Oct 22, 2010

Dakigaeri Gorge Foliage Festival

Foliage in Tazawako Area is at its peak this week!!

Dakigaeri Gorge Foliage Festival (抱返り渓谷 紅葉祭)is being held until November 7th in Tazawako Dakigaeri Prefectural Natural Park.(田沢湖抱返り県立自然公園)

Out and back hike from the parking lot to the most popular destination, Mikaer-no-taki (回顧の滝), or Mikaeri Waterfall, is about 1.5km and takes about 30 minutes. The trail is very easy but enjoyable with the picturesque scenery, as is known as one of the best foliage spot in Tohoku Area.


EVENT/ PERFORMANCE:
Musical performance will be held during the festival:
Sun., Oct 24th— Local folk dance
Sat., Oct 30th--- Ryujin Daiko (龍神太鼓)
Sun., Oct. 31st— Hirokunai Sasara (広久内ささら)
Wed., Nov. 3rd—Ryujin Daiko(龍神太鼓)
*All the performances start at noon, and will be held at the parking lot.

Ryujin Daiko is a local taiko performing group that was initially formed for Tazawako Festival in 1979. Their performance is largely influenced by the local traditional arts in the region. Today the group performs at various festivals in local area. Hirokunai Sasara is a type of Sasara (a variation of lion dance) in Jindai area. Their performance, on the other hand, is traditional and passed down over several centuries. Sasara will be presented at Dakigaeri Shrine for the dedication, and then again presented in the event site at the parking lot.

FOOD:
Food tents offer you various types of quick bites. Also available on Oct 23-24th is an ocha-seki (お茶席) hosted by local Japanese tea ceremony practitioners. (From 10 a.m to 3 p.m.)


ACCESS from JR Tazawako Station:
Since the nearest JR Jindai Station is not within walking distance, we strongly recommend you to take a taxi or use the shuttle bus service below.

DAKIGAERI-GO (抱返り号)--
It is a taxi service provide for special deal on designated schedule. One-way per adult is 1,500 yen. (Regular fare would be close to 3,000 yen). Available April 17th- November 7th. 

SCHEDULE
From JR Tazawako Station to Dakigaeri Parking Lot--
9:40 -10:10; 10:50-11:20; 12:50 -13:20; 14:00-14:30; 15:30 – 16:00
From Dakigaeri Parking Lot to JR Tazawako Station--
10:15-10:45; 11:25-11:55; 13:25- 13:55; 14:35- 15:05

*Reservation is required. Call Tazawa Kanko Taxi (0187-43-1331).
Or ask for assistance at FOLAKE (TEL:0187-43-2111 or e-mail)


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