Experience Towering Neputa Floats and Live Shamisen Performances—Immerse Yourself in Tsugaru Festival Culture
About this spot
A tourism facility located near the north gate (Kikkoemon Gate) of Hirosaki Park where you can fully experience Tsugaru's festivals and traditional crafts. Inside the facility, large neputa floats approximately 10 meters tall that actually appear in the Hirosaki Neputa Festival are on display, with their warrior-themed paintings so impressive you have to look up to see them. During shamisen and hayashi music demonstrations, you may get a chance to touch the drums, and the live shamisen performances convey the spirited heart of Tsugaru people with vibrant energy. There are also hands-on workshops for painting goldfish neputa (金魚ねぷた) and Tsugaru kites (津軽凧), a display garden called Yōkioen (揚亀園) in the Ōishi Takeshi style (大石武学流), and three generations from grandchildren to grandparents will each find their own enjoyment. You can meet neputa year-round even outside festival season, which is a wonderful way to begin your castle town stroll.
Tips
Located just a short walk from Kikkoemon Gate on the north side of Hirosaki Park. About 10 minutes by car from JR Hirosaki Station (JR弘前駅); the city loop bus is also convenient. The live shamisen and hayashi music performances are held at set times, so check the schedule at the entrance and plan accordingly for efficiency. The facility is mainly indoors, so you can enjoy it regardless of the weather.
Best time to visit
Takes approximately 1.5 hours. The late morning just after opening is quieter, allowing you to enjoy the performances and demonstrations at a relaxed pace.
Access & map
〒036-8332 Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki City, Kikkomacho 61 (青森県弘前市亀甲町６１)
Model course featuring this spot
Hirosaki Park: A Leisurely Stroll Through the Castle Town with Castles and Neputa Floats
Aomori
Explore features & model courses
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