| Population | 1,144 people |
|---|---|
| Area | 246.02 km² |
| Population Density | 4.65 people/km² |
At the northern tip of Japan, there exists a village as beautiful as a jewel, known as Nishimeya Village in Aomori Prefecture. Its history is said to date back to the Nara period, and in 1965, Nishime Village and Ya Village merged to form the current Nishimeya Village. What is particularly noteworthy about this area is its thriving apple cultivation. The rich nature and fertile land nurture sweet and juicy apples. Additionally, fishing is also active, and local cuisine that utilizes the blessings of the mountains and sea captivates visitors. In Nishimeya Village, you can enjoy a life surrounded by nature. The local community is vibrant, and the bonds among villagers are strong. Particularly, the Tsugaru dialect spoken here reflects the local traditions and culture. For festival lovers, various traditional festivals such as the Apple Festival and the Sea God Festival can be enjoyed throughout the year. Nishimeya Village, filled with these attractions, is worth a visit. Its beauty and warmth await you. Additionally, you can enjoy the unique sounds of the Tsugaru shamisen and dishes made with locally sourced fresh seafood. There are also beautiful hiking trails that showcase the seasonal landscapes, offering new discoveries with each visit.
Culture and Customs
This land, which has accumulated history since the Nara period and became Nishimeya Village through the cooperation of Nishime Village and Ya Village in 1965, is part of Aomori Prefecture, where apple cultivation is thriving, sending wonderful quality apples throughout Japan. Moreover, due to its coastal location, fishing is also conducted, bringing fresh seafood to the table. Daily life is surrounded by nature, allowing residents to enjoy the seasonal landscapes. The local community is active, and the bonds among villagers are deep. Additionally, the local Tsugaru dialect is used in everyday conversations, breathing life into a culture rich in regional color. There are many traditional festivals that express the spirit of the festival-loving villagers, with various events such as the Apple Festival and the Sea God Festival held throughout the year. These festivals enhance the charm of the region and entertain visitors. The culture and customs of Nishimeya Village are woven from its history, industries, and lifestyle, enriching the hearts of its people. Furthermore, there is an abundance of dishes made with locally harvested fresh vegetables, especially local radishes and cabbages, which are a must-try. In winter, the beautiful snow scenery is showcased in the Snow Lantern event, captivating visitors.
Local Specialties
- Apples: Among the world-famous apples from Aomori Prefecture, those from Nishimeya Village are particularly known for their rich flavor and high sugar content.
- Garlic: The garlic from Nishimeya Village is large and aromatic, adding depth to dishes with its punchy flavor.
- Scallops: The scallops caught off the coast of Nishimeya Village are thick and sweet, and fresh ones can be enjoyed as sashimi.
- Handmade Miso: Handmade miso made from locally grown soybeans is characterized by its deep flavor and aroma, used in local traditional dishes.
- Sake: The sake brewed in Nishimeya Village uses the pure local water and rice grown in cold regions, resulting in a unique mellow taste.
Annual Events
- “Spring Flower Festival”: Held from mid-April to early May, this festival allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers. There are also agricultural product markets and exhibitions of local specialties.
- “Nishimeya Village Summer Festival”: Held in August, this festival features a grand fireworks display and traditional folk songs, enlivening the summer nights. Local food stalls offer local sake and traditional dishes.
- “Rice Field Art”: This event, held every summer, involves planting various types of rice in rice fields to create large art pieces. The artwork changes every year, delighting tourists.
- “Autumn Harvest Festival”: In October, a harvest festival is held where you can enjoy new rice and fresh agricultural products. There are plenty of food-related events such as direct sales of agricultural products and cooking classes.
- “Snow Lantern”: This event held in February features lanterns made of snow that are lit, creating a fantastical snowy landscape. It is a popular event for families and couples.
Access Methods
- Shinkansen: The Shinkansen journey from Tokyo to Aomori takes about 3.5 hours. You can transfer to a bus from Aomori Station to reach Nishimeya Village.
- Airplane: There are direct flights from Haneda Airport to Aomori Airport. After arrival, you can travel to Nishimeya Village by rental car or bus.
- Ferry: From Aomori East Port, you can take the “Ferry Aomori,” arriving in Mutsu City in about 3 hours. From there, you can reach Nishimeya Village by rental car, etc.
- Bus: By using the Nishiwaki Bus Terminal from Aomori Station, a direct bus will take you to the center of Nishimeya Village in about 2 hours.
- Car: Using the Tohoku Expressway, you can reach Nishimeya Village via Route 4 from Aomori IC and then through the prefectural road.
Tourist Attractions
- Nishimeya Nature Park – A nature-rich park where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes.
- Iwaki Mountain – A symbol of Aomori Prefecture, offering hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
- Asamushi Onsen – A hot spring area known as one of Japan’s three great beauty skin baths.
- Oirase Stream – A popular tourist destination with clear streams and beautiful nature.
- Lake Towada – A caldera lake with a mystical beauty.
