{"id":9370,"date":"2018-12-15T10:37:03","date_gmt":"2018-12-15T02:37:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/primer.com.ph\/travel\/?p=9370"},"modified":"2021-04-30T14:29:40","modified_gmt":"2021-04-30T06:29:40","slug":"japan-travel-tsugaru-han-neputa-village-in-hirosaki-city-will-immerse-you-with-cultural-experiences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/primer.com.ph\/travel\/2018\/12\/15\/japan-travel-tsugaru-han-neputa-village-in-hirosaki-city-will-immerse-you-with-cultural-experiences\/","title":{"rendered":"JAPAN TRAVEL: Tsugaru-han Neputa Village in Hirosaki City Will Immerse You with Cultural Experiences"},"content":{"rendered":"

The city of Hirosaki in Aomori is best explored through Tsugaru-han Neputa Village<\/strong>\u00a0a spot that serves as a microcosm of the town that\u2019s rich in culture and tradition. A trip to this\u00a0village will immerse you\u00a0in cultural experiences you can only find in Hirosaki, a leisurely introduction to the region\u2019s outlying neighborhood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"The Tsugaru-han Neputa Village in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

A significant festival in Aomori called the Aomori Neputa Festival which takes place in summer and transforms the whole city to its grandest. Held every first week of August, this monumental cultural event amasses millions of tourists yearly. Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in the 1980s, Aomori Neputa Festival features a parade of gigantic, multicolored floats depicting mythological creatures, energetic taiko drum performances, and a vibrant participation from the locals characterized by spirited dances and powerful chants.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Japanese musicians entertain the crowd by playing the Tsugaru shamisen<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

As this festival is deemed significant by the Aomori Prefecture, a hall is dedicated to preserving the festival\u2019s customs. Highlighting the region\u2019s important traditions, the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village proves that it\u2019s deserving of a spot in every traveler\u2019s bucket list. Here are some of the must-see attractions inside the museum village. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A live performance of the Tsugaru Shamisen<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"Performers of the Tsugaru shamisen play 9 to 10 times a day from April to November, and 8 from December to March.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Watch different musicians play the <\/span>shamisen,<\/b> a Japanese stringed instrument that produces rhythmic folk music style through powerful strumming. It\u2019s only fitting that you see it live in Aomori, as this is where it was originally performed by visually-impaired musicians as a way of living.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tsugaru Craft Center<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"Japanese warriors are\u00a0their main design theme<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

A place where Aomori artisans skillfully create a masterpiece, the Tsugaru Craft Center gathers craft makers who produce traditional Tsugaru items such as pottery, lacquerware, kites, and more in one roof. These skilled artisans showcase their expertise through a live crafting performance in their own respective studios. <\/span><\/p>\n

Tsugaru Kite painting<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"Filipino TV host Robi Domingo paints his own Tsugaru dako kite<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Activities are also available for visitors to try for themselves. Try your hand in doing Japanese traditional craft such as kite painting, an interesting activity that unleashes your talent when it comes to art.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Tsugaru dako kite painting is priced at \u00a51,000 (regular) and \u00a5900 (students)<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

This traditional art called the Tsugaru Dako Kite painting is a piece of Aomori\u2019s art culture. Guided by a sensei (Japanese teacher), visitors can paint their own Tsugaru dako kite\u00a0with the face of Japanese warriors on washi paper. The whole experience is fairly easy and takes only about an hour to do. Originally, these kites were produced by samurais as children\u2019s toys in the past.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tsugaru Umaiya<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"Kaiyaki<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Tsugaru Umaiya is a restaurant in Tsugaru-han Neputa Village that sets the benchmark for Aomori home-style cooking. Recognized as a Tsugaru Food Heritage Traditional Shop, it dishes up traditional Aomori specials\u00a0in its simple yet delicious meals.<\/span><\/p>\n

An essential dish to try would be their Kaiyaki, a course meal that gives you a sample of Aomori\u2019s cuisine. Using a heated scallop shell, a raw egg is poured on top, mixed with miso and stock. The use of scallop is said to enhance the flavors of the dish. It\u2019s also served with a side of nutritious vegetable soup, perfect for Aomori\u2019s cold weather.<\/span><\/p>\n

During peak season especially in spring, the restaurant can be packed. Make sure to place a reservation ahead of your visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yokien Garden<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"Visitors feeding the koi fish at the pond<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"The beautiful landscape of Yokien Garden<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The outdoor setting of Neputa Village provides an ideal representation of the whole town\u2014an oasis of calm. Yokien, a small Japanese garden inside the museum village, emanates such a relaxing vibe, and a stroll around this landscape is best for an afternoon visit. You may feed the pond\u2019s residents, the koi fishes, with feeds bought from the stall beside the garden.<\/span><\/p>\n

Souvenir Shop<\/b><\/p>\n

\"\"Shop for souvenir items at this store located inside Tsugaru-han Neputa Village!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

What better way to end the whole village tour than with shopping? Shop for Aomori goods and memorabilia at their own gift shop, where you can buy all sorts of goods\u2014from snacks to trinkets, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for First-Time Visitors<\/b><\/p>\n