Hoshino Resort Aomoriya Presents: “Tange Hanasaka Festival”

From April 3 to May 31, 2024, Celebrate the Arrival of Spring in Aomori with the “Tange Hanasaka Festival”

At the hot spring inn “Hoshino Resort Aomoriya,” which offers a full experience of Aomori’s culture, the “Tange Hanasaka Festival” will be held from April 3 to May 31, 2024, to celebrate the arrival of spring in Aomori.

“Tange” is an Aomori dialect meaning “a great many.” The event’s symbol is the “Nebuta Hanasaka Jii-san,” with about 200 apple blossom-shaped lanterns adorning the apple tree at the center of the “Jawamegu Square,” the heart of Aomoriya.

This spring, guests can enjoy a variety of programs, including arranging colorful flowers in “Tobi-nin Mini Hanagasa” (mini flower hats), experiencing the “Ittogo Hana Mau Ro” (meaning “flowers dance momentarily” in Aomori dialect), and enjoying hanami (flower viewing) sake.

Additionally, the “Apple and Cherry Blossom Corridor,” adorned with apple blossom lanterns, and the “Sakura Light Bath,” where guests can enjoy flower viewing while soaking in the hot springs, offer a unique springtime experience.

Aomoriya, under the concept “Nore Sore Aomori – Hitomonogatari” (Fully Enjoy Aomori – People’s Stories), hosts events throughout the year that reflect the seasonal traditions and culture of Aomori. “Nore Sore” means “to the fullest” in the local dialect.

After enduring the harsh winter, Aomori’s people eagerly embrace the long-awaited spring, pouring their hearts into hanami. This event was planned to share the joy of spring and the pleasure of flower viewing with visitors to Aomori in the spring.

In Aomori, known for having Japan’s highest apple production, apple blossoms are cherished as heralds of spring, just like cherry blossoms. Therefore, Aomoriya offers various spring-only programs that allow guests to enjoy the hanami spirit anytime with both apple and cherry blossoms.

Five Programs to Enjoy the Tange Hanasaka Festival

1. Nebuta Hanasaka Jii-san with About 200 Apple Blossom Lanterns

At the center of the “Jawamegu Square,” located at the heart of Aomoriya, stands a large apple tree adorned with the event’s symbol, “Nebuta Hanasaka Jii-san.” It celebrates the arrival of spring with guests.

Around the square, about 200 apple blossom-shaped lanterns bloom, created by “Hanasaka Jii-san,” offering a delightful hanami experience.

• Time: All day
• Location: Jawamegu Square

2. Create Your Own “Tobi-nin Mini Hanagasa” with Colorful Flowers

Inspired by the large, flamboyant flower hats worn by “Tobi-nin” (dancers) who jump high to the rhythm of the music at the famous “Aomori Nebuta Festival,” this program allows you to arrange colorful flowers on a palm-sized hat, creating your unique “Tobi-nin Mini Hanagasa.”

The completed flower hats can be displayed in your room, allowing you to enjoy the festival atmosphere and admire the flowers throughout your stay. The program also features “Tsugaru Vidro,” a traditional Aomori craft, as a base for the flower hat, making it a distinctive vase that brings a touch of Aomori to your home. It’s recommended to arrange your favorite flowers in it after returning home.

• Time: 16:00 / 17:00 (Duration: about 1 hour)
• Price: 3,000 yen per person (including tax)
• Location: Aomori Workshop
• Capacity: 4 people per session, Age 7 and up
• Reservation: Required via the website at least 3 days before participation

3. “Ittogo Hana Mau Ro” with Dancing Petals and Hanami Sake

Every day during the festival, starting at 20:00, the flowers bloomed by “Nebuta Hanasaka Jii-san” dance around the square. Surrounding this time, there’s also the serving of hanami sake, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the drifting petals with a drink in hand.

• Time: 20:00 (Hanami Sake: 19:30–20:30)
• Location: Jawamegu Square
• Price: Free

4. “Apple and Cherry Blossom Corridor” Adorned with Lanterns Featuring Apple Blossoms

The corridors of the inn are decorated with over 300 lanterns, each painted with apple blossoms, and cherry blossoms, offering a hanami experience even while moving within the building. It’s a perfect spot for memorable spring photos with friends and family.

• Time: All day
• Location: Jawamegu Square

5. “Sakura Light Bath” – A Fantastical Open-air Bath with Wasi Paper Cherry Blossoms and Tsugaru Vidro Floating Balls

Around the open-air bath “Ukiyu,” a pond features a full-bloom cherry tree crafted with Nebuta techniques, and the water surface is adorned with cherry-colored traditional craft “Tsugaru Vidro” floating balls. At night, the area is lit up, offering an even more fantastical view to enjoy while bathing.

• Time: 5:00–11:30, 14:30–24:00 (Light-up time: 18:00–24:00)
• Location: Open-air Bath “Ukiyu”
• Eligibility: Overnight guests
• Source: Furumaki Hot Spring
• Spring Quality: Alkaline simple hot spring
• Benefits: Helps with neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, chilblains, fatigue recovery, health promotion, etc.
• Number of Baths: 2 indoor baths for both men and women, 1 outdoor bath

“Tange Hanasaka Festival” Overview

• Duration: April 3 to May 31, 2024
• Eligibility: Overnight guests
• Note: The content of the event may change or be canceled depending on the situation.

Hoshino Resort Aomoriya

Under the concept of “Nore Sore Aomori – Hitomonogatari” (Fully Enjoy Aomori – People’s Stories), this hot spring inn allows guests to fully immerse themselves in Aomori’s culture, including festivals and dialects. The inn is set on approximately 220,000 square meters of land, featuring parks with ponds and traditional houses, where guests can enjoy meals and a variety of activities.

• Location: 56 Furumakiyama, Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture 033-0044
• Phone: 050-3134-8094 (Hoshino Resort Reservation Center)
• Number of Rooms: 236
• Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00
• Room Rates: From 23,000 yen per night (per person for a 2-person room, including tax, with dinner and breakfast)
• Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Misawa Station on the Aoimori Railway, about 20 minutes by car from Misawa Airport