Karuko Archaeological Hall

Located next to City Hall, Karuko houses a wide array of archaeological finds dating back to Japan’s ancient Jomon Period.  The artifacts were unearthed at the nearby Kamegaoka archaeological site, and a full-scale replica of a traditional Jomon dwelling is also on display.      Click here for more information (page displays in Japanese)

Buried Forest

One of the world’s largest buried forests lies along a half-mile stretch of the Dekishima coastline and dates back nearly 30,000 years to the late ice age.  Visitors can examine the root system of an ancient coniferous forest which as been preserved in a foot tall layer of peat along the shoreline.

Bense Marsh

The 23 acre Bense Marsh is a low-moor marsh selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Natural Spots.  In early June, day lilies paint the area a brilliant yellow.  In the beginning of July, Japanese iris dyes the fields a vibrant purple.

Dekishima Ocean Swimming Area

Similar to Magua Beach in Shariki, Dekishima is a great place to enjoy swimming in the Sea of Japan.  Kizukuri fishing port and the buried forest are also nearby.

Takayama Inari Shrine

Takayama Inari Shrine is located in Shariki and is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in all of northern Japan.  Although it is unclear when the shrine was founded, it is believed that travelers began enshrining their guardian deities here as early as the 10th century.  The shrine is famous for its spectacular row of red torii gates, similar to the ones found at the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

Magua Beach Park

Located on the southern end of Shariki’s Fishing Port, Magua Beach Park is the site of the annual Cheseborough Cup Swim Marathon, and is a popular swimming beach throughout the summer.

Japan’s Oldest Apple Tree
　

Planted in 1878, Japan’s oldest apple tree can be found in the Kashiwa area of Tsugaru City.  The tree is nearly 25 feet tall and still produces over 7,000 apples every year.  It has also been designated as a Natural Cultural Treasure by Aomori Prefecture.

Inaho-ikoi Historical Village

One of the most popular places to visit in Inagaki is the Inaho-ikoi Historical Village.  A full scale restoration of a 100 year-old Japanese house as well as wara (rice straw) weaving classes give visitors a sense of what life was like in farming villages hundreds of years ago.

Tsugaru Earth Village
     Earth Village is a recreation and lodging facility located in the Morita area of Tsugaru City.  Activities include tennis, basketball, putter golf, bike riding, cookouts, and much more.  Lodging is available at both campsites and a Japanese-style hotel.
     Click here for more information (page displays in Japanese)

Makeup Jizo

In a tradition borrowed from Kyoto, many of the jizo statues throughout the city are adorned with clothing and makeup.  In the Buddhist faith, jizo is a Buddhist bodhisattva believed to be the guardian deity of children, and in this area many people mourn the passing of a young child by erecting a statue of jizo.  Traditionally, the statues are redecorated around the end of July every year on the date that corresponds to June 24th on the lunar calendar.