If you want to plan a cherry blossom viewing picnic but are concerned
with troublesome set up, carrying heavy things, or cleaning up, we have some good news for you.
We have prepared the perfect picnic plan for foreign visitors in Hirosaki Park.
It is a limited special plan for only 20 customers a day!
If you want to plan a cherry blossom viewing picnic but are concerned with troublesome set up, we have good news.
We have prepared the perfect picnic plan for foreign visitors who wish to fully immerse themselves in Japanese culture and enjoy good food while viewing beautiful cherry blossoms. The “Kiwami” cherry blossom viewing picnic is a limited plan only for foreign visitors.
Everything is done for you – from arranging food and drinks to the site, to set up and clean up. Visitors can enjoy an ultimate cherry viewing experience without any hassle. Additionally, a musical performance by Hayashi musicians from Hirosaki Neputa festival is included.
Address
Hirosaki Park, Picnic Area (Gathering Place: Hirosaki Park East Entrance)
Number Of Participants
2 or more people per group
Start Time
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Run Term
From Apr.23 2020 To May.03 2020
Story
* What is NEPUTA／NEBUTA？
Why not discover ‘behind the scenes’ of Aomori at an event only seen during the first week of August? Every year from August 1 to 7, the people of Aomori Prefecture focus everything on one event – the ‘Neputa’ (or Nebuta) festival! Those from Aomori City typically call it ‘Nebuta’ and those from Hirosaki call it ‘Neputa’. By the way, ‘Neputa’ is a convenient word that refers to both the majestic floats of the festival as well as the festival as a whole – it’s a little complicated, isn’t it?
![* What is NEPUTA／NEBUTA？]()
![* What is NEPUTA／NEBUTA？]()
* Features of the Hirosaki Neputa
There are two main types of floats, fan-shaped and figure-shaped. In Hirosaki City, the majority of floats are fan-shaped. On the front side of the big fan you will find a colorful painting of a brave warrior scene from "Sangokushi, Three Kingdoms" or "Suikoden, The Water Margin" folktales, while the other side is often drawn with a bewitching beauty. The contrast of the two scenes is one of the main attractions of Hirosaki Neputa. Another unique feature of the Hirosaki Neputa is the call of ‘Ya-ya-dou’ that is cried out by the participants as they pull the floats slowly along.
![* Features of the Hirosaki Neputa]()
![* Features of the Hirosaki Neputa]()
* Origin of the NEPUTA festival
There are various theories about the origin of "Neputa", but it was originally an event held by Aomori farmers. It is believed that the "Neputa" festival serves the function of resting the body and opening the mind after the hard farm labor of Spring, in preparation for the coming Autumn harvest.
It might be a foreign concept for many, but in countryside Japan it is said that lazy habits and drowsiness of summer are evils that would hinder the Autumn harvest. To keep them at bay, this event has been held during the Tanabata festival in rural areas since ancient times. In the local Tsugaru dialect, "I want to sleep" is pronounced "Nepute", but overtime this word changed to "Neputa", and became the name of the event itself. Unlike many other Japanese festivals, "Neputa" is not a festival or ritual associated with a shrine or temple, but an event occurring among the common people. Prayers for a bountiful harvest and protection from catastrophes and disease are entrusted to the Neputa instead of praying to God. This annual event is an important source of energy and encouragement for the people of Aomori.
* NEPUTA is the soul of the AOMORI people!
This event brings together the local people in their shared hope for a bountiful Autumn to overcome the long, cold winter. For the Aomori people, "Neputa" is not only their soul and spirit, but it is maybe even Aomori itself. Oh, it is also a unique characteristic of Neputa that visitors can join-in the action! Why not take this rare chance to discover ‘behind the scenes’of Aomori – something you usually wouldn’t even catch a glimpse of?
Meeting Place
Meeting at the East Entrance on the reserved day.
Show map: https://goo.gl/maps/qi4TX
Guide
Personal guide to the Hirosaki park picnic area.
Show map: https://goo.gl/maps/0oF0t
(We will set up the picnic at a site of your choosing)
Start
Begin the Kanokai (cherry viewing picnic) after setup is complete
Kanokai
Enjoy the cherry viewing while listening to neputa music (90 minutes)
Clean Up
After 90 minutes, the staff will come and clean up the site. (Please notify the staff if leaving early)
Finish
Disperse at the site
Notice
- Reservations & Payment
Reservations : Until 04/05/2019 (Friday)
Payment : Must be completed by 04/12/2019 (Friday)
*Reservations will be cancelled if payment is not completed on time.
- Cancellation
Cancellation must be notified at least five days in advance. We will refund the total amount minus any banking fees incurred. For cancellations less than four days in advance, no refund can be made.
Five days in advance : Cancellation charge is not applicable
Less than four days in advance : No refund can be made
- Rainy Weather
In case of rain, we will prepare an indoor site by Hirosaki Park. Please note, however, the site will be shared with other groups. Please note that if it rains, the musical performance will be cancelled.
- Please be aware and understand that depending on the weather, the cherry trees may not be in bloom on the designated dates. Furthermore, please come dressed warmly as this is an outside event.
- We take no responsibility for any trouble or accidents that occur during the picnic.
- Please arrive on the designated time. The meeting time may change slightly in case we are fully booked.
- The pictures on this website are from previous years and do not guarantee the service provided this year. Additionally, the boxed lunch and drink may be slightly different due to seasonal changes.
- This is a limited service for 20 customers per day.
- We also have a variety of courses. Please contact us if you like detailed information.
