| Population | 12,775 people |
|---|---|
| Area | 94 km² |
| Population Density | 135.9 people/km² |
Since its development in the Nara period, Aomori Prefecture’s Hashikami Town implemented town administration in the 1950s. This area is known for apple cultivation and also engages in fishing, providing exceptionally fresh seafood. While enjoying life surrounded by nature, dishes utilizing local products adorn the dining table. In this region, where Tsugaru dialect is commonly spoken, festivals at local shrines are held as annual events, particularly the Hashikami Grand Festival and the Apple Festival, which attract many visitors not only from the local community but also from outside the prefecture. Why not take a trip to Hashikami Town, where you can experience its charming landscape and traditions? Its rich nature also serves as a venue for various outdoor activities. Hiking, fishing, and fruit picking await you throughout the seasons. Additionally, there are cultural attractions such as old buildings that evoke history and museums depicting the lives of local people. Furthermore, local gourmet dishes made with fresh seafood and apples cannot be missed.
Culture and Customs
Aomori Prefecture’s Hashikami Town was developed during the Nara period and established town administration in the 1950s, with a deep history and culture. The town’s industry is vibrant in apple cultivation, and the orchards that color the town’s landscape are worth seeing. Fishing is also practiced, allowing residents to enjoy fresh seafood. In terms of lifestyle, many people live in a quiet environment surrounded by nature, and dishes utilizing local products are popular. Especially, sweet desserts made with apples and sashimi made with fresh seafood are must-tries. In Hashikami Town, the Tsugaru dialect is commonly spoken, and festivals at local shrines are annual events. Among them, the “Hashikami Grand Festival” is known as the town’s largest festival, bustling with many people every year. In autumn, the “Apple Festival” is also held, celebrating the fruits of apple cultivation, making it an event not to be missed. Thus, Hashikami Town is a place where you can enjoy a rich natural environment, a lifestyle utilizing local products, and traditional festivals, and you will surely be captivated by its charm when you visit. Additionally, there are many hot spring facilities scattered throughout the town, loved by both locals and tourists. In particular, the open-air bath with a view of the Tsugaru Strait is exceptional, soothing the hearts of visitors.
Local Specialties
- Hashikami Town’s specialty apples: This region produces sweet and juicy apples that are highly regarded both domestically and internationally, taking advantage of its rich natural environment and harsh cold.
- Hashikami Garasha Pork: The “Hashikami Garasha Pork,” made from locally raised pigs, is characterized by its tenderness and deep flavor, expanding the range of culinary possibilities.
- Hashikami Town’s garlic: Thanks to its fertile soil and moderate climate, Hashikami Town is capable of growing garlic with strong flavor and aroma.
- Hashikami Town’s honey: The “Hashikami Town Honey,” made from nectar collected from local flowers, is noted for its unique flavor and high nutritional value.
- Hashikami Town’s seafood: Facing the Tsugaru Strait, Hashikami Town offers fresh seafood, particularly shellfish like sea urchins and scallops, which are highly valued.
Annual Events
- Winter event “Winter Fantasy”: This event, held every December, is famous for enveloping the entire town in a fantastical winter landscape.
- “Hashikami Spring Festival”: This festival, held in April, is an important event where the townspeople come together to pray for safety and prosperity in the new year.
- “Summer Festival”: Held every August, this festival features a grand fireworks display and bon odori, cherished as a summer tradition.
- “Hashikami Autumn Festival”: This festival celebrates the autumn harvest, with luxurious portable shrines parading through various districts of the town, praying for a good harvest.
- “Hashikami Town Industrial Festival”: This festival introduces the town’s industries centered around agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and is a popular event where you can taste local specialties.
Access Methods
- Shinkansen: It is convenient to reach Aomori Station via the JR Shinkansen “Hayabusa,” and then take the JR Tohoku Main Line to Hashikami Station.
- Airplane: There are many direct flights to Aomori Airport from across the country. From the airport, Hashikami Town is about an hour away by taxi or bus.
- Bus: Take the JR Bus Tohoku “Hashikami Line” from Aomori City. Please check the schedule as there are only a few buses per day.
- Car: If you use the expressway, you can arrive in about 9 hours from Tokyo. Please drive carefully, paying attention to road conditions.
- Ferry: Use the Seikan Ferry to travel from Hakodate to Aomori. After that, head to Hashikami Town by train or bus.
Tourist Attractions
- Lake Towada – A national park with beautiful lakes and nature
- Oirase Stream – A scenic spot with clear streams and beautiful nature
- Tashirodaira Wetlands – A beautiful wetland blooming with alpine plants
- Towada Art Museum – A museum where you can enjoy contemporary art exhibitions
- Towada Kanko Electric Railway – A railway where you can enjoy the scenery while traveling
