Hirakawa City, located on the southern side of the Tsugaru Plain, is a newly established region that was merged in 2006. It is blessed with a natural environment and a climate ideal for rice cultivation. Local specialties include wild yam buckwheat, apples, and rice. The city is developing to skillfully cultivate local specialties from crops that cannot be grown in a favorable environment. Tourist attractions in Hirakawa City include Seibien Garden and Shiki no Kura Motenashi Romankan. And every September, Saruga Shrine holds the Saruga Shrine Jugoya Grand Festival. The three-day festival draws large crowds from neighboring areas, and various programs are organized, including lion dancing.