Swanning

  • Published
  • By Simon Bernard
  • Oirase Town Liaison
AOMORI PREFECTURE, Japan --  As we get ready to welcome in spring, swans are getting ready to make their long flight back to Siberia. The people of Oirase are holding a one day festival on March 4th to wish them bon voyage and thanks for brightening our winter days with their graceful presence.

This is an event that has proven to be very popular with the locals and all are invited to join in the fun. The highlight is undoubtedly the swan impersonation contest. Contestants are encouraged to not only mimic the swans call, but to present dramatically their interpretation of the swans.

Variations from love smitten swans to swans with a bad attitude have been presented in the past and solo or group performances are welcome. Family groups are encouraged to participate. Entry is free and guests will get free sweet sake or hot soup, a chance to see the latest pictures in the swan photo contest and of course a good up close look at the swans. Bring some bread scraps from home or you can buy some from the stall at the pond.

Directions from the Main Gate: Go out the gate and turn left at the lights, take the next right and drive straight until you get to a T intersection with a Lawson Station on the right turn right here onto Route 10.

Continue straight until you reach a set of lights with a Circle K convenience store on the right . Turn left at the light and go pass the Kehi Shrine. After driving under the toll road, take the next left at the light. There will be a car sales yard on the right. This road will wind around and at the next intersection, carefully take a right and follow the road to the pond. There is plenty of parking available on either side of the road.

From the Shimoda Shopping Center: Turn right onto Route 45 going toward Towada. This is the road in front of the Takeda Sports Shop and the gas station. Go straight and turn right at the second set of lights, continue straight on this road where you will find the parking areas.

For more information including event times and a map to the festival site look for the posters around the base or contact directly: simon.griffin@town.oirase.aomori.jp.