"Stove train" and "blizzard experience" in winter in Tsugaru
- Suggested Time
- 2 days / 1 nights
- Transport Options
- Train, Bus, Walk
- Season
- Winter
Why don't you enjoy the phenomenon "blizzard experience" unique to a snowy country?
The scenery of Tsugaru, which is extremely cold, is where the accumulated snow soars in strong winds and the front is dyed white.
If you take the "stove train" that runs only in winter, you can fully enjoy the cold and warmth of Tsugaru.
Snow Country Drifting Snow Tour
This unique program is a way for visitors to experience the fierce drifting snow of the frozen Tsugaru region of Aomori prefecture. Drifting snow, fallen snow wisping in the strong winds, is a well-known feature of Tsugaru region. The drifting snow can be of such an intensity that once it begins, it becomes difficult to see one’s own path. This rare tour has turned the troublesome drifting snow into a fascinating local experience.
The Snow in Tsugaru Strikes from Below
Visitors can become familiar with Tsugaru culture by going on the tour while wearing a traditional winter clothe called “Kakumaki” or riding the wide snow field of Tsugaru plains on a horse sleigh. If requested in advance, visitors can also fly a Tsugaru tako (kite). This tour has gained popularity domestically and internationally.
Phone Number:Tsugaru Jifubuki-kai Office 080-3195-4036(9:00~17:00)
- Address
- 五所川原市
- Telephone Number
- 080-3195‐4036
- Opening Times
- Every Friday through Sunday, end of January to the end of February
*Reservation must be made at least five days in advance.
Tsugaru Railway, Stove Winter Train
The Tsugaru Railways run through the plains for Tsugaru peninsula from Tsugaru Goshogawara Station to Tsugaru Nakazato Station, a 45 minute ride with a total distance of 20.7 km (12.8 miles). The railway runs seasonal themed trains throughout the year for the entertainment of its passengers: the stove train in the winter, the furin (Japanese wind bell) train in the summer, and the suzumushi (bell cricket) train in the fall.
The tranquil rural landscape that can be seen from the train attracts many visitors. The Ashino Park (near Ashino Park Station) is another popular spot during the cherry blossom season.
Winter Stove Train, a Special Social Event
Every year, an old-fashioned potbelly stove gains a spot on the train that runs through the snow field of Tsugaru plain. The red burning coals in the stove create a comfortable social atmosphere bringing visitors and local passengers together.
In contrast to the frigid outdoor cold, passengers can enjoy their time in the warm cozy train as surume (dried squid and cuttlefish) are prepared on the stove top and served.
*Limited 3 trains during daytime. Check for specific dates for December.
Train service may change under some circumstances.
- Address
- 五所川原市
- Telephone Number
- 0173-34-2148
- Opening Times
- [Furin Summer Train] July 1st – August 31st annually
[Suzumushi Autumn Train] September 1st – mid October (time may change due to the growth of bell crickets)
[Stove Winter Train] December 1st – (the following year) March 31st annually - Closures
- None
Tachineputa no Yakata (Tachineputa Museum)
Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival is one of the four largest summer festivals held between August 4th and 8th. At the Tachineputa no Yakata, three real tachineputa are exhibited. The three neputa begin their parade from the museum.
The exhibition hall is an atrium with an incline around the 23-meter (75 feet) tachineputa so visitors can see it from top to down. Footage from the festival is shown at the exhibition hall. Additionally, visitors can see the making of the tachineputa at the production studio.
The gallery of the museum holds paintings from artists with connection to Aomori. The museum also has a souvenir shop, a restaurant, an observation lounge, and an experiencing room where visitors can make kingyo neputa (goldfish neputa).
Experiencing the Making of Tachineputa
At the Tachineputa production studio, visitors can experience making the tachineputa, including pasting the paper and coloring. Applications can be made on the day of the visit.
*Available for a limited time (Mid-April to Mid-June)
*Advance reservation required for groups larger than 10 people.
- Address
- 五所川原市大町506－10
- Telephone Number
- 0173-38-3232
- Opening Times
- 9:00~21:00
[Tachineputa Exhibition Hall/Art Gallery]
(April~September) 9:00~19:00, (October~March) 9:00~17:00
*Special Hours
August 4th ~ 8th 9:00~17:00, August 13th 9:00~19:00, December 31st 9:00~15:00 - Closures
- January 1st (May be open. Contact us for details)
