Aomori Prefecture – Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture’s Hirosaki City is home to Japan’s oldest Yoshino cherry tree. The park features around 52 different varieties and 2,600 total cherry trees. Over 300 of the Yoshino cherry trees in the park are over 100 years old, and since these trees have branches that extend far to the sides and grow larger flowers, they create an incredible cherry blossom viewing experience.
The view of Hirosaki Castle framed by cherry blossoms is another beautiful sight. Incidentally, as the castle tower’s stone wall is undergoing restoration, the tower has been moved about 70 meters with plans to be returned to its original location in 2021. As such, the unique current view is extremely popular.

The castle is also lit up at night, and not only are the cherry blossoms themselves beautiful, but you can also see their lovely reflection in the water of the canal.

The “flower rafts” formed when scattered cherry blossom petals flutter into the outer moat and float on the surface are another must-see!