There is a lot of recommended tourist information for the area, but this time we would like to introduce Hirai-tei, which was built in the Taisho era and is located in the shopping district of Hizumekoriyama Station, which you can see in the photo. When the Hachinohe Nanbu domain was established, the second generation of the Hirai family was appointed as the Mikurashuku of the Hachinohe domain. This is a family with a long history that was active as a mikura-juku until the end of the Edo period, when the family was in their teens. The current “Hirai Residence” was built in 1923 to accommodate the visit of Prime Minister Takashi Hara, a commoner prime minister. Prime Minister Hara was assassinated about three months later, so the Hirai residence is said to be the last living witness to his life in his hometown. The mansion, which took nearly three years to build, is truly magnificent, with a 44-tatami large hall, a 12-meter long hallway, and a 90-meter corridor. Although it is luxurious, there is a calmness that does not make you feel extravagant. Why not step through the massive gate and experience the history of the Hirai residence?
We provide information on sightseeing in the town, including bus tours. In addition to being a tourist guide, we also focus on local activities, giving lectures at various events in the town such as handmade picture-story shows and folk tales, as well as children’s classes at rest homes. We are active in a wide range of activities to convey the history, folklore, and old tales of Shiwa Town to as many people as possible.
I’m having so much fun learning so many things right now. As Shiwa Town’s hospitality team, we will communicate the local nature, history, and culture to as many people as possible. Also, I would like to make an effort to convey in a fun way how brilliant the current town is, not just the historical sites.