The side of Aomori bordered by the Sea of Japan is known by the old name of "Tsugaru" and is famous for the Tsugaru-jamisen. Folk music played on the shamisen is found throughout Japan. Among them, Tsugaru-jamisen is unique for its power and speed. It evokes the fierceness of winter.
This video is Tsugaru-Jonkarabushi played by Kaoru Osanai. I visited an izakaya pub "Anzu" owned by his master, Atsushi Tada. Anzu's staff are all cooks and musicians. There are quite a few of this kind of izakaya pubs in Aomori, especially in Hirosaki. After 19:30 (7:30), when the customers finished most of their orders, Tsugaru-jamisen show started. It was amazing.
Food and drinks were also good though not cheap. I especially liked spicy marinade of mushroom called samodashi and pickled herring with rice bran.
If I lived in Aomori, I would go to these izakaya often. I like the culture of Aomori, where folk music is common in daily life.
Oh, that sounds like a lovely experience! I wasn't aware that there is spicy food on Aomori. Somehow I thought, the further south one goes in Japan, the spicier things could become. Haha. Don't ask me where I got the idea from.
I love Japanese pickles. They sell way more here than in my home country.
@HaneNoSasayakigoe - Yeah, it was a fantastic experience!
We have spicy foods throughout Japan, but not as much as Korea or China.