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Traditional Arts and Crafts

Shitakawara Figurines
The charming shapes and the vivid colors characterize the art which began when the Tsugaru's ninth generation feudal lord Yasuchika noticed the lack of toys in the region - ordered - craftsman at the clan's kiln to make the figurines. The crafts were originally made in winter during the kiln's off-peak season, but Shitakawara figurines became increasingly popular when the clan system was abolished and unemployed samurai warriors began to take up the art as their main occupation. The pigeon-shaped whistles and the hina dolls are the most popular items.

Tsugaru-nuri Lacquerware

The Tsugaru region has long produced high-quality lacquer. The art of Tsugaru-nuri began when the Tsugaru clan's fourth generation feudal lord Nobumasa invited a lacquer craftsman from Fukui prefecture to promote the industry. The art is based on the Kara-nuri technique invented by the craftsman. Wood, plywood, or metal is wrapped in cloth, coated with primer, then polished and layered with 40 coats of lacquer. The art is also known as "bakanuri" or "fool's lacquerware" from the tedious work of multiple layering. Tsugaru-nuri is characterized by the complex design that surfaces after polishing and is applied on tea pots, trays, chopsticks and other household items.

Akebi Vine Basketry

Akebi vines that grow in the mountains have been used to make farming tools since the Yedo period (1603 - 1867). The natural quality of the vines and the beautiful intertwining of weaves are featured in crafts such as ladies' purses, baskets, and other products suitable for modern lifestyles.

Specialties

Apples
Apples
Hirosaki is still the nation's most massive producer of apples. There are various processed products such as apple juice, apple preserves, apple vinegar, apple chips, and apple wine.

Codfish Jappa-jiru (soup)

Jappa represents heads and tails of fish whose body has been cut out. Codfish jappa, freeze-dried frozen tofu and seasonal vegetables are stewed in miso (soy bean paste) base soup to make a pot of piping hot jappa-jiru, perfect during the bitter cold winter season.

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