More Winter Festivals!

Want more fun in the snow this winter in Aomori? Then here are a few more events for you! Aomori Prefecture is said to have one of the highest snowfalls in all of Japan, so it's no surprise that residents know the best ways to celebrate during the cold winters.

The 33rd Aomori City Winter Festival

First held over thirty years ago, this festival has become a winter tradition, complete with a huge snow slide, a chance to make your own ice cream and rice cakes, a petting zoo and horse-riding area among its attractions.

When? 12th & 13th February 2011, 9.00 - 16.00
Where? Gappo Park, to the east of Aomori City 合浦公園、青森市　(click here for a map from Jusco in Tsugaru)
Contact: ０１７－７４１－６６３４ 
Parking is available at the park for ￥500 per day, and opens at 8.30.
Photos from last year's event can be found here.

Sannai-Maruyama Jomon Winter Festival

Enjoy building snowmen among the famous Jomon ruins, and don't forget to bring your sled for the snow slide!

When? 19th & 20th February 2011

Where? At the Sannai-Maruyama Jomon Archeological Site 三内丸山縄文遺跡　(click here for the English website)
(click here for directions from Jusco)

Entry? Free, though there are some events that require an entry fee

Contact: ０１７－７６６－８２８２

Don't forget there are still plenty of other festivals taking place in Aomori,

click here for more details!

Major Winter Festivals Throughout Aomori!

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival（弘前城雪燈籠まつり）

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hirosaki castle illuminated with lights, as well as over 50 snow lanterns and 300 snow statues.

Dates: February 10th through February 13, 2011.

Location: Hirosaki City, Hirosaki Koen 
(青森県弘前市　弘前公園)

Time: Sunset to 21:00

Event Entry: Free

Questions: 0172-37-5501

(English assistance may not be available)
Directions: Click here for map from Jusco

 

Towada Snow and Light Fantavista（十和田湖冬物語）

Be part of the mysterious story that unfolds during this 24-day festival, which features fireworks everyday, shamisen performances, snow statues and snow lanterns.  In addition, sample Aomori and Akita local food, grab a drink at the ice bar, or try your hand at various local crafts.

Dates: February 4th through February 27, 2011.

Time: Weekdays: 15:00 to 21:00+

          Weekends and holidays: 11:00 to 21:00+

          (Most activities, such as fireworks, are at night)

Location: Towada City (click here for directions from Jusco)
〒018-5501 Aomori-ken Towada-shi Ooaza Okuseji Towada-ko Azekyuuya 486

青森県十和田市大字奥瀬字十和田湖畔休屋486

Event Entry: Free (However, making local crafts costs money)

Questions: 0176-75-2425 (English assistance may not be available)

Hachinohe Enburi Dance (八戸えんぶり）

Come watch the performing art that is considered a Japanese national treasure. Donning lacquer head gear in the image of steeds, dancers pray for a bountiful harvest.  There are a variety of troupes and dances, so see below for one that fits your schedule and tastes.

Dates and Times: February 17th through February 20th, 2011.

・Opening Enburi performance at Choujayamashinra Temple

17th (7:00)

・Enburi Picture Taking Performance

17th(8:00)

・Enburi Performance for the Hachinohe`s mayor

17th (12:30)

・Large 30-Group Performance in Downtown Hachinohe

17th (10:40)

・Bonfire Enburi Night Dance

17th,19th,20th (18:00,19:00, 20:00)

18th (18:00, 19:30)

・Park Enburi Dance (Includes Sweet Sake and Soup)

17th~22nd (18:00, 20:00)

16:00 (only on the 17th, 18th)

・Enburi Stage Performance (At a performance hall)

17th~18th (13:00~16:00)

・General Performance

    19th~20th (13:00,14:00)

Location: Various locations throughout Hachinohe. If interested in a time, comment and I'll tell you where.

Event Entry: Park Enburi Dance \2000              (Reservations)

                     Enburi Stage Performance \1000   (Reservations)

Contact: 0187-27-4243

(English assistance may not be available)

**If you need help with reservations, let me know, and I`ll help!

Pictures from http://www.jreast.co.jp/tabidoki/winter/index.html?src=adw