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Local stories have been lovingly passed down through the generations in this area of rice fields, apple orchards, and swiftly flowing rivers. These mysterious yet kind stories live on in Tsugaru, the northernmost region on the island of Honshu.
It is a novel experience to look at the inherited history and culture unique to Tsugaru from a new perspective. Set out on a journey to weave tales of Kotsugaru for the next generation.
Our ancestors left behind their wisdom, born from living in a harsh environment, and the key to enjoying life in the form of stories. Kotsugaru is what we call the world view of the story that still live on in Tsugaru.
ABOUT KOTSUGARU
ONI FOLKLORE
In the Tsugaru region, there are oni, which are ogre-like creatures from Japanese folklore. Unique oni-ko are enshrined on the torii gates of several shrines dotted along the river. There are place names containing the word oni and several shrines that enshrine oni as deities as well. The oni of Tsugaru are good oni who help people, and not the evil creatures typically seen in folklore. Even today, many legends remain about these mysterious oni.
LOCAL CUISINE
Farmers in the Tsugaru region don't only grow rice, but they also spend their time making preparations for harsh winters with heavy snowfall. To this end, they make preserved foods by drying, pickling, and fermenting vegetables, fruits, mountain vegetables, and nuts. Kotsugaru's cuisine tastes like a traditional home-cooked meal, incorporating these inherited cooking methods specific to regions with heavy snowfall.
LANDSCAPE
The Konan Railway Konan Line is a two-car local train that runs through seemingly endless rice fields. Mt. Iwaki, sometimes referred to as the Mt. Fuji of Tsugaru, can be seen at the edge of the rice fields.
STORYLANDSCAPE
YOMIYA
KOKESHI
GARDEN
RICE ART
fUJI APPLE
MATAGI
ONSEN
