Tsugaru-han Neputa Village

Tsugaru-han Neputa Village is a hands-on tourist facility in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy the traditional culture of the Tsugaru region from five perspectives: seeing, hearing, eating, buying, and experiencing. It features a Japanese garden registered as a national monument and buildings designated as cultural properties, creating a space rich in historical value and local heritage.

◆ See and Hear — Experience the Power of Hirosaki Neputa and Tsugaru Shamisen Up Close
At the center of the facility, the “Hirosaki Neputa Museum” welcomes visitors with a full-scale Neputa float standing 10 meters tall. Guests can also view the internal frame structure, allowing them to feel the power of the festival and the craftsmanship of its artisans up close.

Live performances of hayashi flute and drum music are regularly demonstrated by staff, and visitors can also try playing the drums themselves at any time. The museum also exhibits Neputa paintings and kite paintings by the Tsugaru Nishikie Artists Association, where visitors can appreciate the skill and beauty of traditional painters.

Tsugaru shamisen performances are held daily at the Neputa Museum, allowing visitors to experience the intense bachi technique and powerful sound unique to Tsugaru. In addition to performances, the museum also features exhibits related to the shamisen, where visitors can learn about the origins of the instrument and Tsugaru’s musical culture.

◆ Experience — Hands-On Tsugaru Craft Activities
Tsugaru-han Neputa Village also offers a wide range of experience corners where visitors can actually try traditional Tsugaru crafts. The following painting and craft activities are available, and in principle no reservation is required to participate (*advance booking is recommended during busy periods or for group use).

Goldfish Neputa painting (1,500 yen)
Tsugaru kite painting (1,300 yen)
Apple-shaped clay bell painting (1,500 yen)
Tsugaru-yaki clay crafting (1,500 yen), etc.

As a memorable souvenir from your trip, you can take home your own handmade creation.

In the workshop space “Tsugaru Kura Kobo Takumi,” visitors can observe the production processes of “Tsugaru-nuri,” “kogin embroidery,” “Tsugaru kites,” “kokeshi dolls and spinning tops,” and “Tsugaru-yaki.” The building makes use of a rice storehouse from the feudal domain era and is now designated by Hirosaki City as a building of scenic value.

◆ Japanese Garden — The Hidden Healing Space of Yokkien
On the grounds lies the Japanese garden “Yokkien,” which incorporates views of Mt. Iwaki, known as the Mount Fuji of Tsugaru, and the old pines of Hirosaki Park. It follows the distinctive Tsugaru landscaping style known as the “Oishi Bugei-ryu Garden” and is designated as a national registered monument.

The tea house “Yokian” inside the garden is designated as a cultural property by Hirosaki City, offering visitors a tranquil space for tea ceremony culture. Though located within a tourist facility, it is a garden space that combines serenity and elegance.

◆ Shopping — Take Home the Flavors and Craftsmanship of Tsugaru
In the shopping area, which does not require an admission fee, a wide selection of agricultural products, marine processed goods, crafts, and souvenirs from Aomori Prefecture is available. There is also a direct sales corner run by the local JA for vegetables and apples, as well as live demonstrations and sales of hand-baked senbei, allowing visitors to enjoy local flavors as they are.

In addition, a morning market is held every Sunday from June to October from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., featuring seasonal vegetables and fruits from Aomori Prefecture (please check the official website for dates).

◆ Eat — Savor Tsugaru Home Cooking at “Tsugaru Umaiya”
At the on-site dining area “Tsugaru Umaiya,” visitors can enjoy traditional Tsugaru home-style dishes, with special attention paid to rice, miso soup, and pickles. You can taste the simple flavors long cherished by the local community, and the restaurant can accommodate up to approximately 200 people for group use.

Opening hours and experience offerings vary depending on the season and events. Please check the official website for the latest information.