Itayanagi, town in Kitatsugaru district, Aomori prefecture, Japan
Itayanagi is a small town in Kitatsugaru district in Aomori prefecture known for its apple production. Located in the Tsugaru plains and crossed by the Iwaki River, it features residential areas, local shops, and the Furusato Center with a museum, park, greenhouse, and lodging options.
Apple cultivation arrived in the area in 1875 through seedlings, making Itayanagi the only location in its district with this crop. The area became an official village in 1889 and gained town status in 1920, later expanding in 1955 through the incorporation of neighboring settlements like Hataoka, Koami, and Arakawa.
The town is deeply tied to apple farming, visible in everyday details like apple-shaped streetlights and local shops featuring apple themes. Residents actively maintain this agricultural tradition and share their appreciation for the harvest through community gatherings and local events.
The town is easily reached by JR Gono Line train, which connects to nearby cities and passes through countryside landscapes with small stations. The town is small enough to explore on foot or by rented bicycle, with shops and restaurants on the main street, though train frequency should be considered when planning trips.
The Tsugaru apple market is Japan's only market dedicated exclusively to apples, where fruit is packed in wooden crates and buyers select by color and shape. Local growers label each box with their name, variety, and quality details, reflecting the craftsmanship behind this traditional cultivation.
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