The Tsugaru Region
Overview
The Tsugaru Region is by far Aomori Prefecture's most unique and complex, boasting a natural beauty and cultural richness that is not found in other areas of the prefecture. Mt. Iwaki, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakami Mountains, and the Hakkoda Mountains offer endless opportunities for outdoor lovers regardless of the season, while the area's history, archaeological sites, and festivals offer a unique glimpse of Japanese culture. Regardless of your interests, your time in the Tsugaru region will be unforgettable.
History
The oldest recorded history of the Tsugaru Region can be found in the Nihon-shoki (the oldest chronicles of Japan) which dates back to the 6th century. However, artifacts from Japan's ancient Jomon Period (13,000 to 300 BCE) have been found throughout Aomori Prefecture and tell the story of an advanced hunter gatherer society.
Although it may be difficult to believe, the Shiura area of what is now Goshogawara City was once one of the most important trading ports in all of Japan, boasting a lively domestic and international trade. At its peak in the 12th and 13th century, the area near Lake Jyusan was both culturally and economically on par with places like Kyoto.
Political changes brought and end to the prosperous port city before power eventually solidified in the hands of the Tsugaru Clan in the mid 1500s. The clan commissioned many technological and cultural marvels, including Hirosaki Castle, Iwaki-yama Shrine, and a massive land reclamation project that transformed the surrounding marshland into the vast Tsugaru Plain. Stretching from Hirosaki City in the south through Goshogawara City and nearly to the tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, the Tsugaru Plain is now Aomori's most prominent rice growing region.
The Tsugaru Region became part of Aomori Prefecture after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, where it continues its existence as one of Japan's largest agricultural regions.
Access
Getting to Goshogawara City from Aomori City
By Car
Leave Aomori City on Route 7 heading west towards Goshogawara City. Turn right on Route 101. Follow this road to the heart of Goshogawara.
By Expressway
Leave central Aomori City on Route 120, also known as Yanagi-machi Road. Turn left onto the Route 7 bypass on the far side of the city. Turn left after the gas station to enter the Aomori Expressway. Follow the expressway towards Namioka and Morioka. Exit at the Namioka IC. Go straight through the light after the toll booth and onto the Tsugaru Expressway. When the expressway dead-ends at Route 101, turn left towards Goshogawara City. Follow Route 101 to the heart of the city.
By Train
From Aomori Station, ride the JR Ou Line approximately 30 minutes to Kawabe Station. Transfer here to the JR Gono Line. Ride the Gono Line for 30 minutes to Goshogawara Station.
Note: current train schedules can be searched in English on Hyperdia (click on the English button near the upper left corner of the page).
Getting to Hirosaki City from Aomori City
By Car
Leave Aomori City on Route 7 heading west towards Hirosaki City. Follow any of the signs for Central Hirosaki or Hirosaki Castle to reach the downtown area of the city.
By Train
From Aomori Station, ride the JR Ou Line directly to Hirosaki Station (approximately 40 minutes).
Note: current train schedules can be searched in English on Hyperdia (click on the English button near the upper left corner of the page).