Shimoda-machi was a town located in Kamikita District of Aomori, Japan. On March 1, 2006, the town merged with Momoishi-machi and formed Oirase Town. Oirase Town is located in the east south of Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost prefecture of the Main Land of Japan. Every autumn, a shoal of salmon return to Oirase River, that runs in the south of the town. During the period from November to mid-December, people gather along Oirase River for Salmon fishing. The number of Salmon that come up Oirase River for breeding is the second largest on the mian island of Japan.
Once known as the Shimoda Salmon Festival, (now titled) Salmon Festival in Oirase is the largest event of Oirase Town and held during the second weekend of November at Shimoda Salmon Park. Children and adults chase and catch river salmon frantically bouncing from a small pool.
Supposedly ocean salmon tastes better than river salmon. This was our second salmon festival in two weeks and we opted not to participate in the salmon catch. In comparison the Rokkasho Salmon Festival, this one is closer to Misawa Air Base and has more of a festival feel to it. In addition, this festival offered activities for young children – games, carnival type rides, salmon catches in pool, and salmon racing. I liked watching this festival more because the salmon catch area was more visible for spectators. Rokkasho’s pool area was enclosed by six feet high mesh netting and the salmon racing was only offered to people who caught salmon. Although I did enjoy both salmon festivals, if you have children and need to choose between salmon festivals, I’d recommend going to Oirase over Rokkasho.
Kyle was so excited to see this girl's shirt because the label (Ishpeming Hematites) on it is a high school that neighbors his hometown in Upper Peninsula, Michigan.
A small pool is on hand to practice catching salmon.
This festival offers four opportunities to catch salmon, two in the morning and two in the early afternoon. A ticket is required for each person at each scheduled salmon catch. Local dance societies, solo performances, and musical concerts happen on the entertainment stage between 12:30 to 16:30. At the close of the festival on Saturday (Sunday if it rains), fireworks light the sky immediately upon night fall (about 17:00).
Announcements are made in both English and Japanese before the catch begins.
Contestants have about five minutes to catch one salmon with their hands. Tickets may be exchanged for salmon in the event that one cannot be caught.
Between salmon catches, fish are replenished in the pool.
Before last catching opportunity a truckload of more salmon is dumped into the pool.
There is no age minimum or maximum to participate in the salmon catch.
They made it look so easy to catch salmon.
After each event, people can participate in the salmon race.
Salmon cleaning directions obtained from a festival flyer.
Salmon cleaning services are offered for ¥300.
Most heads are discarded during the cleaning process.
Outside the cleaning tent, people may take home salmon parts for free.
Meat buns, more of an autumn festival food, remind me of Filipino siapo.
A plethora of fried food stalls await you.
View of festival from above the park.
Fireworks close the festival
Parking is limited, but sufficient on the premises. Free shuttle buses are available from four areas near Shimoda Park, including Shimoda Train Station on the JR Tohoku Line – which is about a 10 minute walk from the venue. Travel times from each of the shuttle points vary and only six time slots are scheduled to and from the festival.
