Shayokan Dazai Osamu Memorial Hall
Explore the preserved childhood home of iconic Japanese writer Osamu Dazai, offering a unique glimpse into his life and literary influences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Shayokan Dazai Osamu Memorial Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the preserved childhood home of iconic Japanese writer Osamu Dazai, offering a unique glimpse into his life and literary influences.
"VERY MUCH worth the journey, and incredibly accessible once you’re in."
JR Pass Not Accepted
Tsugaru Tetsudou is a private railway, so your JR Pass won't cover the fare. Budget accordingly! :train2:
English Audio Guides
Scan QR codes for multilingual audio guides, making Dazai's history accessible to international visitors. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dazai's Childhood Rooms
Main Hall
Step into the preserved rooms where the iconic author Osamu Dazai spent his formative years. A truly surreal experience for fans.
Tsugaru Plain Vista
Rear of the Hall
Gaze upon the expansive, flat Tsugaru Plain, a landscape that deeply influenced Dazai's writing and offers a sense of profound tranquility.
Exhibits and Displays
Throughout the Hall
Discover a wealth of information about Dazai's life and works, with many displays offering English translations via QR codes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Plan Your Journey
Immerse Yourself in Dazai's World
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
So I went to Japan and visited Dazai's childhood home and evacuation home during the war
JR Pass Not Accepted
Tsugaru Tetsudou is a private railway, so your JR Pass won't cover the fare. Budget accordingly! :train2:
English Audio Guides
Scan QR codes for multilingual audio guides, making Dazai's history accessible to international visitors. :iphone:
Photography Restrictions
One room prohibits photography. Be mindful and respect the rules to preserve the space. :camerawithflash:
Affordable Entry Fee
Tickets are only ¥600, making this a budget-friendly yet deeply rewarding cultural experience. :ticket:
Tips
from all over the internet
JR Pass Not Accepted
Tsugaru Tetsudou is a private railway, so your JR Pass won't cover the fare. Budget accordingly! :train2:
English Audio Guides
Scan QR codes for multilingual audio guides, making Dazai's history accessible to international visitors. :iphone:
Photography Restrictions
One room prohibits photography. Be mindful and respect the rules to preserve the space. :camerawithflash:
Affordable Entry Fee
Tickets are only ¥600, making this a budget-friendly yet deeply rewarding cultural experience. :ticket:
Luggage Storage
The kind staff can store your baggage behind the counter, allowing for a hands-free visit. :handbag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Shayokan Dazai Osamu Memorial Hall a deeply moving and worthwhile pilgrimage, especially for fans of Osamu Dazai. The preserved childhood home offers a surreal glimpse into the author's life, enhanced by informative displays and accessible audio guides. While the journey might require navigating private railways, the experience is consistently praised for its cultural significance and affordability.
"This place is worth visit if you know the Japanese novelist Dazai Osamu."
Shihab
"This is the birthplace of Dazai Osamu.
More than Dazai himself, I've always been interested in the famous old buildings in Kanagi-cho, Goshogawara, where the Tsugaru dialect is said to be particularly strong.
After my visit, I wanted to read more of Dazai Osamu's works and learn more about him, and I was also very impressed by the view of the wide, flat Tsugaru Plain, with the horizon visible."
KSRG 14
"Osamu Dazai’s childhood home. You can tour almost the entire home and walk into each of the rooms. There are also QR codes to scan for audio guides in various languages as well as guided tours available."
Lakareber “ᄑᄌᄑ”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial hall is located in Kanagi-cho, Goshogawara. You'll likely need to use local transport, potentially including the Tsugaru Tetsudou private railway, as JR passes are not accepted on this line. Researching the most convenient route from your starting point is recommended.
Reaching this more rural area might take some planning. Consider combining your visit with other attractions in the Aomori prefecture. The journey is considered 'VERY MUCH worth the journey' by visitors.
While specific local bus routes might exist, the Tsugaru Tetsudou is a key way to access the area. Be aware of its private railway status.
No, the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the Tsugaru Tetsudou, which is a private railway. You will need to purchase separate tickets for this line.
From Aomori City, you can take the JR Tsugaru Line to Goshogawara Station, and then transfer to the Tsugaru Tetsudou line for Kanagi Station, which is near the memorial hall.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is very affordable at only ¥600 per person, making it an accessible cultural experience.
Advance booking is generally not required. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the memorial hall.
Opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during daytime hours on weekdays and weekends.
Yes, guided tours are available, and many displays also feature QR codes for audio guides in various languages, including English. +1
Yes, there is a small souvenir shop where you can purchase items related to Osamu Dazai and the local area.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but there is one specific room towards the back where it is prohibited. Please be respectful of these restrictions.
While not official 'spots,' the preserved rooms offer a unique glimpse into the past. The view of the Tsugaru Plain from the rear of the hall is also a picturesque and contemplative spot.
You can capture the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese home from Dazai's era, along with exhibits detailing his life and literary works.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, the memorial hall offers tea and coffee for a reasonable price, providing a nice opportunity to relax and reflect.
There are likely local eateries in Kanagi-cho offering regional cuisine. Exploring the surrounding town after your visit is recommended.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
Take your time exploring each room, utilize the audio guides or join a guided tour for deeper insights, and soak in the atmosphere of Dazai's childhood home. +1
As it's a historic building, accessibility might be limited in certain areas. It's advisable to inquire directly with the hall for specific details.
The audio guides are available in various languages, including English, making the information accessible to international visitors. +1
Yes, the staff are very kind and can store your baggage behind the counter for you, allowing for a more comfortable visit.
Visitors describe it as a surreal and honorable experience, offering a profound connection to the author and the Tsugaru Plain. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations, as the focus is on Dazai's life and works, which might not captivate very young children for extended periods. However, for families interested in Japanese culture and literature, it offers a quiet and reflective outing. The affordable entry fee also makes it an accessible option for a family day trip.
📚 Literary Enthusiasts
Utilize the multilingual audio guides or join a guided tour to gain deeper insights into his life and literary development. The view of the Tsugaru Plain is also significant, as it's a landscape that frequently appears in his writings. This visit offers a unique opportunity to understand the context that shaped one of Japan's most influential modern writers.
🚶 Solo Travelers
The staff's willingness to store luggage also enhances the freedom of solo exploration. The affordable entry fee and the unique cultural immersion make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Japanese literature or history. The peaceful atmosphere of the Tsugaru Plain view offers a moment of serene reflection.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Osamu Dazai and His Legacy
His most famous works include 'No Longer Human' (Ningen Shikkaku) and 'The Setting Sun' (Shayō). The latter shares its name with this memorial hall, highlighting its significance. Dazai's life was marked by personal struggles, including addiction and suicide attempts, which heavily influenced his writing. This personal turmoil, however, also contributed to the profound emotional depth that draws readers to his stories.
The Shayokan Dazai Osamu Memorial Hall provides context for his upbringing, showcasing the environment that shaped his early life. By exploring the rooms where he lived and the surrounding landscape, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the influences that molded his literary genius. The hall serves as a pilgrimage site for fans seeking to understand the origins of his iconic literary voice.
Navigating Rural Japanese Transport
It's crucial to research your specific route in advance. Websites and apps that provide detailed public transport information for Japan can be invaluable. Sometimes, local tourist information centers can offer the most up-to-date advice on connections and ticketing. Embracing these local transport options can also offer a more authentic travel experience, allowing you to see more of the countryside and interact with local communities.
When planning your trip to the Shayokan, consider how you'll reach Kanagi-cho from the nearest major station. This might involve a combination of JR lines and the Tsugaru Tetsudou. Always double-check train times, especially for return journeys, to avoid any last-minute travel hiccups. The effort is rewarded by the unique cultural experiences found off the beaten path.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit