Oirase Town
Oirase Town is located in the east south of Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost prefecture of the Main Land of Japan. It is blessed with the nature: a shoal of salmon come back to Oirase River that runs in the south of the town and a flock of swans come flying to rest in the winter.
Although climatically being affected by “yamase” (cold wind) in the summer, the town with less snowfall gives a condition suitable to live an enriched, rural life.
The town relies on the primary industries (such as agriculture and fishery), but the distribution of the town’s special products, mainly vegetables, has been promoted and processed foods have been developed. Due to the convenience of transportation the location of the town provides, invited companies primarily for metal goods, pulps and food processing have been operated in recent years. The working population in the younger generation is on the rise by an opening of a large shopping center. While proceeding with the balanced development for agriculture, industry and commerce, the town is making efforts in improving its rich sightseeing resources based on the preservation of the nature.
Introduction of Sightseeing Spots
Japan’s Largest Statue of Liberty
The symbol of the town “Statue of Liberty”. The statue was built 1/4 the size of New York’s, sticking to the number “4” because both New York and the town are situated at the same 40°4” North Latitude. The statue is made of FRP, fiber reinforced plastics, and 20.8 meters high---the body 11.5.meters and the base 9.3 meters. It shows a fantastic world with vivid lighting up at night.
- Opening Event
- Japan’s Largest Stature of Liberty and Cherry Blossom Festival
Shimoda Park
The Shimoda Park at Magi Embankment where a flock of swans come flying is loved by many people as a place of recreation and relaxation. As many as 1,000 cherry trees bloom all over in the spring, and some beautiful groups of hygrophyte (plants that grow in a moist habitat) such as skunk cabbages and water lilies gives you a fun to watch. The Magi Embankment is a treasure of wild birds, and more than 1,000 swans fly over here in the winter. There is a wild bird observation and recreation facility “Swan Home” by the embankment and you can enjoy wild bird watching.
- Opening Event
- Shimoda Park Spring Festival, Shimoda Swan Day (the first Sunday of March)
Kawayo Green Farm
Green grass all over, the 360-degree wide view, and fresh air. The farm, which gives you a feeling as if you were at a farm of north Europe, has a deeply rooted fan nationwide. It is one of the places the town is proud of. The farm has a youth hostel and restaurant. You can enjoy a barbecue outside.
- Opening Event
- Kawayo Farm Day (Sunday of early October)
Event
Shimoda Salmon Festival
In the salmon festival, the largest event of Oirase Town, whatever you call, salmon catch at the riverbed of Oirase River is the best of all. While bouncing salmons splash the water, participants frantically chase around salmon shouting screams or cheers or both. It is a dynamic event that all generations from kids to adults can enjoy.
- Main Events
- Salmon Catch, Salmon Race, Salmon Quiz, Fire Works
- Opening Date and Site
- The second Saturday and Sunday of November/Shimoda Salmon Park
Oirase Shimoda Festival
The Shimoda Festival, in which gallant and magnificent floats and traditional entertainments parade in a line, is known as a unique float festival for disguised persons called living dolls posing on the floats. Encouraging shouts and rhythmical music by children bring about a nostalgic feeling. The festival is loved by many people as a poetic autumn event of Oirase Town.
- Main Related Events
- Festival Music Competition, Singing Show by A Town Singing Club, Townspeople Karaoke Contest, Great Lottery
- Opening Date and Site
- The fourth Saturday and Sunday of September/the public square at JR Shimoda Train Station
Oirase Town Momoishi Festival
The Momoishi festival, which started in the first year of Meiji Era as a festival to celebrate autumn harvest and good fishing, offers a spectacle with a parade of gorgeous and splendid floats and portable shrines through the district of Hon-machi. It is crowded as a last festival of the year in the south region of the prefecture, and the tiger dance is the most popular of all to pray for the harvest of all lands and seas. Eleven floats and portable shrines walk through the town and give an enjoyment to spectators on the street. During the festival, various events such as a karaoke contest, bingo contest and exhibitions of all sorts are held up to the late night.
- Opening Date and Site
- The second Saturday through the third Monday of September/Hon-machi District
- おいらせ町役場
- 〒039-2192 青森県上北郡おいらせ町中下田135-2
- TEL:0178-56-2111（代表） FAX:0178-56-4364
- 分庁舎
- 〒039-2289 青森県上北郡おいらせ町上明堂60-6 FAX:0178-56-4264