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The Seikan area, packed with local attractions Seikan Area For new multi-destination travel Multi-destination Travel Guide: With the opening of the bullet train line, four cities along the , , and line in the Seikan area—Aomori, Hachinohe, Hakodate and Hirosaki—have been working together to press forward in developing attractive tourist destinations by highlighting their respective local characteristics. Aomori Nebuta Festival Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (with petals floating on the water) The Shinkansen line has brought the four cities lying across the Strait closer to each other than ever, creating the Seikan area—a new tourist area consisting of and the southern Hokkaido area. With rich and distinctive histories and cultures, these four cities have a host of attractive tourist resources that can be found only there. HIROSAKIHIROSAAKI AOMORIAOOMOORI The Shinkansen line has also enabled multi-destination travel in the four cities, making trips to the Seikan area even more appealing. We have published this brochure featuring trips to the four cities, titled Seikan Area Multi-destination Travel Guide: Aomori, Hachinohe, Hakodate and Hirosaki, out of hope that we will make the most of the opportunity created by the Shinkansen line’s opening to have more people appreciate the appeal of the Seikan area. We hope many people will visit the Seikan area as we continue to engage communities here to enable visitors to enjoy our sightseeing resources to the fullest. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Inquiries Aomori Hirosaki Website: Website: http://www.atca.info/atca_language/index_en.html http://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/en/

Contact: Contact: Aomori Tourism and Convention Association Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center Aomori Passenger Ship Terminal Bldg. 2F, Yanakawa 1-4-1, Aomori Phone: +81-172-37-5501 Phone: +81-17-723-7211 (No English-speaking staff available) E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

Hachinohe Hakodate Website: Website: https://hachinohe-kanko.com/english/ https://www.hakodate.travel/en/ Contact: Contact: Tourism Section, Department of Commerce, Contact Center for Foreign Tourists, Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi Industry, Labor, and Tourism, City of Hachinohe City of Hakodate HACHINOHEHAH CHINOH (Tatehana Wharf Morning Market) View from Mt. Hakodate HAKODATEHAKOODAATE Phone: +81-178-46-4040 (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-138-23-5440 E-mail: [email protected] Inquiry Form (No English-speaking staff available) https://www.hakodate.travel/en/contact.html Seikan Area Tourist City Conference 英

Access R Tohoku-South Hokkaido J Rail Pass

Hokkaido Railway Company MMulti-destinationulti-destination H5 Series logo HHokkaidookkaido RailwayRailway Company’sCompany’s H5H5 SeriesSeries This is an economical pass available only to travelers from abroad visiting . PhotoPhoto courtesy:courtesy: HokkaidoHokkaido RailwayRailway CompanyCompany As a joint product offered by JR Hokkaido and JR East, this pass allows unlimited rides on the Shinkansen and limited express trains in the southern Hokkaido area traveltravel toto thethe ever-closerever-closer SSeikaneikan areaarea (including , Hakodate and ) and the Tohoku area. Website: www.jreasthokkaido.com/e/ and offer 13 round trips daily on the Line. Validity Period and Prices – Shin-Hakodate- stations: 10 round trips/day Hayabusa This pass is valid for any five days of your choice during the 14-day period Sendai – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto stations: 1 round trip/day Website: from the day the pass is issued (flexible five days). *The day the pass is issued is the day it is exchanged (when purchased outside of Japan) or the Validity Period and Prices – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto stations: 1 round trip/day day it is sold (when purchased in Japan). Hayate Shin-Aomori – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto stations: 1 round trip/day Sales outside Japan Adults 19,000 yen Children 9,500 yen Sales within Japan Adults 20,000 yen Children 10,000 yen Adults Children yen yen Validity Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Nanae Adults yen Children yen This pass can be used for unlimited travel on ordinary car reserved seats on limited express (including Shinkansen) trains, Hakodate Liner express trains, and local trains on JR Hokkaido lines, JR East lines (including including Rapid Transit (BRT) systems), Goryokaku all Aoimori Railway lines, all Iwate Galaxy Railway (IGR) lines and all Sendai Airport Transit lines, within the service area. Validity *This pass cannot be used to board the South Hokkaido Railway or Hakodate city tram. Shin- Hakodate (provisional name) South Hokkaido Railway Sales and Exchange Locations Kikonai Sapporo Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry Kutchan ●New Chitose Airport JR Hokkaido Area [Hakodate – Oma, 1 hr. 30 min.] ● JR Information Desks: and New Chitose Airport Oshamambe ● Stations: Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station and Noboribetsu Station TTsugarusugaru KKaikyoaikyo FFerryerry Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto – Sapporo ● JR Travel Service Centers (Twinkle Plaza): Sapporo Station and [Hakodate[Hakodate – AAomori,omori, Shin-Yakumo Scheduled for opening at the end of fiscal 2030 JR East Area 3 hr.hr. 4400 min.]min.] (provisional name) ● JR East Travel Service Centers: Narita Airport Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station, SSeikaneikan FFerryerry Shin-Hakodate- Hakodate Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport International Terminal Station, , , [[HakodateHakodate – AAomori,omori, , Shibuya Station, and Hokuto ●Airport Sales and Exchange Locations aapprox.pprox. 4 hhr.]r.] KKikonaiikonai ● Stations: Narita Airport Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station Hakodate ● Travel Service Centers (View Plaza): Yokohama Station, Mito Station, Fukushima Station, Seikan JR Hokkaido Area , , , , , Shinagawa Hokkaido Shinkansen Line OOkutsugaru-Imabetsukutsugaru-Imabetsu Travel beneath Station*, Shinjuku Station* and * the Tsugaru Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto – Aomori *Stations marked with an asterisk handle sales only. Strait by Shin-Aomori Shichinohe- ● Information Centers (The following locations handle exchanges only): Shinagawa Station Shin-Aomori Shinkansen Opened on March 26, 2016 Towada JR East Area General Information Counter, Shinjuku Station (East Exit) Information Center and Ueno Station ● (Central Exit) General Information Center train OOkutsugaru-kutsugaru- Hirosaki AAomoriomori Hachinohe AAirportirport ImabetsuImabetsu Ninohe Iwate-Numakunai apan Rail Pass Morioka J Tohoku SShin-Aomorihin-Aomori Shinkansen Line Aoimori Railway Shin-Hanamaki Kitakami The , a joint offering of the six companies comprising the Japan Mizusawa-Esashi Shichinohe-Towada Railways Group (JR Group), is the most economical means of travelling throughout Ou Main Line Ichinoseki Japan by rail. Aomori Kurikoma-Kogen Website: www.japanrailpass.net Furukawa Hirosaki Hachinohe Sendai International Airport ● Sendai Shiroishizao Fukushima

Koriyama

Shin-Shirakawa Nasushiobara JAL and ANA offer visitors Min. 27 mins Utsunomiya Min. 151 mins coming from abroad Oyama discounts on connecting Omiya domestic flights. Ueno ●Narita International Airport Tokyo ●Haneda Airport Min. Min. Min. 23 mins 127 mins 26 mins ●Nagoya Komaki Airport Osaka International Airport (a.k.a. Itami Airport) ●Chubu Centrair International Airport ● 50 ●Kansai International Airport

Domestic flights Domestic flights serving serving Sapporo – Aomori (50 min.) 5 flights/day Sapporo – Hakodate (40 min.) 8 flights/day Tokyo – Aomori (80 min.) 6 flights/day Narita – Hakodate (95 min.) 1 flight/day Tokyo – Hakodate (80 min.) 8 flights/day Nagoya – Aomori (85 min.) 3 flights/day Nagoya – Hakodate (90 min.) 1 flight/day Osaka – Aomori (90 min.) 6 flights/day Osaka – Hakodate (100 min.) 2 flights/day

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Hirosaki Castle and cherry Hakkoda Ropeway blossoms at Hirosaki Park Throughout the four seasons, the Hakkoda Mountains are Built in 1611, was the seat of the feudal Tsugaru not only a beautiful sight to behold, they also offer an clan, which unified the Tsugaru region. The current castle , opportunity for outdoor activities, such as skiing and constructed in 1811, has been temporarily relocated since the snowshoe trekking in spring. Alpine plants start summer of 2015 for the repair of the castle’s stone walls. The Aomori blooming in June, turning the Hakkoda Gourd Line surrounding Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s largest cherry blossom Hirosaki footpath, which extends from the ropeway’s Summit Park viewing spots and features approximately 2,600 cherry trees in 52 Station, into a popular hiking destination where hikers varieties, including Yoshino cherry, weeping cherry and double-petaled can enjoy walking in sneakers or other light shoes. In cherry. When petals whirl in the wind, it’s a spectacular experience to walk through a pink tunnel of cherry blossoms in the west moat summer, when alpine plants are in full bloom, it attracts area and enjoy the view of cherry blossoms reflected on the water many mountain climbers and hikers. In mid-August, the of the moat surrounding the castle. The view of cherry blossoms ropeway operation is extended by two hours to allow illuminated at night is also a must-see. visitors to enjoy spectacular sunsets atop the mountain. (Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival: April 23 – May 5)

MMountainountain HHakkodaakkoda Address: Kansuizawa 1-12, Arakawa, Aomori bbasease RopewayRopeway Access: Approx. 80 min. by JR Bus bound for HHirosakiirosaki CastleCastle SSummitummit Towadako (Lake Towada) from JR Aomori Station Address: Hirosaki Park, Shimoshirogane-cho 1, Hirosaki 103 ● CCatholicatholic HHakkodaakkoda to the Hakkoda Ropeway Eki-mae stop HHirosakiirosaki PParkark HHirosakiirosaki Access: Approx. 17 min. by 100-yen Loop Bus from JR Hirosaki Station to the Shiyakusho-mae stop SSukayuukayu CChurchhurch ● OOnsennsen Inquiries: Hakkoda Ropeway ● Inquiries: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center 394 OOldld HirosakiHirosaki HHirosakiirosaki 103 Phone: +81-17-738-0343 CCityity LibraryLibrary Sta.Sta. Phone: +81-172-37-5501 (English-speaking staff available) (No English-speaking staff available) Autumn leaves on the Hakkoda Mountains Tinted autumn leaves On the Hakkoda Mountains, leaves of various tree on Mount Iwaki Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline varieties, including beech and maple, change colors In late September, Mount Iwaki shows a beautiful in October. The approximately 10-minute ropeway gradation of autumn leaves that go from green to red ride is a great way to enjoy the whole face of the land covered with a bright carpet of orange. The from its foot upwards. By the time green leaves at Hakkoda Gourd Line footpath, which extends from the foot turn red, the mountaintop is covered with the ropeway’s Summit Park Station, weaves through the first snow of the season. The fiery foliage, white alpine plant communities and marshes. The walking summit and green conifers make a stunning contrast trail has two courses, an accessible 30-minute course and a 60-minute one, making it perfect for that changes every day as autumn deepens. people of all ages and ability levels. (Period of autumn foliage: late September – (Period of autumn foliage: late September – October) mid-October) Tracing its roots back 1,200 years, Asamushi Onsen has been a spa Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline is a less than 10-kilometer-long resort frequented by hosts of intellectuals, including Shiko Munakata, MMountainountain HHakkodaakkoda an internationally known woodblock artist, and Osamu Dazai, one of bbasease RRopewayopeway MMountount IwakiIwaki road with 69 hairpin curves. The breathtaking views SSummitummit ● HHirosakiirosaki Address: Kansuizawa 1-12, Arakawa, Aomori tthh CityCity HallHall HHirosakiirosaki Location: Near the foot of Mount Iwaki that come into sight in between beautiful beech forests the foremost novelists in 20th-century Japan. Featuring various 103 HHakkodaakkoda 8 stationstation ofof ● Access: Approx. 80 min. by JR Bus bound for Towadako (Lake Towada) from JR Aomori Station to the Hakkoda Ropeway Eki-mae stop MMountount IwakiIwaki ● ParkPark Access: Approx.1 hr. 30 min. by Konan Bus from JR Hirosaki Station facilities, including a bathing beach, a marine fishing park and an SSukayuukayu IIwakiyamawakiyama as you drive the road are not to be missed. ● OOnsennsen Inquiries: Hakkoda Ropeway ShrineShrine Inquiries: Iwakisan Tourist Association 394 HHirosakiirosaki aquarium, the resort attracts visitors from all walks of life. 103 Phone: +81-17-738-0343 (No English-speaking staff available) SSta.ta. Phone: +81-172-83-3000 (No English-speaking staff available)

Hakodate You’ll never truly understand how magnificent a location is until you visit it yourself. Recommended Sights The Seikan area has stunning nature throughout the four seasons. Aomori Come and enjoy moments of excitement. Aomori HirosakiHachinohe Hakodate Hachinohe Hirosaki Tanesashi Coast in Sanriku Fukko Cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Park (Reconstruction) National Park The Goryokaku Fort, a Special Historic Site of Japan and the The Tanesashi Coast serves as a northern gateway to Sanriku site of the Battle of Hakodate in the last stage of the Boshin Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park, which includes a War, is known as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. It beautiful Pacific coastline that extends 250 kilometers from features approximately 1,600 cherry trees. At the height of the bloom, the cherry blossoms paint the star-shaped fort pink. Aomori to Miyagi prefectures. The Tanesashi Coast features (Blooming season: late April – early May) Hachinohe undulating natural grass terrain that stretches out as far as the At the heart of Goryokaku Park sits the restored Hakodate Hakodate water’s edge, and a footpath extending to its north is listed as Magistrate’s Office, an administrative institution established one of the top 100 trails in Japan. A narrow path in pine by the shogunate to take charge of the development of Ezochi, woods there provides stunning views of oddly shaped as Hokkaido was then known, and to serve as a window to rocks, and a campground is opened from April through to foreign countries after the opening of Hakodate Port. The October for people to revel in the natural beauty of the coast. imposing building surrounded by pine trees evokes the The Tanesashi Coast also has many scenic viewpoints, atmosphere of the closing days of the (1603-1868), including the Ashigezaki Viewpoint, that feature panoramic breathing life into history. The Goryokaku Tower’s observatory views of the Pacific Ocean and Tanesashi Coast. affords incredible panoramic views of the Goryokaku Fort.

e GGoryokakuoryokaku Address: Goryokaku-cho 44, Hakodate oh Address: Tanakubo 14-167, Same-machi, Hachinohe GGoryokakuoryokaku hinohen Sta.Sta. ac PParkark Access: Tram bound for Yunokawa from JR Hakodate Station to the Goryokaku Koen-mae HHachie TTanesashianesashi Access: Approx. 3 min. on foot from Tanesashikaigan 5 LiLinen stop, and then approx. 15 min. on foot; Or Hakodate Bus from the JR Hakodate Eki stop to CoastCoast Station on the JR HHakodateakodate MMutsu-utsu- CChiyogadaihiyogadai the Goryokaku Koen Iriguchi stop, and then approx. 10 min. on foot Inquiry: Tanesashi Coast Information Center PParkark RRacecourseacecourse SShirahamahirahama ● ● Inquiries: Flower and Green Division, Hakodate Housing and City Facilities Public 45 Phone: +81-178-51-8500 TTanesashi-anesashi- YYunokawaunokawa ● Corporation KKaiganaigan Sta.Sta. (No English-speaking staff available) HHakodateakodate Sta.Sta. Phone: +81-138-40-3605 (No English-speaking staff available)

Tinted autumn leaves A night view of at Lake in the Nango area Tour of slopes in Motomachi fishing boat lamps Morning Markets Lake Aoba was created by the construction of the As autumn deepens, trees on slopes in Hakodate in Hakodate Yomasari Dam. It was named after the Aoba flute take on autumn hues, including rowan trees at that a historical figure named Taira no Shigemori Daisan-zaka Slope, ivy on church walls and tall (1138-1179) is said to have brought with him when maple trees standing on the Old British Consulate he fled into a village that was later submerged when premises. The leaves change color every day against the dam was built. Scenic viewpoints on the lake’s the backdrop of retro-style streetscapes, and the shores afford seasonal panoramas, and roofed pleasure contrast they make with the oceanic views from the boats operating in autumn provide an opportunity to top of the slopes captivates many visitors. Motomachi unwind and enjoy the lake with colorful autumn is a great place to walk around with a camera in the foliage. search for beautiful scenery. (Period of autumn foliage: late October – early (Period of autumn foliage: mid-October – early November) November) Hachinohe has long been known for its vibrant morning Lamps on squid-fishing boats faintly lighten up the markets, and today morning markets are held at nine NNakasawaakasawa HHakodateakodate 5 dark sky and sea, creating a truly striking sight for JuniorJunior HighHigh SSta.ta. locations. In particular, Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi (Tatehana SchoolSchool ● 340 LLakeake AobaAoba Address: Nango Shimamori, Hachinohe MMotomachiotomachi ● HHakodateakodate Location: Motomachi, Hakodate which Hakodate, the city of squids, is noted. Wharf Morning Market), held every Sunday, is one of the areaarea 279 CCityity HallHall ((Nango)Nango) Access: Approx. 40 min. by car from downtown Hachinohe Access: On foot from the Jujigai or Suehiro-cho tram stop largest morning markets in Japan, boasting more than 300 MMt.t. HHachinoheachinohe Inquiries: Tourism Section, City of Hachinohe ● Inquiries: Tourism Promotion Section, Tourism Department, City of Hakodate shops serving tens of thousands of visitors every week. ExpresswayExpressway HHakodateakodate ● HHakodateakodate ParkPark Phone: +81-178-46-4040 (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-138-21-3323 (No English-speaking staff available) 3 4 英

Aomori Nebuta Festival Tsugaru shamisen Aomori Nebuta Festival, designated as an important One plays Tsugaru shamisen as if it were a percussion intangible folk cultural property of Japan in 1980, is one instrument, powerfully hitting the strings with a plectrum. of the major fire festivals in Japan. Annually held for six days from August 2, it is the city’s most exciting event of The Tsugaru-han Neputa Village tourist spot provides an Aomori the year drawing visitors from across Japan. On the last opportunity for visitors to enjoy live performances of Hirosaki day of the festival, massive Nebuta floats parade through Tsugaru shamisen and to try their hand at playing the the streets during the day and are ferried around on boats instrument themselves—a valuable hands-on experience. at night as fireworks light up the night sky. The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse in the city offers visitors an At Japanese-style Tsugaru shamisen pubs in the city, you opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the can enjoy local dishes while listening to dynamic live Aomori Nebuta Festival all year around, where visitors performances. The powerful sound of Tsugaru shamisen can see five or so large Nebuta floats and try their hand at dancing to the festival music. fascinates listeners as it stirs in the depths of their hearts. Tsugaru-han Neputa Village Japanese-style Tsugaru shamisen pubs Period: August 2 – 7 Address: Kamenoko-machi 61, Hirosaki Locations: In Hirosaki Venue: Downtown Aomori City Inquiries: Tsugaru-han Neputa Village Inquiries: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center Access: Approx. 5 – 20 min. on foot from JR Aomori Station Phone: +81-172-39-1511 (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-172-37-5501 (English-speaking staff available) Inquiries: Aomori Tourism and Convention Association Tsugaru-han Neputa Village Website: www.neputamura.com (Japanese) Phone: +81-17-723-7211 (No English-speaking staff available)

Seikan Ferry Tsugaru-han Neputa Village Aomori Snow Light Festival This tourist spot showcases life-size large (approx. Saishoin Memorial Ship 10-meter-high) Neputa floats that are paraded This event, held at the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse West Five Storied Pagoda “Hakkoda-Maru” through the streets during the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, Plaza near JR Aomori Station, features approximately which is designated as an important intangible folk 3,000 snow lanterns and candles lovingly handcrafted cultural property of Japan. In addition to enjoying those exhibits, visitors can see how a small goldfish by local citizens that illuminate the city. The stunning Neputa is created and experience making traditional sight created by those soft lights flickering in clean air in folk crafts in the Tsugaru region. In fact, they can enjoy the coldest period of winter delights visitors. During the charms of the whole Tsugaru region, watching live performances of flutes and drums (as traditional the event, visitors have an opportunity to decorate musical accompaniment to Neputa parades) and candle holders with their wishes and drawings to Tsugaru shamisen, as well as buying local crafts and create Wish Candles. farm-fresh produce, such as apples, vegetables and rice. This ferryboat was in service for about 23 years, connecting TTsugaru-hansugaru-han HHokkaidookkaido SSeikaneikan FFerryerry MemorialMemorial ShipShip HHirosakiirosaki NNeputaeputa VVillageillage Japan’s main island of and Hokkaido, until the SShinkansenhinkansen Period: Early February “Hakkoda-Maru”“Hakkoda-Maru” CastleCastle in This pagoda, built during the Edo period (1603-1868) LLineine a ● CCatholicatholic M underground opened in 1988. In 1990, the SShin-Aomorihin-Aomori ● Venue: Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse West Plaza Address: Kamenoko-machi 61, Hirosaki without using any nails, is known as the most beautiful ● HHirosakiirosaki u e SSta.ta. 7 AAomoriomori Sta.Sta. HHirosakiirosaki PParkark OOu Mainin Access: Approx. 1 min. from JR Aomori Station CChurchhurch LineL Access: Approx. 15 min. by bus from JR Hirosaki Station to the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village stop vessel was transformed into a museum and permanently ● pagoda in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region. It has been TTohokuohoku NNebutaebuta Inquiries: Tourism Section, City of Aomori OOldld HirosakiHirosaki CCityity HHirosakiirosaki SSta.ta. Inquiries: Tsugaru-han Neputa Village docked at the present location. SShinkansenhinkansen designated as a national important cultural property. MMuseumuseum Phone: +81-17-734-5179 (No English-speaking staff available) LLibraryibrary Phone: +81-172-39-1511 (No English-speaking staff available) LLineine WWaa RRasseasse

Hakodate Recommended A variety of events add excitement to the short summer and long winter in northern Japan. The cities in the Seikan area have their own unique landscapes.

Cultures and Histories Aomori Experience the wholly different cultures and histories of those geographically close cities. Aomori HirosakiHachinohe Hakodate Hachinohe Hirosaki Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival This festival boasts a history and tradition that go back some Hakodate Christmas Fantasy 300 years and is included in the UNESCO Intangible Launched in 1998, Hakodate Christmas Fantasy is the Cultural Heritage list. Annually celebrated from July 31 city’s signature winter event. Its highlight is the Happy to August 4, the festival features parades of 27 gorgeously decorated floats that add excitement to the summer in Fir Tree, an approximately 20-meter-high Christmas tree Hachinohe. The term Sansha means “three shrines” and that floats on a barge in front of a row of waterfront Hachinohe refers to Ogami, Chojasanshinra and Shinmei shrines in warehouses (the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses). The Hakodate the city. The procession of portable shrines from these three tree, sent every year from Canada’s Halifax, a sister city of shrines is followed by that of decorated floats, and shrine Hakodate, is adorned with approximately 150,000 lights, maidens and performers of Shinto music and dance (kagura), glittering fantastically. During the daily tree-lighting tiger dance and lion dance also parade through the streets to ceremony, fireworks are launched into the sky above the the delight of onlookers along the streets. In the festival tree. Soup-bar stalls lining the venue’s main street serve eve event (July 31) and closing event (August 4), those floats are lined up in the city center for illumination. The hot soup cooked with locally sourced ingredients, helping processions on August 1 and 3 are joint parades of visitors stay warm in the cold.

portable shrines from the three shrines and decorated 5 Period: December 1 – 25 floats, and on August 2 the floats parade in the evening. KKanemorianemori HHakodateakodate Sta.Sta. Venue: Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse area in Suehiro-cho, Hakodate RedRed BrickBrick ● Access: Approx. 10 min. on foot from JR Hakodate Station; Or approx. 5 min. on foot from Period: July 31 – August 4 WarehousesWarehouses 279 HHakodateakodate the Jujigai tram stop Venue: Downtown Hachinohe City CCityity HallHall Inquiries: Hakodate Christmas Fantasy Executive Committee Access: Approx. 10 min. on foot from JR Hon-Hachinohe Station on the MMt.t. ● HHakodateakodate ● HHakodateakodate ParkPark (inside the Hakodate International Tourism and Convention Association) Hachinohe Line; Or approx. 20 min. by car or bus from JR Hachinohe Phone: +81-138-27-3535 (No English-speaking staff available) Station Inquiries: Hachinohe Tourism and Convention Association Hachinohe Enburi Festival Phone: +81-178-41-1661 (No English-speaking staff available) Hachinohe Enburi is a roughly 800-year-long local Streetscapes of Kushihiki dance performance to usher in spring in the region Hachimangu Shrine and has been designated as an important intangible the Western area Japan’s oldest folk cultural property of Japan. Dancers, called The Western area of Hakodate, one of the first five concrete electric pole Tayu, wearing headdresses in the shape of a ports in Japan to open its doors to foreign trade, horse’s head express their prayers for a good harvest in the year by wildly swinging their heads features unique streetscapes that have incorporated close to the ground. Between those performances, foreign cultures. The Old Public Hall of Hakodate a children’s Shukufuku-gei performance and various Ward, Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Hakodate other programs delight spectators. Every year, Orthodox Church and other churches in the area approximately 250,000 people watch the event, are major tourist attractions and are surrounded when more than 30 groups of dancers from within and outside the city perform in various parts of the by hosts of buildings that blend both Japanese and city. Western styles of architecture. This shrine, the major guardian shrine of the in feudal years, two national treasures: HHon-Hachinoheon-Hachinohe 45 5 Concrete electric poles are a common sight today, but SSta.ta. HHakodateakodate Sta.Sta. Period: February 17 – 20 this pole is Japan’s oldest, constructed in 1923. Hakodate, Akaito-Odoshi Yoroi (armor laced with red threads) HHachinoheachinohe CityCity HallHall WWesternestern ● HHakodateakodate 340 Venues: Downtown Hachinohe, Shimin Hiroba in front of Hachinohe City Hall, Kojokaku, etc. 279 CCityity HallHall and Shiroito-Odoshi Tsumadori Yoroi (armor with 10 4 NNaganeagane ParkPark Access: Approx. 10 min. on foot from JR Hon-Hachinohe Station on the Hachinohe Line aarearea Locations: Motomachi and other areas in Hakodate one of the first ports in Japan to open its doors to foreign ● ● ● white triangular-patterned thread lacing). 10 4 Inquiries: Hachinohe Tourism and Convention Association MMt.t. HakodateHakodate HHakodateakodate ParkPark Inquiries: Tourism Promotion Section, Tourism Department, City of Hakodate trade, has many “oldests and firsts” in Japan. KKojokakuojokaku HHachinoheachinohe ● HigashiHigashi Phone: +81-178-41-1661 (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-138-21-3323 (No English-speaking staff available) 5 HighHigh SchoolSchool 6 英

Niboshi Ramen and Yakiboshi Ramen Shirakami fish Aomori ramen is known for its soy sauce-based soup Various Shirakami fish grow in the waters off Tsugaru’s made with stock from niboshi (boiled and dried small west coast, which are nourished by the mineral-rich river yakiboshi sardines) or (broiled and dried small sardines), water flowing down from beech forests in Shirakami-Sanchi, yakiboshi and thin noodles. Since was readily available in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those fish, as well as Aomori markets immediately after World War II, when Japan Hirosaki shellfish, are sent directly to Hirosaki, and 22 Japanese, faced a food shortage, many affordable restaurants and French and other restaurants in the city and its suburbs use food stalls offered ramen cooked with stock from yakiboshi. This has made the dish widely popular with the fresh fish in their special dishes. locals and it is still loved by people of all ages. Over the years, Niboshi Ramen and Yakiboshi Ramen have slowly Inquiries: Shirakami Fish Promotion Committee (inside the Tekuteku Editorial Department) but surely evolved and numerous variations have been Phone: +81-172-31-2136 (No English-speaking staff available) created – tastes you can enjoy only in Aomori. Shirakami-no-Sakana Website: http://shirakaminosakana.com (Japanese)

Aomori Ramen Association Website: http://aomori-ramen.com/shop/list (Japanese) Tsugaru Ramen Niboshi Kai Website: http://niboshikai.com (Japanese)

Nokke-don Hirosaki apples Nokke-don is a DIY dish. First, you buy a set of Hirosaki boasts Japan’s largest apple shipment and meal tickets and swap a ticket for a bowl of rice, and produces some of the tastiest apples in the country. then go around the market to choose your favorite In the harvesting period, apple fields in the city become toppings from the range of fresh seafood offered by awash with bright-red apples hanging on the trees. about 30 shops there. Chatting with some high-spirited Those weighing down the branches are known for their female owners of the shops will surely add some sweet taste and fresh smells. Hirosaki Apple Park spice to your trip. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy has approximately 1,500 apple trees in 80 varieties. this specialty dish with toppings of various local Visitors can enjoy picking in-season apple varieties ingredients, as well as the warm hospitality of locals. from summer to autumn.

Kai-yaki Miso Inquiries: Aomori Fresh Fish and Vegetable Center Inquiries: Hirosaki Apple Park Apple pies are sold at about 47 shops in Phone: +81-17-763-0085 (No English-speaking staff available) A miso-flavored dish highlighting Phone: +81-172-36-7439 (No English-speaking staff available) Hirosaki, which boasts the largest apple production Furukawa Market Website: www.aomori-ichiba.com/Nokke-don Hirosaki Apple Park Website: the great taste of scallops (Japanese) www.city.hirosaki.aomori.jp/ringopark/index.html (Japanese) in Aomori Prefecture, famous for apples.

Hakodate Delicacies that cannot be enjoyed elsewhere Recommended Dishes that can be relished only in the Hirosaki area Dishes Aomori Savor local dishes, suited to the local climate, that are treasured by locals. Aomori HirosakiHachinohe Hakodate Hachinohe Hirosaki

Hachinohe Senbei-jiru Kaisen-don dishes Hachinohe Senbei-jiru (Hachinohe cracker soup) is a The Kaisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with various fresh representative local dish that has been enjoyed since the seafood, is a staple culinary delight in Hakodate. Its latter half of the Edo period (1603-1868). It features deliciousness comes from the fact that various fishes are landed year-round in Hakodate, a city surrounded by rich cracked Nanbu Senbei crackers made exclusively for fishing grounds where the warm currents in the Sea of Hachinohe soup dishes (called Otsuyu Senbei) that are stewed in Japan and the cold currents in the Pacific Ocean converge. Hakodate broth made from various ingredients, such as meat, fish Abundant bounties of the sea that are unique to Hakodate and vegetables. The crackers that have soaked up the include the translucent, firm-textured Japanese flying squid flavorful soup have a unique, chewy texture. The soup is caught after the start of the open season in June; bluefin tuna from Toi, touted as the best in Japan thanks to an made basically from chicken broth and soy sauce, but there exsanguination process; and fatty Atka mackerel (Nebokke), are a number of variations of ingredient combinations, which do not migrate in the open sea but rather stay on such as fish broth and salt, and horse meat and miso. reefs. Shops in the Hakodate Morning Market, including More than 140 restaurants in the city serve this dish. those of the Donburi Yokocho Market, serve a variety of Kaisen-don dishes. Inquiries: Tourism Section, City of Hachinohe Phone: +81-178-46-4040 (No English-speaking staff available) Inquiries: Hakodate Morning Market Cooperative Association Hachinohe Senbeijiru Laboratory Website: Phone: +81-120-858-313 (No English-speaking staff available) http://senbei-jiru.com (Japanese) Hakodate Morning Market Website: www.hakodate-asaichi.com (Japanese) Hachinohe-Maeoki Saba (Mackerel) Hakodate salt ramen Hachinohe-Maeoki Saba refers to the mackerel that Hakodate salt ramen, characterized by a clear soup are caught in the waters just off or north of the Sanriku Coast and landed at Hachinohe port during a and simple taste, truly pleases your taste buds. It is period determined by the Hachinohe-Maeoki Saba known as one of the top three ramen in Hokkaido Brand Promotion Council in consideration of the fat along with Sapporo’s miso ramen and ’s soy content and weight of the fish. The waters off the sauce ramen. Currently, Hakodate has approximately Hachinohe Coast are the northernmost mackerel fishing area in Honshu, where a rapid drop in 150 ramen restaurants, every one of which serves its seawater temperature in autumn and abundant feed own salt ramen. What is common to all of them is a provide a perfect environment for mackerel to store clear soup based on a painstakingly made stock that high-quality fat. The mackerel caught in the waters off the Hachinohe coast during the period are said to produces a rich flavor that diners will never get Iso Ramen be the fattiest mackerel in Japan. tired. Hakodate Baked Piroshki was Period: September – December Iso Ramen features lightly seasoned soup, thin Hakodate Official Travel Guide “Travel Hakodate” Website developed in 2017 as a new local specialty that Inquiries: Hachinohe-Maeoki Saba Brand Promotion Council https://www.hakodate.travel/en wavy noodles and generous amounts of seafood, (inside the Hachinohe Chamber of Commerce and Industry) highlights the city’s close relations with Russia. such as sea urchin, shellfish and prawns. Phone: +81-178-43-5111 (No English-speaking staff available) This bread is sold at 10 local bakeries. Saba-No-Eki Website: www.hachinohe-sabanoeki.com (Japanese) 7 8 英

Hakodate

Spring & Summer Multi- Seikan Area destination Model Courses

Aomori Model course for a 5-day 4-night trip Hirosaki Hachinohe Recommended spring & summer trip itinerary

Hachinohe Day 1 Aomori Day 2 Hirosaki Day 3 Hakodate Day 4 ・・・・・・Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport → JR Tokyo Station ・・・・・・JR Hon-Hachinohe Station & downtown ・・・・・・JR Aomori Station ・・・・・・JR Hirosaki Station Or Sendai International Airport → JR Sendai Station It would be fun to Approx. 15 min. by bus Approx. 45 min. by conventional-line train Approx. 45 min. by conventional-line train By Shinkansen train Umineko-go Sightseeing ・・・・・・make a tour of Hakodate Haikara-go, a vintage JR Hachinohe Station Bus, which makes a tour Mutsu-Minato Station Morning Market sweetshops to JR Shin-Aomori Station streetcar perfect for exploring the Approx. 20 min. by conventional-line train of scenic viewpoints To enjoy an original breakfast, buy from the range of fresh sample various apple Approx. 60 min. by Shinkansen train city along the Tanesashi seafood offered in the market and order a bowl of rice and pies in Hirosaki, a JR Coast, is recommended! miso soup. Hachinohe has nine morning markets, including JR Hirosaki Station major apple-producing the city’s largest Tatehana Ganpeki Asaichi (Tatehana Wharf Taxi region. JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station ・・・・・・Approx. 30 min. by Tanesashi Coast Sightseeing Bus to the Information Center stop Morning Market), which is held every Sunday. ・・・・・・Location: in front of JR Mutsu-Minato Station Approx. 15 min. by Shinkansen-access train Days and hours: Mon. – Sat. 3:00 – 12:00 *Closed on Sun., the second Sat. of each month and New Year holidays Tour of plush Western-style buildings combined with JR Hakodate Station Tanesashi Coast Information Center Inquiries: Hachinohe Municipal Fish & Vegetable Retail Market Enjoy the scenic viewpoints along the Phone: +81-178-33-7242 (No English-speaking staff available) Hirosaki French cuisine Approx. 1 min. on foot ・・・・・・coast from the bus window as you travel to There are many Western-style buildings the Tanesashi Coast Information Center. The JR Hon-Hachinohe Station dotted around Hirosaki, including those Hakodate Morning Market & Kaisen-don dishes spectacular view of the Tanesashi Natural evocative of the era (1868-1912) and Surrounded by the sea on three sides with Lawn that spreads out before your eyes is Approx. 10 min. by conventional-line train Taisho era (1912-1926), when Japan Chirin-Chirin Ice fertile fishing grounds, Hakodate boasts its a must-see. embraced Westernization. Locals have also Cream, a delicious fresh bounties of the sea above all else. Address: Tanakubo 14-167, Same-machi, Hachinohe JR Hachinohe Station been open to Western culture, and the city eye-pleasing treat Shops in the Hakodate Morning Market, just Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 *Closed from December 29 to January 1 Approx. 25 min. by Shinkansen train that makes a short is said to have more French restaurants Inquiries (phone): +81-178-51-8500 per capita than any other city in Japan. a minute-walk from JR Hakodate Station, (No English-speaking staff available) summer even more In a taxi tour of plush Western-style buildings always offer Kaisen-don dishes featuring JR Shin-Aomori Station enjoyable with Hirosaki French cuisine, you will enjoy generous amounts of fresh seasonal seafood Iso Ramen a Hirosaki French course featuring locally confidently selected by the shop owners. Approx. 5 min. by conventional-line train sourced fresh ingredients after strolling Inquiries: Hakodate Morning Market Cooperative Association Near the Center, you can eat Iso Ramen through Western-style buildings. Phone: +81-120-858-313 (No English-speaking staff available) featuring generous amounts of seafood JR Aomori Station Website: www.hakodate-asaichi.com from the waters off northeastern Honshu (known as Sanriku). The dish features lightly ・・・・・・On foot ・・・・・・seasoned, salt-based soup and thin wavy noodles topped with locally sourced seafood, A walk in the Bay Area Walking tour of sights steeped in the romance of history ・・・・・・such as sea urchin, sea vegetables, shellfish ・・・・・・With a sweeping view of Aomori Port, the Aomori Inquiries: Tsugaru Machi-Aruki Tourism Promotion A time-honored city, Hakodate has many sights you will and prawns. The moment you take a bite, Bay Area is a major tourism attraction with many Executive Committee you will find a tangy ocean flavor fill your find fascinating during walking tours. These include popular sights, including the Nebuta Museum (inside the Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau) mouth. Phone: +81-172-35-3131 churches with an international air, old Japanese-style Wa Rasse and Memorial Ship “Hakkoda-Maru.” (English-speaking staff available) houses on the slopes renovated into cafés, and traces of The Wa Rasse offers an opportunity for visitors Approx. 30 min. by Tanesashi Coast Sightseeing Bus Hirosaki Machi-Aruki Website: Toshizo Hijikata and other patriots in the closing days of to try their hand at using paper to create a http://machi-aruki.sakura.ne.jp/ the Tokugawa Shogunate. Walking tours will enable you Nebuta float, at playing music that accompanies to learn more about the appeals of Hakodate. Also check JR Same Station Nebuta parades and at dancing to the festival ・・・・・・On foot or by taxi the Hakodate Machiaruki Maps (26 walking routes). Approx. 15 min. by conventional-line train music as Haneto festival dancers do. Inquiries: Tourism Promotion Section, Tourism Department, Inquiries: Aomori City Tourist Information Center City of Hakodate Phone: +81-17-723-4670 (English-speaking staff available) JR Hon-Hachinohe Station Hirosaki Castle Phone: +81-138-21-3323 The keep of Hirosaki Castle has been (No English-speaking staff available) ・・・・・・Approx. 10 min. on foot ・・・・・・Approx. 30 min. by city bus to the Sannai-Maruyama Iseki stop temporarily relocated due to a once-in-a-century Hakodate sweets repair work of the stone walls. Right now, Hachinohe Portal Museum “Hacchi” Sannai-Maruyama Site One of the first ports in Japan to open its doors to you can view both the keep and Mount Hachinohe Portal Museum “Hacchi” offers a The Sannai-Maruyama Site is one of Japan’s largest remains foreign trade, Hakodate has a long tradition of Iwaki at a scenic spot. Don’t miss the year-round opportunity to enjoy various attractions of a village dating back to the Jomon period and has been Western confectionery making, with the history of local Hachinohe has to offer. It has galleries and designated as a special historic site of Japan. In addition to chance to get a close-up view of a special bakeries and sweet shops dating back as far as the exhibition booths featuring local food, nature volunteers offering guided tours, the Jomon Jiyukan (Park Hirosaki Castle—a view that will be available Meiji era. Since the city has a large number of sweet and festivals, as well as morning markets and Center) exhibits artifacts unearthed at the site and offers only for a limited time until the repair work shops, it’s easy to take a breather from your tour and yokocho various hands-on experience programs, including those to make alleyways ( ) among other local resources. is done. drop by a sweet shop to enjoy delicious sweets. The shop there sells food and craft items. small clay figures and curved bead (Magatama) accessories. Inquiries: Hakodate Sweets Promotion Association Address: Mikka-machi 11-1, Hachinohe Address: Sannai Maruyama 305, Aomori Inquiries: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center Hours: 9:00 – 21:00 (December 30 and January 2 – 3: 10:00 – 18:00) Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (until 18:00 between June and September) Phone: +81-172-37-5501 (English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-138-77-7491 (No English-speaking staff available) *Closed: Second Tuesday of each month (or Wednesday if *Closed from December 30 to January 1 Website: www.hakodate-sweets.com Tuesday is a national holiday), December 31 and January 1 Free admission (fees apply to hands-on experience programs) Inquiries (phone): +81-178-22-8228 (No English-speaking staff available) Inquiries (phone): +81-17-781-6078 (No English-speaking staff available) If you take Mt. Hakodate Ropeway, Approx. 15 min. on foot approx. 10 min. on foot from the Jujigai tram stop to the Ropeway’s Sanroku Station, and ・・・・・・Approx. 2 min. on foot ・・・・・・Approx. 30 min. by city bus to the Aomori Eki-mae stop ・・・・・・then approx. 3 min. by ropeway to the summit. Gourmet tour to Miroku Yokocho (alleyway) Sushi in Aomori Alley walking at dusk Night view from Mt. Hakodate ・・・・・・Eight traditional Japanese alleyways, known as ・・・・・・Surrounded by the sea on three sides, ・・・・・・A 90-minute program to explore back-alleys ・・・・・・The night view from Mt. Hakodate is highly yokocho, extend in the heart of Hachinohe, a city namely the Sea of Japan, and at dusk is available to people who want to acclaimed, with the Michelin Green Guide with a thriving yokocho culture. Each yokocho has the Pacific Ocean, Aomori abounds in fresh know more of Hirosaki. It may make you Japon giving it the highest rating of three stars as a travel destination. Don’t miss the its own distinctive atmosphere, but one of the charms feel as if playing detective. (Reservations seafood. Savor delicious sushi topped with chance to watch a fantastic night view common to them is the opportunity to communicate fresh seasonal fish and shellfish, using required three days in advance) with people. Enjoy various dishes and conversations enveloped by a sea fog in early summer or with people around you at Miroku Yokocho, which fixed-price sushi coupons that can be used Inquiries: Tsugaru Machi-Aruki Tourism Promotion a panoramic cityscape illuminated by the at sushi restaurants in Aomori. Executive Committee sunset glow that gradually fades into night. boasts 26 eateries and pubs. (inside the Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau) Inquiries: Aomori Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (until 21:00 in winter) Inquiries: Tourism Section, City of Hachinohe Phone: +81-172-35-3131 (English-speaking staff available) Inquiries: Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Corp. Phone: +81-17-734-1311 (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-178-46-4040 Hirosaki Machi-Aruki Website: Phone: +81-138-23-3105 (General Information) (No English-speaking staff available) Website: http://www.acci.or.jp/sushi2/coupon.html http://machi-aruki.sakura.ne.jp/ (No English-speaking staff available) Stay in Hachinohe Stay in Aomori Stay in Hirosaki Stay in Hakodate Return trip 9 10 英

Multi- Spring Multi- Summer Seikan Areadestination Model Courses Seikan Areadestination Model Courses

Day Hokkaido 3 Hokkaido Day 4 Model course Model course A decadent tour that will HakodateHakododate Hakodatekodatete Hakodate Port Festival for a 3-day 2-night trip for a 5-day 4-night trip Yunokawa Hot Spring Resort Goryokaku ParkP make your heart leap A spring tour featuring pink Cheese OmeletteOm blooms and delicious sweets Recharge your batteries in Tour of cherry Tour of summer vibrant communities. The blooming of the Seikan area’s cherry blossoms reaches Day 1 Day blossoms and Gappo Park festivals and 3 its peak from late April to early May. Cassiss CakeCak A variety of traditional local festivals add excitement to the Blooms in the variety of cherry blossom viewing spots in AomoriAomor summer of the Seikan area. They offer an opportunity to come Asamushi Onsen Day 2 AomoriAomor Aomori Nebuta Festival sweets this area please the eyes of many. HachinoheHaachinohe local sights in contact with locals and learn about their communities. Day 2 It’s fun to savor unique local sweets while enjoying lovely In addition to festival venues, this multi-destination tour will HirosakiH MiyagiMiyagi ParkPark HachinoheHacHachinohe Asa-no-HakkodaAsa-no-HakA cherry blossoms that spread before your eyes. HirosakiHirosaki ParkPark also take you to hot spring resorts and power spots that have HHirosaki Korekawa Archaeological Institution Treat yourself to the beautiful spring blooms and delicious Hirosaki Apple Pie Hirosaki Neputa Festival Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival been nurtured by the local climate, where you can learn about Hyakuzawa Onsen sweets in the Seikan area. Aomori Prefecture local history, communities and the spirit of local residents. Aomori Prefecture Day 1

・・・・・・JR Hachinohe Station ・・・・・・JR Hirosaki Station Approx. 40 min. by conventional-line train Day 1 Approx. 25 min. by Shinkansen train Day 2 JR Shin-Aomori Station Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Narita International Airport or Haneda Approx. 60 min. by Shinkansen train Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport JR Tokyo Station Airport JR Tokyo Station ・・・・・・→ JR Shin-Aomori Station ・・・・・・JR Aomori Station → JR・・・・・・Hon-Hachinohe Station ・・・・・・JR Hirosaki Station ・・・・・・JR Aomori Station Or Sendai International Airport → JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station ・・・・・・Or Sendai International Airport → JR Sendai Station Approx. 15 min. by Shinkansen-access JR Sendai Station Approx. 10 min. by conventional-line train Approx. 5 min. by conventional-line train Approx. 5 min. by conventional-line train Approx. 45 min. by conventional-line train train Approx.45 min. by conventional-line train By Shinkansen train By Shinkansen train JR Hachinohe Station JR Aomori Station JR Hirosaki Station JR Hakodate Station JR Shin-Aomori Station JR Hachinohe Station JR Hachinohe Station Approx. 25 min. by Shinkansen train JR Aomori Station Approx. 60 min. by Shinkansen train Approx. 10 min. by conventional-line train Approx. 20 min. by bus to the Gappo Approx. 15 min. by 100-yen Loop Bus from Approx.10 min. by conventional-line train JR Shin-Aomori Station Koen-mae stop, and then approx. 1 min. JR Hirosaki Station to the Shiyakusho-mae Approx. 20 min. by Aoimori Railway train JR Hon-Hachinohe Station on foot stop Stay in Hakodate JR Hon-Hachinohe Station Approx. 40 min. by conventional-line train or approx. 50 min. by bus JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station Approx. 15 min. by Shinkansen-access ・・・・・・Approx. 10 min. on foot ・・・・・・Approx. 20 min. by bus ・・・・・・JR Hirosaki Station train Miyagi Park Gappo Park Hirosaki Park Korekawa Archaeological Asamushi Onsen Approx. 20 min. on foot JR Hakodate Station Best viewing time: Best viewing time: Best viewing time: Institution ・・・・・・late April – early May late April – early May late April – early May (Hachinohe Buried Cultural Approx. 5 min. on foot *Up to the fireworks Day Properties Center) Hirosaki Neputa Festival ・・display venue 3 August 1 – 7 ・・・ Approx. 16 min. by tram to the Goryokaku Hakodate Port Festival ・・・ Koen-mae stop, and then approx. 15 August 1 – 5 min. on foot ・・・・・・Goryokaku Park ・・・ Best viewing time: ・・・ late April – early May Tracing its roots back 1,200 years, ・・・ Asamushi Onsen has been a spa resort ・・・・・・The exhibition of artifacts unearthed at the frequented by hosts of intellectuals, ・・・ Miyagi Park, located at the ruins of Korekawa site and the Kazahari 1 site The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is characterized including Shiko Munakata and Osamu ・・・ Hachinohe Castle, forms a valuable by fan-shaped neputa floats of various sizes Dazai. Featuring various facilities, This park is a popular cherry showcases Jomon culture in Hachinohe. oasis in the city center, along with depicting gallant warriors. The floats parade including a bathing beach, a marine ・・・ blossom viewing spot with more A clay figurine with clasping hands (Gassyo the public square (Shimin Hiroba) The blooms of approximately 2,600 through the streets—starting with small ones fishing park and an aquarium, the resort than 600 cherry trees. When they Dogu), a designated national treasure, ・・・This is the largest summer event in in front of the city hall, Hachinohe cherry trees in 52 varieties, including gives insight into the beauty of the culture and ending with ones as high as nine meters— attracts visitors from all walks of life. Hakodate. One of the largest fireworks City Public Hall and Miyagi Shrine. are in full bloom, the Aomori Spring ・・・・・・Yoshino cherry, weeping cherry and accompanied by flute and Japanese drum ・・・・・・Festival is held with paper lanterns and the spiritual world of that time. ・・・・・・Address: Asamushi, Aomori ・・・・・・displays in southern Hokkaido is held It is also a popular cherry blossom double-petaled cherry, turn the park a ・・・・・・players. The festival has been designated an Inquiries: Asamushi Onsen Tourist Association illuminating the cherry blossoms Address: Yokoyama 1, Korekawa, Hachinohe ・・・on the first day, and approximately viewing spot. lovely pink. As beautiful as full-blown Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry: 16:30) important intangible folk cultural property of Phone: +81-17-752-3250 20,000 people parade through the at night. The Goryokaku Fort, a Special Historic (No English-speaking staff available) Address: Uchimaru 1-14-49, Hachinohe cherry blossoms are, fallen pink *Closed: Mondays, the day after national/substitute Japan. Also popular with tourists is the ・・・streets in the Wasshoi Hakodate Address: Gappo 2-16-9, Aomori Site of Japan and the site of the Battle of holidays, and year-end and New Year holidays Inquiries: Parks and Green Spaces Section, petals covering the water surface Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, which offers a Parade held on August 2 and 3. City of Hachinohe Inquiries: Park Maintenance Aoi-mori Group Hakodate, has approximately 1,600 cherry Inquiries (phone): +81-178-38-9511 Approx. 20 min. by Aoimori Railway train ・・・ of the moat are also a breathtaking year-round opportunity to experience the sights Venues: Hakodate Port, Hakodate Station Phone: +81-178-43-9141 Phone: +81-17-741-6634 trees. At the height of the bloom, the cherry (No English-speaking staff available) or approx. 50 min. by bus ・(No English-speaking staff available) (No English-speaking staff available) sight. and sounds of the Hirosaki Neputa Festival. ・・・area, Goryokaku area Address: Shimo-shirogane-cho 1, Hirosaki blossoms paint the star-shaped fort a lovely Approx. 20 min. by bus to the Hachinohe Dates and times: Inquiries: Hakodate Port Festival Executive Approx. 5 min. on foot Approx. 20 min. by bus Inquiries: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center pink, creating a truly spectacular sight. ・・・・・・Chushingai Terminal stop August 1 – 4: Dotemachi Course, from 19:00 JR Aomori Station ・・・Committee Secretariat ・・・・・・Phone: +81-172-37-5501 August 5 – 6: Ekimae Course, from 19:00 (Inside the Hakodate International Tourism Address: Goryokaku-cho 44, Hakodate ・ (English-speaking staff available) Hachinohe Sansha August 7: Dotemachi Nanukabi Course, from 10:00 Approx. 5 – 20 min. on foot ・・・and Convention Association) Asa-no-Hakkoda JR Aomori Station Hours: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Inquiries: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center ・・・・・・Phone: +81-138-27-3535 (Morning Hakkoda) The fort: 5:00 – 19:00 (until 18:00 from November to March) Taisai Festival ・Phone: +81-172-37-5501 (English-speaking staff available) ・(No English-speaking staff available) ・・・・・・Approx. 7 min. on foot Approx. 10 –15 min. on foot to the city center Inquiries: Flower and Green Division, Hakodate Aomori Nebuta Festival ・・・・・・Housing and City Facilities Public Corporation July 31 – August 4 Approx. 45 min. by bus from JR Hirosaki Station August 2 – 7 Approx. 30 min. by tram to the Yunokawa Phone: +81-138-40-3605 ・・・・・・Onsen stop Cassis Cake Hirosaki Apple Pie ・(No English-speaking staff available) ・・・ Approx. 21 min. by tram to the Jujigai Hyakuzawa Onsen ・・・Yunokawa Hot Spring Resort stop, and then approx. 5 min. on foot ・・・・・・Cheese Omelette ・・・・・・This smooth cheesecake, inspired ・・・ by the morning scenery of the Hakkoda Mountains, has a strong Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of the ・・・ Designated as an important intangible folk cultural cheese flavor and rich taste, but is Hirosaki boasts the largest apple This hot spring resort is popular for its iron-containing major fire festivals in Japan and From summer to autumn, when squid ・・・・・・This cake features cassis produced in ・・・・・・property of Japan, this festival is the largest of its ・・・ also fluffy and melts in your mouth. production in Aomori Prefecture, reddish hot spring water called “Netsu no Yu (the attracts over three million visitors fishing is at its peak, oceanfront rooms Aomori, which boasts the largest cassis kind in Hachinohe and has a history and tradition every year. A total of 22 large Nebuta Address: Basement floor of Nakago Miharuya Department which is known for its apples. In “the water of heat).” It is also characterized by slightly ・・・offer views of lamps on squid-fishing Store, Jusannichi-machi 13, Hachinohe production in Japan. It is popular for city of apples,” you can find apple that go back some 300 years. The parades of 27 differing hot spring components among the hotels floats parade through the streets, boats faintly lightening up the dark sea gorgeously decorated floats are so riveting and ・・・ Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 its rich taste and refreshing flavor. pies everywhere, such as at sweet Cheese Omelette isn’t actually an and inns here because abundant spring water allows adding excitement to the summer and sky. Inquiries: Arpajon Co., Ltd. exquisite that they enthrall spectators. them to draw fresh hot water directly from their Address: Shinmachi 1-13-21, Aomori of the northern region. ・・・Address: Yunokawa-cho, Hakodate Phone: +81-178-20-5822 shops, hotels and cafés as well as at omelette, but a soufflé cheesecake respectively in-house source. (No English-speaking staff available) Hours: 9:30 – 18:30 Venue: Downtown Hachinohe City Venue: Downtown Aomori City Inquiries: Hakodate Yunokawa Hot Springs Inquiries: Viennese Sweets Strauss ・・・・・・bakeries and even Japanese-style with a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture Inquiries: Hachinohe Tourism and Convention Association ・・・・・・Address: Hyakuzawa, Hirosaki ・・・・・・Inquiries: Aomori Tourism and Convention Association ・・・・・・Ryokan Cooperative ・・・・・・Phone: +81-17-722-1661 confectionery stores. that is baked with generous amounts ・・・・・・Phone: +81-178-41-1661 Inquiries: Iwakisan Tourist Association Phone: +81-17-723-7211 Phone: +81-138-57-8988 Approx. 10 min. on foot ・・ (No English-speaking staff available) Locations: In Hirosaki of locally sourced fresh ingredients. (No English-speaking staff available) ・Phone: +81-172-83-3000 (No English-speaking staff available) ・(No English-speaking staff available) ・(No English-speaking staff available) Inquiries: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center Address: Suehiro-cho 13-9, Hakodate JR Hon-Hachinohe Station Phone: +81-172-37-5501 Hours: 9:30 – 19:00 (vary with the season) (English-speaking staff available) Inquiries: Pastry Snaffle’s (inside Kanemori Yobutsukan) Approx. 10 min. by conventional-line train Approx. 10 – 15 min. on foot from the city Phone: +81-138-27-1240 Stay in Aomori (No English-speaking staff available) Stay in Hachinohe Stay in Hirosaki Stay in Aomori Stay in Hakodate center Return trip Return trip 11 12 英

Hakodate Autumn Multi- Seikan Area destination Model Courses

Aomori Model course for a 5-day 4-night trip Hachinohe Tour of autumn leaves Hirosaki and local specialties

Hachinohe Day 1 Aomori Day 2 Hirosaki Day 3 Hakodate Day 4 Narita・・・・・・International Airport or Haneda Yawata-uma horse figurines are a ・・・・・・JR Hachinohe Station It is said that a cup of “longevity tea” at ・・・・・・JR Aomori Station Bar-hopping in walk-through ・・・・・・JR Hirosaki Station Airport → JR Tokyo Station traditional craft item in Hachinohe. Approx. 25 min. by Shinkansen train Kayano Highlands will prolong your life Approx. 45 min. by conventional-line train buildings and alleyways with Approx. 40 min. by conventional-line train Just drop by at Daimon Or Sendai International Airport → It’s fun to decorate a white Yawata-uma by three years, two cups by six years, pubs and other eateries may Yokocho to enjoy food and JR Sendai Station to make your own. JR Shin-Aomori Station and three cups—you will die anyway. JR Hirosaki Station also be fun. JR Shin-Aomori Station chats with locals. By Shinkansen train Approx. 5 min. by conventional-line train Approx. 17 min. by Konan Bus to the Approx. 60 min. by Shinkansen train Shiyakusho-mae stop JR Aomori Station JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station JR Hachinohe Station Approx. 5 min. on foot Approx. 15 min. by Shinkansen-access train Approx. 40 min. by car JR Hakodate Station ・・・・・・Approx. 1 min. on foot Yama-no-Gakko (Lake Aoba Observation and Exchange Facility) Nokke-don at the Aomori Fresh Fish and Vegetable Center Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival Kaisen-don dishes at Hakodate Morning Market Yama-no-Gakko is a workshop and exchange Make your own DIY dish by topping a bowl At the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, For Kaisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with facility established in the former Masuda of rice with fresh seasonal seafood of your generous amounts of colorful seafood, such Elementary/Junior High School building. It visitors can enjoy the gorgeous chrysanthemum choice, such as scallop, tuna, left-eye flounder as sea urchin, salmon roe, scallop and squid, offers a variety of workshops, including those dolls and the topiary of chrysanthemums, and squid. It makes a great breakfast since freshness is the most important factor. Shops for experiencing rural living and making as well as the brilliant colors of autumn in the Hakodate Morning Market always the center opens at 7:00 in the morning. soba noodles. foliage. offer fresh seafood in season, so your Address: Furukawa 1-11-16, Aomori satisfaction is guaranteed no matter when (Approx. 5 min. on foot from JR Aomori Station) Period: late October – early November you visit. Soba making workshop & lunch Venue: Hirosaki Botanical Garden in Hirosaki Park Hours: 7:00 – 16:00 Address: Wakamatsu-cho 9-19, Hakodate In this workshop, locals serve as instructors Inquiries: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center Inquiries: Aomori Fresh Fish and Vegetable Center Inquiries: Hakodate Morning Market Cooperative Association helping you make soba noodles—knead Phone: +81-17-763-0085 (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-172-37-5501 Phone: +81-120-858-313 and slice the dough—and you can enjoy (English-speaking staff available) (No English-speaking staff available) Approx. 80 min. by JR Bus to the Hakkoda Ropeway Eki-mae stop chatting with locals. The firm-textured soba noodles, which you make with 20% ・・・・・・Approx. 5 min. on foot Approx. 10 min. by tram to the Suehiro-cho stop wheat flour and 80% buckwheat flour, will be to die for. ・・・・・・Address: Kitanohata 6-2, Nango Shimamori, Hachinohe Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 Autumn leaves on the Hakkoda Mountains Inquiries: Yama-no-Gakko Management Council Phone: +81-178-82-2222 (No English-speaking staff available) Craft & Wa-Café Takumikan A walk in Motomachi’s autumn colors ・・・・・・Hakkoda Ropeway offers 360-degree ・・・・・・Approx. 10 min. by car panoramic views of autumn colors of beech This café with the theme Wa (Japan) Fall foliage on trees lining streets against the and maple leaves between late September allows visitors to enjoy drinks and sweets backdrop of retro-style streetscapes with plush while appreciating crafts painstakingly Western-style buildings, churches and buildings Roofed boat ride to enjoy autumn colors in Nango and October. In September, the ropeway is that blend both Japanese and Western styles of operated at night offering an opportunity to made by local artisans, such as tables, architecture makes a picturesque landscape. An approximately 45-minute fall foliage enjoy the night view of Aomori under the chairs and tableware. Inquiries: Tourism Promotion Section, Tourism Department, cruise in a small pleasure boat on Lake starry sky. City of Hakodate Aoba Phone: +81-138-21-3323 (No English-speaking staff available) Address: Kansuizawa 1-12, Arakawa, Aomori Address: Kamishirogane-cho 8, Hirosaki Period & time: Late October – early November, 10:00 – Inquiries: Hakkoda Ropeway Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 15:45 (departs every 45 min.) Phone: +81-17-738-0343 (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-172-36-6505 (No English-speaking staff available) Address: Nango Shimamori, Hachinohe Approx. 80 min. by JR Bus to the Aomori Eki stop, or approx. 20 min. by city bus to the Kenritsu Inquiries: Nango Tourist Association ・・・・・・Bijutsukan-mae stop Approx. 20 min. by Konan Bus to the Apple Park stop Phone: +81-80-1800-8918 ・・・・・・Haikara-kan (No English-speaking staff available) Aomori Museum of Art You can put on a stylish costume and have your photo Approx. 30 min. by car Hands-on experience in picking apples ・・・・・・This museum permanently showcases taken anywhere in the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, Hirosaki boasts Japan’s largest apple a building evocative of the Meiji era (1868-1912). artworks by artists associated with Aomori Take photos on a second-floor balcony with Hakodate A walk in autumn colors at Shimin-no-Mori Narawazudake Prefecture, including Shiko Munakata, Shuji production, and Hirosaki Apple Park offers an opportunity to learn about, touch and Port behind you to make a lasting memory of your trip. Narawazudake offers a number of walking Terayama and Toru Narita. Chagall’s theater savor Hirosaki apples. In this park with Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (to be temporarily closed for renovation from the trails in addition to its main road, providing an backdrops and Yoshitomo Nara’s Aomori-Ken autumn of 2018) opportunity to appreciate fall foliage. The dog statue are truly impressive. 1,500 apple trees, you can enjoy picking Inquiries: Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward approximately one-hectare Momiji-en (maple ripe apples and tasting them on the spot. Phone: +81-138-22-1001 (No English-speaking staff available) garden) creates a fantastic atmosphere when Address: Chikano 185, Yasuta, Aomori Hours: 9:30 – 17:00 (June – September: 9:00 – 18:00) Period: August 1 – mid-November Approx. 10 min. by tram to the Hakodate Eki-mae stop the trees are illuminated in late October. Inquiries: Aomori Museum of Art Inquiries: Hirosaki Apple Park Address: Sototayama 19, Nango Shimamori, Hachinohe Phone: +81-17-783-3000 (English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-172-36-7439 JR Hakodate Station Inquiries: Shimin-no-Mori General Information (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-178-83-2146 Approx. 20 min. by city bus to the Aomori Eki-mae stop, and then approx. 1 min. on foot Approx. 40 min. by Hakodate Bus to the Kosetsuen stop (No English-speaking staff available) ・・・・・・Approx. 25 min. by Konan Bus to the Hotel New Castle-mae stop, and then approx. 3 min. on foot ・・・・・・Approx. 40 min. by car Experiencing the Aomori Nebuta Festival ・・・・・・at the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse ・・・・・・Dinner at Kadare Yokocho ・・・・・・Hakodate MOMI-G Festa (autumn leaves festival) The Best of Gourmet Tours 2018 This facility displays large Nebuta floats actually Located in downtown Hirosaki, this eating Kosetsuen Park, which is the only government- This is an annual food festival held since 1988, during which used in the festival and offers an opportunity for facility houses 11 food stalls, each unique designated cultural-asset garden in Hokkaido, participating restaurants offer limited-time, fixed-price menus visitors to learn about the history of the festival and some serving dishes of other countries. is known for its beautiful autumn colors. and techniques necessary for making the floats. of dishes cooked with locally sourced ingredients. The prices Events are held in the multi-purpose hall During the event, the trees are illuminated are 3,300 yen (incl. tax) for full courses and 1,300 yen (incl. They can also try their hand at playing music tax) for lunch sets. Diners who fill out a questionnaire after that accompanies Nebuta parades, at dancing with a capacity of 80 people. to create a fantastic atmosphere. eating have a chance to win a wonderful gift in a lucky draw. to the festival music as Haneto festival dancers Period: October 20 – November 11 do and at using paper to create a Nebuta float. Venue: Miharashi-cho 56, Hakodate Period: September 1 – October 31 Address: Hyakkoku-machi 2-1, Hirosaki Locations: Participating restaurants in Hachinohe and elsewhere Address: Yasukata 1-1-1, Aomori Inquiries: Flower and Green Division, Hakodate Housing Inquiries: Tsugaru Hirosaki Street Stall Village Co., Ltd. Inquiries: Hachinohe Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (May – August: 9:00 – 19:00) and City Facilities Public Corporation Phone: +81-178-43-5111 (No English-speaking staff available) Inquiries: Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse Phone: +81-172-38-2256 Phone: +81-138-40-3605 *The prices and other operational details are subject to change. Phone: +81-17-752-1311 (No English-speaking staff available) (No English-speaking staff available) (No English-speaking staff available) Stay in Hachinohe Stay in Aomori Stay in Hirosaki Stay in Hakodate Return trip 13 14 英

Hakodate Winter Multi- Seikan Area destination Model Courses

Aomori Model course for a 5-day 4-night trip Hachinohe Tour of winter festivals Hirosaki and northern warmth

Hakodate Day 1 Aomori Day 2 Hirosaki Day 3 Hachinohe Day 4 To・・・・・・Hakodate Airport by international/domestic flight ・・・・・・JR Hakodate Station Jappa-jiru, a soup cooked using ・・・・・・JR Aomori Station Candied sweet potatoes that are sold at the ・・・・・・JR Hirosaki Station Visitors can put on the costume of Or from New Chitose Airport to JR Hakodate Station by conventional-line train Approx. 15 min. by Shinkansen-access train codfish ara (parts of fish left after Approx. 45 min. by conventional-line train Hirosaki Central Food Market exclusively in autumn Approx. 40 min. by conventional-line train Tayu dancers with the Enburi costume The soothing sight of monkeys relaxing in a hot filleting), radish and other ingredients, and winter (from around September to April) are dressing experience service. spring at Saruyama Onsen is not to be missed. JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station is a great winter warmer. JR Hirosaki Station popular with locals and are truly to die for. JR Shin-Aomori Station (Hachinohe Portal Museum “Hacchi”) Approx. 60 min. by Shinkansen train Approx. 30 min. by complimentary shuttle Approx. 25 min. by Shinkansen train bus JR Shin-Aomori Station JR Hachinohe Station JR Hakodate Station Approx. 5 min. by conventional-line train Approx. 25 min. by city bus or Nanbu Bus Approx. 1 min. on foot to the Chushingai Terminal (Yokamachi) JR Aomori Station stop ・・・・・・Approx. 80 min. by JR Bus to the Hakkoda Ropeway Eki-mae stop ・・・・・・Hakodate salt ramen Hakkoda snowshoe trekking Asobe-no-Mori Iwakiso Sake brewery tour Day spa & lunch Hakodate salt ramen is one of the dishes A guided snowshoe trekking tour is available At this brewery in Hachinohe, sake is brewed representative of Hakodate. The clear soup from the Hakkoda Ropeway Summit Park This hotel is popular for its beautiful views with the technique of the Nanbu Toji, one of of nature, which include the Shirakami-Sanchi based on a painstakingly made stock is Station. Don’t miss the chance to trek while the top three guilds of brewers in Japan. UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as characterized by a simple yet rich, uniquely Don’t miss the chance to sample their flavorful taste. The salt ramen in the photo enjoying the views of “snow monsters” on the Mount Iwaki and the Hakkoda Mountains, is offered by Hakodate Menchubo Ajisai Hakkoda Mountains in midwinter. both included in the top 100 mountains in brews and find your favorite sake. restaurant chain, which has a JR Hakodate Japan, and for its hot spring bath options. Address: Yokamachi 1, Hachinohe Station shop located on the second floor of Address: Kansuizawa 1-12, Arakawa, Aomori Address: Terasawa 28-29, Hyakuzawa, Hirosaki Tour hours: 9:00 – 16:00 the station building. Inquiries: Hakkoda Ropeway Inquiries: Asobe-no-Mori Iwakiso Inquiries: Hachinohe Shurui Co., Ltd. Hakodate Official Travel Guide “Travel Hakodate” Website Phone: +81-17-738-0343 Phone: +81-172-83-2215 Phone: +81-178-43-0010 https://www.hakodate.travel/en (No English-speaking staff available) (No English-speaking staff available) (No English-speaking staff available)

Approx. 30 min. by tram to the Yunokawa Onsen stop Approx. 15 min. by JR Bus to the Sukayu Onsen stop ・・・・・・Approx. 30 min. by complimentary shuttle bus to the Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center bus terminus ・・・・・・Approx. 10 min. on foot A warm walk in Yunokawa Sukayu Onsen Ryokan Kawasaki Dye Works Experience Tsugaru natural indigo dyeing Hachinohe Senbei-jiru ・・・・・・Yunokawa Hot Spring Resort has a lot to Tracing its roots back more than 300 This works was originally a dye house Hachinohe Senbei-jiru (Hachinohe cracker operating in the Edo period (1603-1868) offer, including a hot spring foot bath (an years, this mountain hot spring inn is soup) is a local dish featuring Nanbu and it was reconstructed after dyeing tools Senbei crackers made exclusively for soup easy way to enjoy a hot spring), the nearly known for its “bath for a thousand bathers” 400-year-old Yukura Shrine, and the Tropical from those days were found in 1992. Today, dishes (called Otsuyu Senbei) that are made completely of Japanese cypress and Botanical Garden, which has 300 varieties it offers hands-on natural indigo dyeing stewed in a strong flavored broth. The equivalent in size to 160 tatami mats. Bathers crackers that have soaked up the flavorful of tropical plants and is where the monkeys workshops and sells small indigo-dyed items. can enjoy four types of water: hot water, soup and become chewy are to be die for. bathe. Address: Kamenoko-machi 63, Hirosaki cold water, Shibu-rokubu water, and a hot Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (9:00 – 16:00 in winter), Closed on Inquiries: Tourism Section, City of Hachinohe Inquiries: Tourism Promotion Section, Tourism Department, Thursdays Phone: +81-178-46-4040 City of Hakodate water cascade. Inquiries: Kawasaki Dye Works (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-138-21-3323 Phone: +81-172-35-6552 Hachinohe Senbeijiru Laboratory (No English-speaking staff available) Onimen-an Restaurant (No English-speaking staff available) Website: http://senbei-jiru.com (Japanese) ・・・・・・Approx. 20 min. by tram to the Goryokaku Koen-mae stop at Sukayu Onsen Ryokan ・・・・・・Approx. 10 min. on foot ・・・・・・Approx. 10 min. on foot Goryo Hoshi-no-Yume event Ginger Miso Oden Dressing in Japanese feudal lord & princess costumes Hachinohe Enburi Festival The origin of Ginger Miso Oden goes back The star-shaped moat of Goryokaku will be Visitors can get dressed in feudal lord and Hachinohe Enburi is a roughly 800-year- decorated with approximately 2,000 lights to a food stall where the female owner princess costumes and have their photos old local dance performance and has been to form a five-pointed star that appears to added ground ginger to miso to help warm taken. designated as an important intangible folk passengers of the to Hokkaido rise above the ground. You can see that Address: Hirosaki Park Butokuden Lounge (Kita-no-) cultural property of Japan. More than 30 in the severe cold. It was a real hit and has fantastic star from the observatory of the Hours: 9:00 –16:30 groups of dancers put on soul-stirring become part of local culinary culture. It is a *The hours are flexible for large groups; please feel free performances in various parts of the city. neighboring Goryokaku Tower. to ask. true winter warmer. Period: February 17 – 20 (At other times, video footage of the Period: December 1 – February 28 Fees: Armor / woman’s bridal robe: 1,000 yen Address: Minami-Arakawayama Kokuyurin Sukayuzawa 50, Arakawa, Aomori Tabard (jinbaori) / feudal lord kimono / woman’s kimono festival is shown at the Hachinohe Portal Museum “Hacchi.”) Address: Goryokaku-cho 44, Hakodate Hours: - Sukayu Onsen Ryokan: 7:00 – 18:00 (non-staying guests) with long sleeves / children’s kimono (boy/girl): 500 yen Venues: Downtown Hachinohe, Shimin Hiroba in front Inquiries: Goryokaku Tower Co., Ltd. - Onimen-an: 10:30 – 16:30 Inquiries: Hirosaki City Green Association of the Hachinohe City Hall, Kojokaku, etc. Phone: +81-138-51-4785 Inquiries: Sukayu Onsen Ryokan Phone: +81-172-33-8733 Inquiries: Hachinohe Tourism and Convention Association (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-17-738-6400 (No English-speaking staff available) (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-178-41-1661 (No English-speaking staff available) ・・・・・・Approx. 30 min. by tram to the Suehiro-cho stop ・・・・・・Approx. 1 hr. 40 min. by JR Bus to the Aomori Eki-mae stop, and then approx. 1 min. on foot ・・・・・・On foot or by taxi ・・・・・・Approx. 15 min. by city bus or Nanbu Bus to the Grand Sunpia Hachinohe stop ・・・・・・Hakodate Illumination event ・・・・・・Aomori Pageant of Light and Paper ・・・・・・Shirakami fish ・・・・・・Sawasato-no-Yu Spa at Grand Sunpia Hachinohe During the Hakodate Illumination event, streets A total of 800 “Yukidarumaaru,” Japanese- Shirakami fish, as well as shellfish and sea The natural hot spring gushing out on the filled with an international air in the city’s Western paper objects handmade by locals using hotel premises promotes recovery from area at the foot of Mt. Hakodate are enveloped vegetables, caught in waters nourished by by soft lights. Along with churches and other the Nebuta technique, illuminate the bay the water flowing from Shirakami-Sanchi fatigue and has high moisturizing effects. historic buildings that are also decorated with area. are used in various dishes. The spa has eight types of bath, helping lights, they create a fantastic atmosphere perfect warm both the body and mind of bathers. Period: early December – early March for a nighttime walk. Inquiries: Shirakami Fish Promotion Committee (inside Venue: Aomori Bay Area Promenade Address: Higashi-Hakusandai 1-1-1, Hachinohe Period: December 1 – February 28 the Tekuteku Editorial Department) Inquiries: Aomori Minato Club (NPO organization) Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (non-staying guests) Locations: Motomachi and other areas in Hakodate Phone: +81-172-31-2136 (inside the Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship “Hakkoda-Maru”) Inquiries: Grand Sunpia Hachinohe Inquiries: Hakodate Winter Festival Executive Committee (No English-speaking staff available) (inside the Hakodate International Tourism and Convention Association) Phone: +81-17-735-8150 Shirakami-no-Sakana Phone: +81-178-23-5151 Phone: +81-138-27-3535 (No English-speaking staff available) (No English-speaking staff available) Website: http://shirakaminosakana.com (Japanese) (No English-speaking staff available) Stay in Hakodate Stay in Aomori Stay in Hirosaki Stay in Hachinohe Return trip 15 16 英

Calendar of Local Transportation Information ★: Event —Convenient transportation service packages Events, Flowers and Landscapes ◆: Flower/landscape

Call the contacts or see the websites for more information, including the sales periods/locations of passes and their validity periods/areas. Aomori Hirosaki Hachinohe Hakodate Aomori Hirosaki April ★ AAomoriomori SSpringpring FFestivalestival ★ HHirosakiirosaki CCherryherry BlossomBlossom FestivalFestival ★TTatehanaatehana GanpekiGanpeki AsaichiAsaichi (Tatehana(Tatehana WharfWharf ★ BBar-Gaiar-Gai iinn WWesternestern HHakodateakodate ◆ DDog-toothog-tooth vvioletiolet ((April,April, YYunoshimaunoshima ◆ CCherryherry bblossomlossom ((mid-Apr.mid-Apr. – earlyearly MorningMorning Market,Market, latelate MarchMarch - December)December) IslandIsland nearnear AsamushiAsamushi Onsen)Onsen) May)May) CCherryherry bblossomlossom ((latelate AApr.,pr., MMiyagiiyagi ◆ ◆ CCherryherry bblossomlossom ((latelate AApr.pr. – eearlyarly Tsugaru Free Pass ◆ CCherryherry bblossomlossom ((latelate AApr.pr. – eearlyarly Park)Park) May,May, Goryokaku/HakodateGoryokaku/Hakodate Park)Park) May)May) Free Route Card The Tsugaru Free Pass allows unlimited rides on unreserved (One-day pass valid on seats in ordinary cars on local trains/rapid trains on JR East, ★ HHachinoheachinohe UminekoUmineko NationalNational MarathonMarathon ★ HHakodateakodate GGoryokakuoryokaku FFestivalestival Konan Railway, and Tsugaru Railway and on regular-route May ★ AAomoriomori SpringSpring FestivalFestival ★ AApplepple BBlossomlossom FFestivalestival weekends and public holidays) RRapeape bblossomlossom (May(May – Jun.,Jun., WWisteriaisteria ((latelate MMayay – JJun.,un., Konan Bus (limited to designated sections) within the CCidreidre NNightight ◆ ◆ ★ NNamiokaamioka AApplepple BBlossomlossom FFestivalestival ★ TanesashiTanesashi CCoast)oast) Goryokaku)Goryokaku) The Aomori City Bus Free Route Card service area. It’s ideal for taking in Tsugaru’s attractions, AApplepple bblossomlossom ((earlyearly – mmid-May)id-May) is a one-day pass that allows unlimited hot springs and tourist facilities. ◆ AppleApple bblossomlossom ((earlyearly MMay)ay) ◆ rides on regular routes in the city on *See the website for more information on the service area. ★ FFestivalestival eeveve ((Yoimiya/Yomiya,Yoimiya/Yomiya, latelate Fares: Adults: 2,060 yen, Children (elementary school age): MayMay – earlyearly October)October) weekends and public holidays. ○ Adults: 500 yen, Children: 250 yen 1,030 yen Validity period: 2 consecutive days June ★ EEastast HHakkodaakkoda AAzaleazalea FFestivalestival ★ SShimamorihimamori SSpringpring FFestivalestival ★ MMinami-Kayabeinami-Kayabe HHiromeirome BBoatoat Inquiries: Management Section, Transportation Department, Enterprise Bureau, City Where to buy: JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) in the FestivalFestival of Aomori service area, in Akita Prefecture (excluding Higashi-Odate, ◆ AzaleaAzalea ((earlyearly – mmid-Jun.,id-Jun., eeastast Phone: +81-17-726-5453 (No English-speaking staff available) Towadaminami, and Kazunohanawa stations), at Fukaura Hakkoda)Hakkoda) Website: www.city.aomori.aomori.jp/koutsu/jyousyaken/bus-card.html ◆ HHydrangeaydrangea Station, and at Ajigasawa Station; stations installed with a ◆ DDaylilyaylily ((Jun.Jun. – Aug.,Aug., reserved seat ticket machine; Travel Service Centers TanesashiTanesashi CCoast)oast) (late(late Jun.Jun. – earlyearly Sep.,Sep., Shimin-no-MoriShimin-no-Mori ParkPark nearnear thethe (View Plaza); and major travel agencies LLiliumilium ◆ SSukashi-yuriukashi-yuri llilyily ( TrappistineTrappistine CConvent)onvent) Nebutan-go Aomori Inquiries: Tsugaru Free Pass Management Council (Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 on weekdays) maculatummaculatum ThunbThunb..,, JJun.un. – Phone: +81-172-40-7017 ★FFireworkirework FFestivalestival iinn tthehe HHistoricistoric Aug.,Aug., TTanesashianesashi CCoast)oast) Shuttle Route Bus CityCity ofof HirosakiHirosaki Tsugaru Navi Website: This shuttle bus stops at transportation http://tsugarunavi.jp/freepass/ (English-speaking staff available) ◆ RRoseose ((latelate JJun.un. – eearlyarly JJul.,ul., OOldld BritishBritish Consulate)Consulate) hubs (e.g., Aomori Station and Shin- Aomori Station) and major tourist spots. 100-yen Loop Bus ○ Single-ride ticket: 200 yen This loop bus costs just 100 yen per ride— (Children: 100 yen, Preschoolers: ★ HHakodateakodate MMarathonarathon no matter where you get on and no matter how July ★ AAomoriomori MMarathonarathon ★ HHachinoheachinohe TTanabataanabata free) FestivalFestival ★ HakodateHakodate YYagaigekiagaigeki ((OutdoorOutdoor ○ One-day pass for unlimited rides: far you go. Play)Play) ○ Fares: Adults: 100 yen, Children: 50 yen ◆ AApplepple ppickingicking experienceexperience (Aug.(Aug. 1 – 500 yen HHakodateakodate PPortort FFireworksireworks mid-Nov.)mid-Nov.) ★ (Children: 250 yen) ○ Hours: April – November, 10:00 – 18:00 Displayy Where to buy: Aboard the bus; Aomori Tourist Information Center (at December – March: 10:00 – 17:00 ★ HHakodateakodate PPortort FFestivalestival August ★ AsamushiAsamushi OOnsennsen FFireworksireworks DDisplayisplay HHirosakiirosaki NNeputaeputa FestivalFestival HHachinoheachinohe SSanshaansha TTaisaiaisai Shin-Aomori Station); Aomori City Tourism Exchange Information Center Inquiries: Hirosaki Bus Terminal ★ ★ ★ WorldWorld MMusicusic aandnd DDanceance FFestivalestival ★ AomoriAomori NNebutaebuta FFestivalestival FestivalFestival (in front of Aomori Station); and major tourist facilities and hotels in the city Phone: +81-172-36-5061 inin HakodateHakodate (No English-speaking staff available) Inquiries: Aomori Kanko Bus Inc. ★ NNamiokaamioka KKitahataitahata FFestivalestival HHachinoheachinohe FFireworksireworks ★ IInternationalnternational SSciencecience FFestivalestival iinn Website: www.konanbus.com/ ★ Phone: +81-17-739-9384 (No English-speaking staff available) DisplayDisplay HakodateHakodate ◆ AppleApple ppickingicking eexperiencexperience ((Aug.Aug. – Website: www.aomori-kanko-bus.co.jp/topics.html Nov.)Nov.) ★ YYunokawaunokawa HHotot SSpringpring RResortesort FireworksFireworks DisplayDisplay

September ★ OOyamayama SSankeiankei ★ HHakodateakodate GGourmetourmet CCircusircus ◆ NipponNippon daisydaisy ((Sep.Sep. – Oct.,Oct., TanesashiTanesashi CCoast)oast) ★ BBar-Gaiar-Gai iinn WWesternestern HHakodateakodate Hachinohe Hakodate ◆ AAutumnutumn leavesleaves (late(late Sep.Sep. – Oct.)Oct.) Machi Pass 300 One-day Tram Pass AApplepple ppickingicking eexperiencexperience October HHirosakiirosaki SShirakamihirakami AApplepple ◆ ★ UUtou-no-Hamatou-no-Hama YYabusameabusame ★ (early(early Oct.Oct. – mid-Nov.)mid-Nov.) The Machi Pass 300 is a money-saving One-day or Two-day Tram MarathonMarathon (mounted(mounted aarchery)rchery) CCompetitionompetition ★ NNejoejo CastleCastle HistoricalHistorical SSiteite FFestivalestival ★ HHakodateakodate MMOMI-GOMI-G FFestaesta one-day pass that allows unlimited rides in the HHirosakiirosaki CastleCastle ChrysanthemumChrysanthemum & Bus Pass ★ ★ NNangoango NNewew SSobaoba FFestivalestival aandnd AAutumnutumn FFoliageoliage FestivalFestival ◆ AAutumnutumn lleaveseaves service area, including central Hachinohe. It’s Trams are convenient for seeing the sights in ★ RRoofedoofed boatboat cruisingcruising onon Hakodate. With the One-day Tram Pass, you can AAutumnutumn leavesleaves (late(late Oct.Oct. – (late(late Oct.Oct. – mid-Nov.,mid-Nov., KosetsuenKosetsuen ideal for shopping, running errands and doing ◆ LakeLake AobaAoba get on and off trams smoothly since all you have to earlyearly Nov.)Nov.) Park)Park) business in the city center. ◆ AAutumnutumn colorscolors (late(late Oct.Oct. – do is show it to the driver. Passes for unlimited rides earlyearly Nov.,Nov., Nango)Nango) The pass is valid on city , Nanbu buses on both trams and buses (operated by Hakodate and Towada Kanko Dentetsu buses, and Bus) are also available for those who want to see November costs just 300 yen for adults and 150 yen more sights in the city. (See the website for the ★ HHachinoheachinohe service area of Hakodate Bus, which is limited.) ChrysanthemumChrysanthemum FestivalFestival for children. ○ One-day Tram Pass: Adults: 600 yen, Children: 300 yen ○ One-day Tram & Bus Pass: Adults: 1,000 yen, Children: 500 yen Inquiries: Transportation Department, City of Hachinohe Two-day Tram & Bus Pass: Adults: 1,700 yen, Children: 850 yen December ★ AomoriAomori PPageantageant ooff LLightight aandnd PPaperaper ★ HHakodateakodate CChristmashristmas FFantasyantasy Phone: +81-178-25-5141 (No English-speaking staff available) Inquiries: Project Promotion Section, Transportation Department, Enterprise Bureau, Inquiries: Northern Iwate Transportation Inc. Hachinohe Office City of Aomori ◆ SSnownow ((Dec.Dec. – Mar.)Mar.) ★ HHakodateakodate IIlluminationllumination Phone: +81-178-44-7111 (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-138-32-1730 (No English-speaking staff available) Inquiries: Towada Kanko Dentetsu Co., Ltd. Hachinohe Office Website: www.city.hakodate.hokkaido.jp/docs/2014012100977/ ◆ SSnownow ((Dec.Dec. – MMar.)ar.) ◆ SSnownow ((latelate Dec.Dec. – earlyearly Mar.)Mar.) ★ GGoryooryo HHoshi-no-Yumeoshi-no-Yume Phone: +81-178-43-4520 (No English-speaking staff available) ◆ SSnownow ((Dec.Dec. – eearlyarly MMar.)ar.) Hachinohe Enjoy Card Hakodate Travel Passport This budget-friendly one-day pass allows unlimited travel This pass provides unlimited rides on JR trains January ◆ SSnownow mmonstersonsters oonn tthehe ★ HHakodateakodate HHarborarbor IIlluminationllumination on JR trains and regular-route buses (city buses and HakkodaHakkoda MountainsMountains (Jan.(Jan. – FilmFilm FestivalFestival Nanbu buses) in Hachinohe. Present your card to receive (unreserved seats in local train ordinary cars), Feb.)Feb.) Hakodate buses, Hakodate trams, and South HHakodateakodate SStationtation SSquarequare a special bonus, such as a discount, at participating shops. ★ ○ Adults: 700 yen, Children: 350 yen IlluminationIllumination Hokkaido Railway trains in Hakodate and its ○ Train and bus services where the Card is valid: suburban areas (i.e., Kikonai, Hokuto, Nanae, - JR Hachinohe Line (between Hachinohe Station and Shikabe and Mori). One-day and two-day February ★ AomoriAomori SSnownow LLightight FFestivalestival ★ HHirosakiirosaki CCastleastle SSnownow LLanternantern ★ HHachinoheachinohe BBouillabaisseouillabaisse FFestaesta ★ HHakodateakodate FFoodood FFestaesta Tanesashikaigan Station) FestivalFestival - City bus passes are available. Present your pass to ★ AAomoriomori WinterWinter FestivalFestival ★ HHachinoheachinohe EEnburinburi FFestivalestival - Nanbu Bus (excluding boarding and exiting at the receive a discount on Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry ★SSawadaawada CCandleandle FFestivalestival ferry terminal and part of the Nanbu area) fares. ★ WWinterinter SSportsports Mt.Mt. IwakiIwaki - Umineko-go Sightseeing Bus, which runs along the Tanesashi Coast - Isaba-go Sunday Morning Market loop bus - Hasshoku 100-yen Bus / Hasshoku Under-200-yen Bus Inquiries: JR Hokkaido Telephone Information Center (Hours: 6:30 – 22:00) March ★ HHakkodaakkoda WWalkalk Inquiries: Hachinohe Card Management Committee Phone: +81-11-222-7111 (No English-speaking staff available) Phone: +81-178-46-4040 (No English-speaking staff available) JR Hokkaido Website: http://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/ Website: www.city.hachinohe.aomori.jp/enjoy

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