Amazing AOMORI

The rice paddy art began in 1993 when purple and yellow rice plants were used to make a picture of Mt. Iwaki along with letters on rice paddies. The main purpose behind the creation was to take advantage of the tradition of manual work in rice cultivation to give people an opportunity to learn more about rice farming and agriculture.
The rice paddy art uses various colored rice plants as paint on a rice-field canvas. The massive pictures are elaborately designed using perspective drawing methods to make them look their best when seen from the observation platform. The art has gained media attention from domestic and international media because of its uniqueness. Every year, over 100,000 visitors from Japan and abroad come to see the fields, including the Emperor and Empress of Japan in September, 2014.

Rice Making Experience Tour

[Rice Planting Tour Beginning of June]
Fee：Free (lunch provided)
*Please come dressed in clothing appropriate for manual labor. (Prior registration is required)
[Rice Harvesting Tour End of September]
Fee: Free (Onigiri (rice ball) and tonjiru (pork miso soup) are provided)
*Please come dressed in clothing appropriate for manual labor. (Prior registration is required)

[Inakadate-mura Planning Tourism Division, Chamber of tourism section]

TEL  0172-58-2111(ext.242)

FAX  0172-58-4751

e-mail  muraokoshi@vill.inakadate.ig.jp

Komise along Naka-Machi Ave., selected one of the best 100 streets in Japan, features an arcaded shopping area with traditional structures remaining from the Edo Period.
Komise was made as an arcaded street to keep snow and rain out, which is characteristic of the snowy northern parts of Japan. Buildings along Naka-Machi Ave. have been particularly well-preserved.

This library was built to commemorate victory in the Japanese-Russo War in 1906 and was used as city library until 1931. It is a 3-story wooden mortar building with twin octagonal towers constructed in Renaissance style.

Tsugaru-han Neputa Mura is a tourist spot where visitors can experience a quasi-Hirosaki Neputa Festival. The fan-shaped Neputa actually used in the festival are exhibited for viewing. Visitors can also try the taiko (Japanese drums) along with the Neputa musicians themselves. Live Tsugaru-shamisen performance are also open for viewing.

There is a facility for visitors to see, experience, and buy Tsugaru traditional artwork, with shops selling local produce such as vegetables, apples, and rice.

Let’s try traditional dyeing with indigo! 

The Hakkoda Ropeway is located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park and operates throughout the year. The autumn leaves season and the winter ice season are especially popular.

Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site is one of Japan’s largest historical sites consisting of remains of human settlement from approximately 5500 to 4000 years ago. The site features several pit-houses and stilt-houses unearthed since archeological excavation began in 1992. The excavation has also uncovered various earthenware and stoneware artifacts, as well as those composed of jade and skillfully created lacquer. These findings were of great significance as it provided us with a new image of the Jomon culture.
In 1994, Aomori Prefecture decided to preserve the site upon consideration of the site’s historical significance. In November 2000, Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site was designated as a National Special Historical Site of Japan. 

Nominating the Jomon Historical Sites for a World Heritage Site

In addition to Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site, there are many historic sites from the Jomon period demonstrating Jomon culture throughout Hokkaido and northern Tohoku area. Considering the historical and cultural significance of the sites that must be preserved for future generations, there is currently a plan to nominate the Jomon Historic Sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku for World Heritage Site.

Learning about the Jomon Culture

At the Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site, within the Jomon Jiyukan (Park Center), visitors can view artifacts from the excavation site on display. Additionally, visitors can try their hand at craftwork inspired by Jomon culture. English speaking volunteer guides attend to help upon reservation. 

The museum located within Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site features Japanese, Western, as well as modern art such as works by Yoshitomo Nara. The museum also has masterpieces such as Chagall’s works on permanent display!