The Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival will run from October 19 to November 11.
It will take place at Hirosaki Park which is home to the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual event held in April that was selected as one of Japan’s 100 most famous cherry blossom spots, bringing in over 2 million people every year. The castle tower at the park along with the three watchtowers and five castle gates are also registered as important cultural properties. It is also known for being the place where the Hirosaki Domain resided which was ruled by the Tsugaru clan.
The Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival has been held every autumn since 1962. It serves as a reminder of autumn-time Hirosaki with around maple 1,000 trees dyeing the park in autumnal hues. The 2,600 or so cherry blossom trees there, which turn a beautiful pink in spring, also take on fall colours.
When the sun sets at the festival, the castle tower, gates and the park are lit up with bright illuminations. The park is made even more beautiful by the glowing trees and illumined castle which cast reflections on the water surface.
Experience the magic of autumn in Aomori Prefecture at this year’s festival
Information
Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival
Location: Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden
Running: October 19, 2018 – November 11, 2018
Time: 09:00-17:00
Botanical Garden Entry Price
Adults (High School Students and Above): ¥310 (¥250)
Children (Elementary & Middle School Students): ¥100 (¥80)
Honmaru Kita no Kuruwa Area / Fujita Memorial Garden Entry Price
Adults (High School Students and Above): ¥510 (¥460)
Children (Elementary & Middle School Students): ¥160 (¥130)
*Prices in brackets are chargeable for groups of 10+ people.
*Illuminations will take place from sunset to 21:00.
Festival Website: http://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/web/edit.html?id=cat02_autumn_momiji
RELATED ENTRIES
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Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, a hot-spring hotel located in Owani, Aomori Prefecture, will hold a special snow and sake event from February 1 until February 28, 2022. Hotel guests will be invited to enjoy drinks before dinner with a special winter twist–under a kamakura! A kamakura is the Japanese equivalent of an igloo, and local sake will be cooled by the snow as guests enjoy a glass while taking in the gorgeous scenery.
Famed author Osamu Dazai described the seven types of snowfall found in the Tsugaru region in his work Tsugaru. To allow visits to enjoy the many different types of snow in Aomori, seven unique sakes will be prepared and depending on the snowfall each day, the sake guests are served will change. This unique experience is sure to leave an impression. Who would you like to bring along? Tsugaru Snow Lanterns Seven lanterns designed by Iemasa Yamahata will be placed on the inside of the kamakura. Each has a different color and pattern and each is based on one of the seven types of snow: powdery snow, large snowflakes, grainy snow, watery snow, granular snow, sleet, and crusted snow. Information
Tsugaru Snow Festival
Running: February 1 – February 28, 2023
Price: ¥1,000 per set (Tax Included, 20 sets available per day)
Included: 1 glass of local sake, 2 scallop snacks
Venue: Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, Water Garden
Hours: 16:30-18:00
*Only available to hotel guests.
https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/kaitsugaru/ -
Hoshino Resort Aomoriya, an inn where visitors are invited to fully enjoy Aomori's culture, will begin its Hanami Kotatsu event from April 1 until May 31, 2022. Guests can enjoy local sake while warming themselves beneath a cozy kotatsu. In the chilly Aomori spring, a kotatsu) will be set up beneath the blooming trees for visitors to comfortably view the cherry blossoms. Hot-water bottles will also be available for rent if guests can a little too cold! April in Aomori is spring according to the calendar, but it’s still quite chilly. Nevertheless, the people of Aomori look forward to flower viewing to overcome the cold winter and enjoy the long-awaited arrival of spring.
Three Fun Additions to Make Cherry Blossom Viewing More Fun
1 A Traditional Umbrella with a Sakura PatternNext to each kotatsu is a row of Japanese umbrellas with cherry blossoms painted on them, spreading the pink cherry blossom imagery all around. When opened, the umbrellas are covered with cherry blossoms, making you feel as if you are under the cherry blossoms in full bloom. 2 Choose a Local Sake and Sake Cups for a Flower Viewing Sake Tower Choose your favorite local sake and three sake cups to make a sake tower! Guests can choose from 10 Aomori sake brands, each with unique aromas and flavors. 3 Cherry Blossom Patterned Cotton-Filled Hot Water Bottle for Extra Warmth To keep extra warm beneath the kotatsu, a cotton blanket with a cherry blossom pattern and a hot-water bottle are available for rent. Doesn't it sound heavenly? Information
Hanami Kotatsu
Running: April 1 – May 31, 2022
Hours: 15:00-18:00 (Last Entry at 17:30)
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: ParkOfficial Site：https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/aomoriya/
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UNITED ARROWS has released its first craft beer in collaboration with Be Easy Brewing, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. The brew is available at the UNITED ARROWS BOTTLE SHOP, which sells select alcoholic beverages from both Japan and abroad. ‘Apple Pie Ala Mode’ went on sale starting January 2 at the UA BAR on the first floor of the UNITED ARROWS Harajuku flagship store, H BEAUTY AND YOUTH, and the California General Store.
Be Easy Brewing offers a selection of unique and constantly changing beers using ingredients found in Aomori like apples, strawberries and Tsugaru rice. From IPAs to wheat ales, the company is always experimenting with different styles. This strange collaboration was born after UNITED ARROWS expressed a fascination with the high quality and incredible taste of Be Easy Brewing’s beers. ‘Apple Pie Ala Mode’ is a Berliner Weisse with a slightly sour taste combining apple juice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Information
Apple Pie Ala Mode
Price: ¥770 (Tax Included)
Size: 350ml
ABV: 5.5%
Where to Buy: UA BAR（UNITED ARROWS Bar Harajuku 1F), H BEAUTY AND YOUTH, California General Store※The UA BAR will serve the beer on draft for a limited time.
※There will be no lottery for in-store sales. The beer will be available to purchase starting January 2, 2022.
※Available while supplies last. -
BEAMS Japan has collaborated with 13 businesses to develop nearly 100 unique products to highlight the wonders of Aomori Prefecture. Under the title ‘BEAMS EYE on AOMORI,’ these products are now available to purchase from the BEAMS Official Online Store. They will be available at the BEAMS Japan shop in Shinjuku starting January 19, 2022. BEAMS EYE on AOMORI Products at a Glance
BEAMS Japan travelled to Aomori to search for inspiration and to learn more about the prefecture famous for its blue skies and apple orchards. The areas rich nature and traditions come to life in this new line of merchandise, so why not enjoy some of these products for yourself? Information
BEAMS EYE on AOMORI
Running: December 20, 2021 – February 22, 2022
Where to Buy:
BEAMS Japan (3-32-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
January 19 – February 22, 2022
Hours: 11:00-20:00 *Hours are subject to change.
BEAMS Official Online Shop
December 20, 2021 – February 22, 2022
https://www.beams.co.jp/tag/211220_BJ_01/BEAMS Japan Taipei Pop-Up Shop
February 8 – February 22, 2022
Address: Taiwan Eslite Life Nanshi Store 1F, 14 Nanjing West Road, Zhongshan, Taipei
Special Website: https://www.beams.co.jp/special/teamjapan/aomori2/ -
The 'Inaichō General Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization,' a group striving for regional revitalization, has announced that the Oirase Gorge Ice Falls Tour will be available to tourists between December 17 2021 and March 6 2022. This will be the fifth year of the tour, which was first held in 2017.
Winter Oirase Waterfall Night Tour© Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization
Winter Oirase Nature Guided Tour© Towada-Oirase Tourism Organization
The Oirase Gorge, which stretches for 14km between Lake Towada and Yakeyama, lies between Aomori and Akita prefecture. The gorge is located in Towada Hachimantai National Park and has been designated a protected area.During Winter, the mountaintop waterfalls freeze over and become powerful icefalls, decorated with icicles. Time seems to stop as the river stops flowing and the area becomes still. On this bus tour you can enjoy the silvery-white Oirase scenery during the day, or be awed by the illuminated icefall and icicles at night. During the Night Tour, a dedicated light car runs alongside the bus to light up five spots along the Oirase Gorge, including the gorge icicles and the icefall itself. Each viewing spot has been carefully produced, using changing colors and lighting to set the scene. Why not visit this beautiful icy scene, which can only be enjoyed in Winter?Information
Oirase Gorge Ice Falls Tour
Duration:
【Tour 1】
Winter Oirase Waterfall Night Tour: City/Yakeyama Pickup & Drop Off Tour
December 17 2021 ~ March 6 2022 (Thursday ~ Sunday / Holiday Service)
【Tour 2】
Winter Oirase Nature Guided Tour: Shichinohe-Towada Station/City/Yakeyama Pickup & Drop Off Tour
December 18 2021 ~ February 27 2022(Weekend & Holiday Service)
※This is a daytime tour
【Tour 3】
Winter Oirase Waterfall Night Tour: Lake Towada Pickup & Drop Off Tour
December 17 2021 ~ February 20 2022 (Friday ~ Monday / Holiday Service)
【Tour 4】
Winter Lights Story Bus Daytrip
December 17 2021 ~ February 20 2022 (Friday ~ Monday / Holiday Service)
※This tour does not visit the icefall
Tickets & Tour Details: https://www.towada.travel/ja/oirase-ice-falls
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Japanese anime, game, and hobby merch site CharaAni released a new collection of Sakura Miku merchandise on Monday in collaboration with the Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 festival.
Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 x Sakura Miku Line-Up
Folders | ¥450 Each (Tax Included)
Tapestries | ¥3,500 Each (Tax Included)
Acrylic Stands | ¥1,500 Each (Tax Included)
Holographic Pins | ¥550 Each (Tax Included) *Blind box, designs are random
Reversible Blankets | ¥5,500 Each (Tax Included)
Scarf Towel (Art by iXima) | ¥2,000 (Tax Included)
Happi (Art by iXima) | ¥6,000 (Tax Included)
Hand Towel (Art by Mamo) | ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
Motel Key Ring (Art by iXima) | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
Teacups | ¥1,700 Each (Tax Included)
Flat Pouch (Art by iXima & Mamo) | ¥2,500 (Tax Included)
Drum Bag (Art by iXima) | ¥6,500 (Tax Included)
Full Graphic T-Shirt (Art by Morichika) | ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
Full Graphic Zipper Hoodie (Art by Hechima) | ¥9,900 (Tax Included)
Fashion Mask (Art by iXima) | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)
Desk Mat (Art by iXima) | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
Shitakawa Rayaki Dove Whistle | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)
Music Box: "Haru o Matsu Hito" - PolyphonicBranch feat. Hatsune Miku
The Sakura Miku x Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 collection invites on board four artists: iXima, Mamo, Hechima, and Morichika who have created original artwork for the line-up. The items can be bought both at the festival and online. The collection also includes Sakura Miku-inspired dove whistles made by Shitakawa Rayaki Tsuchi Ningyo, a clay doll company that has been around for over 200 years. The company began in the latter half of the Edo Period when Takaya Kanegura, who had learned how to make ceramics in the town of Chikuzen in Fukuoka, was employed by the Hirosaki Domain to build a furnace. Miku fans can also get their hands on a music box which features an original song created for the festival called Haru o Matsu Hito ("Person Waiting For Spring"). It features artwork by iXima. Art by iXima / Mamo / へちま / もりちか © Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.netInformation
Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri 2021 Merchandise
Order Window: May 10, 2021 – May 31, 2021
Product Page: https://www.chara-ani.com/pickup.aspx?p=sakuramatsuri2021
Event Details: https://www.hirosakipark.jp/sakura/
Music Box – “Haru o Matsu Hito”
Price: ¥10,000 (Tax Included)Order Window: Late August 2021 – Early September 2021
Song: “Haru o Matsu Hito” by PolyphonicBranch feat. Hatsune MikuListen Here: https://www.chara-ani.com/pickup.aspx?p=sakuramatsuri2021