Tsugaru Clan Neputa Village

About this Attraction

The Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is a cultural facility that offers visitors an immersive experience into the traditional Hirosaki Neputa Festival and the broader Tsugaru region's heritage. This village serves as a year-round destination where guests can explore the artistry, music, and crafts that define the local culture.

At the heart of the village is the Hirosaki Neputa Hall, showcasing impressive 10-meter-tall fan-shaped Neputa floats used in the annual festival. These floats are adorned with intricate paintings depicting legendary figures and scenes from folklore. Visitors can observe the detailed framework of these floats and even participate in taiko drum performances, offering a hands-on appreciation of the festival's musical elements.

The village also features daily Tsugaru-jamisen performances, a traditional three-stringed instrument known for its distinctive sound. These live performances provide insight into the musical traditions that have been passed down through generations in the Tsugaru region.

For those interested in traditional crafts, the Tsugaru Craft Center within the village offers workshops where visitors can engage in activities such as painting goldfish Neputa, Tsugaru kite painting, and Tsugaru lacquerware crafting. These hands-on experiences allow guests to create personalized souvenirs while learning about the techniques and history behind each craft.

The village's Yōkien Garden, designed in the Ōishi-bugaku style unique to the Tsugaru region, provides a serene environment for relaxation. Adjacent to the garden is the Yōki-an Teahouse, a cultural asset of Hirosaki City, where visitors can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies.

Culinary offerings at the village include the "Tsugaru Umai Komiya" restaurant, serving traditional Tsugaru home-cooked meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The on-site shop sells a variety of local products, including vegetables, apples, rice, and handmade crafts, allowing visitors to take a piece of Tsugaru culture home with them.

The Tsugaru-han Neputa Village is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no regular closures. Admission fees are ¥550 for adults, ¥350 for junior and senior high school students, and ¥220 for elementary school students. Children aged 3 and up are charged ¥110. The village is accessible via a 15-minute bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station, making it a convenient destination for those exploring the region.