to pull in visitors to its aging town, the villagers of Inakadate pioneered rice art, using varieties of grain to create images within the rice paddies. This year's image used seven different coloured varieties. These days a computer is used to map out the images, taking into account perspective from the 22 metre high viewing platform, and thousands of stakes used to plot them (over 8000 stakes were used for the 2010 田んぼ!). 

 

The 2003 portrait of Mona Lisa fell victim to the perspective issue, viewed from the castle-look-alike town hall, she let everyone know her good news.. looking somewhat pregnant. Check out the difference between the two perspectives from 2007`s art, from directly above and from the viewing platform.

This year's creation is of the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, takentorimongatari (竹取物語), one of Japan's oldest tales. Check out the story at its Wikipedia page here (especially if you enjoy a sci-fi tale or two). I haven't included a picture as not to spoil the surprise, but is worth the visit for the few minutes of awe you get shuffling orderly around the viewing platform. There are a few little food stalls in the town hall carpark and a friendly obachan who gave me ￥100 off my melon. There's even a little foot onsen, ashiyuu (足湯), adjacent to the paddy opposite the town hall to help soak in the ricey atmosphere.

The Skinny: Get your (visual) fill of rice without the calories.

Price: Free! (There is a donation box with a couple of smiley obachans at the entrance for those feeling generous)

Where: The paddies are right opposite the Inakadate Town Office, plenty of 田んぼアート signs once you get there. Click here for a link from Jusco in Tsugaru City!

Dates: This year's season runs from May 30th until October 1st

Times: Open from 9am to 5pm (last admissions at 4.30pm)

Mt. Iwaki Day Trip

The natural beauty of Mt. Iwaki can be enjoyed in many ways – some more relaxing than others! One of these foolproof relaxing methods is a trip to one of the many onsen in the area.

Iwaki-sou onsen is a choice you can’t go wrong with. Situated in the picturesque hotel of the same name, the onsen boasts both outdoor and indoor baths. The outdoor baths are especially idyllic – there’s nothing quite like listening to leaves rustle and birds warble while you let the worries of daily life soak away.

If you can stave off the urge for a post-onsen nap, there is a beautiful Shinto shrine just down the road. While all of Mt. Iwaki is technically sacred ground, Iwaki-yama Shrine is the site of worship. Most of the main buildings date to about 1694. The shrine itself stretches back up the side of the mountain, deeper into the forest. It makes a great walk! And if you’re lucky, you will run into the friendly obaasan selling apple ice cream, yum!

The Skinny: A relaxing day trip - quiet soak in a refined onsen, followed by a stroll through the grounds of a tranquil shrine.

Price: Iwaki-sou onsen is 500￥, plus 100￥ for optional towel rental. Admission to Iwaki-yama Shrine is free.

Directions: Click here for a road map, starting from Jusco in Kashiwa!

Websites: Iwaki-sou onsen; Iwaki-yama Shrine

森の中の果樹園 (Mori no Naka no Kajuen)

One thing that the Tsugaru region is famous for is agriculture, and what better way to experience this than by going fruit picking?  At the inexpensive price of 1000 yen per person, you can pick as much fruit from the trees/vines as you can eat (no time limit)!  Also, you can pick fruit to take home at a price that is much better than what you find in supermarkets.  While it's hard to beat fruit straight off the vine, the beauty of the orchard makes the experience even better.　 Different times of the year, different fruits, so check out the website!

The Skinny: Great Orchard

Time: 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. from the end of April to the end of October

Price: 1000 yen per person (all you can eat)

Location: click here for a map to Mori no Naka No Kajuen　(From Jusco in Kashiwa)

Website:  http://www.morikaju.jp/ (Japanese)

Tip Top Tappi

Tappi is the northernmost point in western Aomori so the drive there is a bit far from the Tsugaru side, but well worth it. Travel the winding roads and you'll pass the sea, go through the mountains and if you're lucky, you'll spot some of the notoriously mischievous Japanese snow monkeys. There are a few viewing platforms to stop at along the way, and once you reach Tappi, walk up the look-out path to catch the best view. On a clear day you can see Hokkaido. And if you have time to spare, check out the nearby Seikan Tunnel Museum, which explains the making of the underwater railway tunnel that connects Honshu to Hokkaido and is the longest operational underground tunnel! Click here to learn more.

The Skinny: A weekend joyride

Price: A tank of gas

Takayama Inari Shrine

Nestled deep in Shariki Town is the impressive Takayama Inari Shrine. Although it's quite large, it's often sparse with visitors (rumor has it many Japanese people find the place haunted). Once you drive through the giant torii gate, you will see the visitor center in front, stairs leading to the shrine on your left, and a somewhat hidden path to Shariki beach on your right. The path to the beach will take you behind the visitor center and through some dense vegetation, but don't worry, it's safe and permitted. The beach is a bit laden with garbage, but it's still an interesting place to visit (local rumor has it that people have gone missing off this coast at the hands of North Koreans). Lastly, if you visit in summer, look out for all the frogs - they're everywhere!

The Skinny: A beautiful shrine with over 100 small torii gates and a walk to the beach

Price: Free

Where: Click here for a map

Website: Click Here

Bense Marsh (ベンセ湿原)

Spring in Japan is famous for cherry blossoms, but spring in Tsugaru is famous for Bense Marsh's orange and yellow day lilies.  According to local news, the flowers will be at full bloom on the 15th and 16th of June and can be enjoyed through this Monday (June 20). The marsh is undoubtedly a great place to take a stroll, enjoying Tsugaru's beautiful nature.  And the day lilies are a must for anyone into photography.  The lilies (called nikkoukisuge in Japanese) are the official flowers of Tsugaru City.  Come enjoy the Tsugaru spring by visiting the Bense Marsh!

When? Now through June 20th

Where? Tsugaru City Map to the marsh

How much? FREE!

Towada Horseback Riding

As part of our new series, 'Hop in Your Car and Drive,' comes our second installment: Towada Horseback Riding. Located about two and a half hours from the Tsugaru area, Western Hat Japan provides a great weekend retreat to the scenic Towada countryside. Your hour-long tour (60 and 90 minutes sessions are both available) will be guided by two Japanese instructors who, despite limited English ability, possess just enough to make you feel comfortable. After an introductory riding lesson in the stable, you'll be led along a path that winds through the farm and forest and past a training site for yabusame (traditional Japanese mounted archery). Be sure to wear clothing that allows for maximum mobility and proper attire to keep you warm. It gets chilly in the countryside! Finally, be aware that unlike tours in the US, Japanese instructors believe in a "headfirst" approach to learning, i.e. they will introduce you once to trotting and cantering in the stable and will then ask you to do the same while out on the trail. If you feel uncomfortable with this pace, just let your guide know beforehand. Tsugaru-chan enjoyed her visit very much and highly recommends it, but will stick to eating horses in the future (a Tsugaru-area delicacy) instead of riding them.

The Skinny: Horseback Riding in Towada

Price: 3500 yen for one hour

Hours: Coming soon...

Location: Towada

Website: http://www.jtng.com/thrc/ukiuki/

Osorezan: the Gateway to Hell

With the spring weather finally here, Tsugaru-chan wanted to share some great places to explore. Get excited to hop in your car and drive! First on our list is Osorezan. Considered one of the three holiest sites of Japan, this Buddhist area was founded in the ninth century by the Great Buddhist Master En'nin. When Tsugaru-chan visited Osorezan last fall, the first thing she noticed was the unusual atmosphere. With only the sound of the crow's caw, a strong sulphur smell, and the numerous warnings for mumashi pit vipers, Tsugaru-chan felt like she really was at the entrance to Hell, a title bestowed upon Mount Osore (literally "Mount Fear").

Perhaps one of the most striking features of Osorezan is the landscape. Tsugaru-chan's local tour guide explained that no vegetation grows on the rock-laden grounds (representative of hell), yet just a few meters up the mountain a verdant forest flourishes (representative of heaven). Scenery aside, one of the most moving aspects of Osorezan is its function as a gravesite of sorts, predominantly for children. Visitors often build cairns, man-made piles of rocks in a conical shape, topped with colorful pinwheels, packs of crayons, chocolates and other wordly goods as a means of mourning.
Small Jizo statues are also another way to grieve. Popular throughout Japan, they are typically dressed with a reb bib and cap and serve to protect the souls of deceased children.

Lastly, a few times a year Osorezan hosts a number of blind mediums, or itako, to allow communication with the dead. The lines are often long and are only offered in Japanese, so if you would like a chance to speak with a departed one, please bring along a translator. This sacred Buddhist site, renowned for its mystical powers, is definitely worth the drive. Japanese people will also be impressed you braved one of the most frightening spots in Japan (don't be surprised if you're asked if you saw a ghost!). So ganbatte, and enjoy the Shimokita peninsula of Aomori.

The Skinny: A great day trip to one of the holiest sites in Japan

Price: 500 Yen for adults (older than 15), 400 Yen for adults belonging to a group of more than 30 members, 200 yen for children (below 15)

Annual Schedule: Open from 5/1 to 10/31. Main festival of Bodhisattva Jizo 7/20-7/24. Autumn festival is three successive days in early October, the second Monday of October (Sports Day) and the Saturday and Sunday immediately before it

Daily Schedule: Open from 6:00AM-4:00PM (changed during the festivals). Religious services are 6:30AM, 11:00AM, 2:00PM.

Location: Mutsu City, Aomori, Japan  

For more information, give this article a read.

Furōfushi Onsen （不老不死温泉）

Living in the west of Aomori Prefecture, Furōfushi Onsen in Fukaura should definitely be one of your top spots to visit. Although an indoor bath and jacuzzi are available, the main attraction is without a doubt its routenburo, outdoor bath, which is perfectly placed on the shores of the Sea of Japan. Bathers can enjoy soaking in iron-rich spring water that is said to have healing properties (furōfushi translates to longevity and perpetual youth). The less inhibited among you might enjoy the konyoku, mixed bath side, though the milk tea-coloured water does well to maintain your dignity.* The routenburo is technically only open to day visitors until 4pm, but once you've entered the bathing area we recommend staying until sunset, especially on wintry days when nightfall comes early. Nothing epitomises the Tohoku experience more than looking out onto the ocean as the sky turns red whilst keeping warm in a cosy bath. 

* Women are allowed to enter the men's side on the left if they so wish, but the right side is for women bathers only, sorry fellas!

The Skinny: An incredible onsen with beautiful scenery, an Aomori must-see

Price: A very affordable ￥600, with an optional extra ￥200 to rent a yukata (for the chilly walk down to the routenburo in winter)

Opening Hours: Routenburo from 8am to 4pm, other baths from 8am to 9pm

Location: click here

Sannai Maruyama Site (山内丸山遺跡）

Link to Picture 1

The Sannai Maruyama site radically changed the perception of the Jomon culture, which flourished in Japan from 12,000 to 2,300 years ago.  Before the site's discovery, people thought the Jomon people were simplistic hunters and gathers; however, the 1992 discovery of the ruins proved that the Jomon people were much more complex, with the ruins of tall buildings, tools, and roads being unearthed.  And the best part is:  the site is right here in Aomori, and even more, it's FREE!

Link to Picture 2

 Last Sunday, I took a trip to the site, which was beautiful covered in ice and snow.  However, as most of the site is in fact outside (although there is an inside museum), I would recommend waiting until it gets a little warmer before going.  Besides the inside museum, the site consists of ample fields with reconstructions of Jomon structures.  You can even go inside them!  Also, the site is a short walk to the Aomori Art Museum, so you can do both in a day if you're interested.  I did!

For more information on what the ruins meant to Japanese history, check out the following article:  Japan Times Article about the ruins

For more information, including instructions on how to get to the site and when it is open, check out the website: Official English website

Naqua Shirakami Ski Resort

For those of you who want to make the most of the snow by skiing or snowboarding this winter, we recommend Naqua Shirakami Ski Resort in Ajigasawa. With 14 courses to follow served by a gondola and four chairlifts, it is definitely worth a visit. The neighbouring hotel also houses a luxurious onsen with both indoor and outdoor baths, the latter of which allows bathers to look out onto the snowy mountain scenery, if you want relax after conquering the slopes. 

 

There's no need to worry about gear either; you can rent everything (including clothing) from the foot of the chairlift furthest from the hotel. Although the courses are not entirely suited for beginners, ski schools accommodating all ages are available throughout the week and during the weekend (English instructors available on request). For people who prefer to hit the slopes after work, three "nighter" courses are open until 9pm and accessible by the furthermost chairlift station. 

With brilliant views at the top and tasty ramen at the bottom  of the mountain (with a Mos Burger on hand for fans of western food), make the most of the rest of the winter and give Naqua Shirakami Ski Resort a visit!

The Skinny: For those of us on the Tsugaru side, it's the most convenient ski resort and definitely one of the best places to enjoy the winter season
Location: click here for directions from Jusco
Price: Adult 1-day Lift Pass for ￥4,000 (￥8,000 including equipment & clothing rental fee)

Hakkoda Mountain Snow Trekking!

Looking to do a mixture of walking, sliding, and snowy mountain viewing?  If so, going snow trekking on Mt. Hakkoda is the thing for you!

Activity 1: Snow Shoe Hiking (Hiking around near the peak of Hakkoda)

Dates: Now through May 15th
   Morning time: 10:00 - 11:00
   Afternoon time: 13:00 - 14:00

Price: 1000 Yen (Includes snow shoe rental, but does not include cost to use the ropeway or renting winter clothing).

Meeting place:  Meet at the Sanchoukouen Eki (山頂公園駅）, or the station at the top of the Hakkoda Ropeway.  To get to the ropeway, click on this link.

Please sign up at least three days in advance by fax or phone

TEL 017-738-0343　FAX 017-738-5061

Activity 2: Snow Trekking (Guided by a mountain expert)

Dates: Now through the end of May
   Meeting time: 11:30
   Trekking time: 12:30 - 15:30

Price: 4000 Yen (Separate price for the ropeway)
        2000 Yen for rental (Equipment, winter clothing, gloves ...)

Meeting place:  Meet at Hakkoda Park （八甲田パーク（株））, which is at the foot of Mount Hakkoda.  For a directions from Jusco in Tsugaru (Kashiwa), click here.

Please sign up with at least two people a week ahead of the date you plan to go

TEL 017-738-8591　FAX 017-742-1596

Aoni Onsen in Kuroishi (青荷温泉、黒石市)

Take a step back in time at Aoni Onsen, the inn lit solely by lanterns. There are four different baths to relax in, including a mixed outdoor bath (konyoku, 混浴). Almost every bath has both inside and outside sections, and it's quite an experience bathing whilst surrounded by snow.





Be sure to watch your step at night when the road to your room is lit by candlelight, as it's easy to get carried away by the beautiful scenery. Aoni Onsen regularly hosts international guests, so you should feel right at home.  This peaceful and unique inn hidden in the Aomori mountains is definitely worth the break from modern convenience.
 


Location: Aomori, Kuroishi, Okiura, Takinoue, Aonisawa 1-7

森県黒石市大字沖浦字青荷沢滝ノ上１の７ 
Due to its remote location, guests are unable to drive directly to the onsen. Leave your car in the parking lot at Nijinoko Park (free of charge) and a friendly bus driver will pick you up at 14:00 (winter only), 15:00 and 16:00 daily. Look out for the road signs written in the Tsugaru dialect along the way!

Address of the shuttle bus station (Nijinoko Park 虹の湖公園）:
1-5 Ji Yama Kami, Ooaza Okiura, Kuroishi, Aomori 
虹の湖公園　〒036-0402 青森県黒石市大字沖浦字山神１−５ 
(click here for directions from Kashiwa Jusco) 
Contact: 0172－54－8588 (no English speaker may be available)

Price: ￥10,650 per night (dinner and breakfast included)

Tsugaru's Winter Stove Train （津軽鉄道 ストーブ列車）

It wouldn't quite be winter in Tsugaru without the stove train.  Enjoy the beautiful winter scenery of the Tsugaru area in a heated site-seeing train.  An announcer (speaking in Japanese) even explains the sites.  While I haven't had the chance to do this yet (plan to do it during the next couple of weeks), I heard about it from a Japanese friend who lives in Goshogawara, and saw an advertisement for it on the bullet train from Tokyo.  It's really close, and it's an inexpensive way to spend a couple of hours on your day off.

Time:
* December 27 through March 31 
* 9:25, 11:40, 14:10 (train departure times from Goshogawara station)
* Everyday of the week

 

Location:  From Goshogawara station to Nakasato Station (五所川原駅～中里駅）

Entry: Regular train fee between Goshogawara and Nagasato + a 300 yen 'stove train' fee

* Adults:￥840 + ￥300 = ￥1140

* Children: ￥420 + ￥300 = ￥720

Questions: 0713-34-2148 (English speaker may not be available)

Website: please click here!

New Aomori City Nebuta Museum!

Nebuta no Ie Warasse  （ねぶたの家 ワラッセ）

Nebuta Float Inside the Museum

The ultimate Nebuta experience! I had the chance to visit this newly opened museum a couple of weeks ago, and had a great time.  Inside there are a bunch of floats from Aomori`s Nebuta festival, and you can learn about the history of the Nebuta Festival.  There is also a restaurant, cafe, and shop inside.  To add to that, it`s just a minute`s walk from Aomori station, so it`s very accessible!

Museum Outside Vie

 
Location: Aomori City, one minute walking from Aomori Station (see map)

Event Entry: 
Adults: 600 yen

Highschoolers: 450 yen

Middle and elementary schoolers: 250 yen

Parking:  There is a parking lot next to the building (210 yen for the first hour and 100 yen every thirty minutes after that)

Time: 
Museum: 

September to April: 9:00 to 18:00

May through August: 9:00 to 19:00

Restaurant:

September to April: 11:00 to 19:00

May through August: 11:00 to 20:00

Cafe:

September to April: 10:00 to 19:00

May through August: 10:00 to 20:00

Shop: 

September to April: 9:00 to 18:30

May through August: 9:00 to 19:30

Questions: 017-752-1311　

(English assistance may not be available)

Link to Picture　１　　　Link to Picture 2