Hiranai, town in Higashitsugaru district, Aomori prefecture, Japan
Hiranai is a small coastal town in northern Japan situated on a peninsula surrounded by the sea and mountains. The streets are narrow and quiet, with simple functional buildings and older homes that have stood for many years.
During the Edo period, Hiranai was a small village under local clan rule, where some Ainu people lived discreetly. The town became officially part of Aomori prefecture in the 19th century, and a railway station opened in the 1930s.
The name Hiranai comes from the Ainu language, reflecting the indigenous people who once lived here. Today, the town's symbol features a swan and scallop, representing the strong connection between local residents and the sea that defines their daily life and identity.
Exploring Hiranai is easy on foot or by bicycle, as roads connect the main areas throughout town. Summer is ideal for beach activities, while winter brings skiing and snowboarding opportunities on the nearby slopes.
Each winter, tundra swans from Siberia arrive on the coast to rest and feed in a remarkable natural event. Local tradition recalls how the honking of these birds once helped a clan defend against invaders, adding a legendary layer to this seasonal occurrence.
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