Hirosaki Castle is a beautiful and historic site located in Aomori Prefecture. Built in 1611, it is one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles.
Surrounded by Hirosaki Park, this landmark is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and stunning autumn colors.
It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring northern Japan.
Introduction to Hirosaki Castle
Built in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan, Hirosaki Castle is a well-preserved feudal-era fortress.
Although the main tower was reconstructed in 1810, it remains one of the few surviving original castle structures in Japan.
The surrounding Hirosaki Park is renowned for its 2,600 cherry trees, drawing thousands of visitors each spring.
Top Things to Do at Hirosaki Castle
1. Explore Hirosaki Park
Hirosaki Park is the area surrounding the castle, offering plenty of natural beauty throughout the year.
Other Attractions: The park also features walking paths, a moat, and several historic gates and bridges.
Spring: The park is one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots. In late April, over 2,600 cherry trees bloom, creating breathtaking views.
Autumn: Visit in October to see the park’s vibrant red and yellow foliage.
Winter : Hirosaki Park offers a unique winter experience with the Winter Sakura Illumination. Since 2017, this event has lit up snow-covered cherry tree branches, making them look like blooming sakura.
2. Visit the Castle Keep
Hirosaki Castle’s three-story keep is a small but fascinating museum.
- What’s Inside: Learn about the castle’s history and see artifacts from the Edo period.
- View: Climb to the top floor for a stunning view of Hirosaki Park and Mount Iwaki.
3. Enjoy the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is often called Japan’s best cherry blossom festival. Held annually from late April to early May, it attracts around 2 million visitors each year.
The festival offers a magical experience for everyone.
Visitors can enjoy vibrant nighttime illuminations, delicious food stalls, and even boat rides in the castle moat. The highlight of the festival is the unique “cherry blossom carpet” effect, where fallen petals cover the water, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Admission Fees and Hours
| Area | Admission Fees | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hirosaki Castle Keep | ¥320 JPY for adults | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (April–Nov) |
| Hirosaki Park | Free | Open 24 hours |
| Cherry Blossom Festival | Free to enter, fees for rides | Festival hours vary |
The 2025 Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to take place from April 18 to May 5.
For more details, please visit the official website.
How to Get to Hirosaki Castle
By Bullet Train
Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori Station (about 3 hours).
Then transfer to the JR Ou Line and ride for 35 minutes to Hirosaki Station. From there, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride or a 25-minute bus ride to the castle.
FAQ
The best times are spring (late April to early May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October) for fall foliage.
Yes, visitors can explore the three-story castle keep, which houses historical exhibits.
The park is open year-round, but the castle keep is closed from late November to March.
| Name | Hirosaki Park |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan |
| Access |
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| Hours | Park Grounds: Open 24 hours Castle Keep: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (April–November) |
| Admission |
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| Social Media | |
| URL | Hirosaki Park Official Website |
| Map | Google Maps |
