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The only original castle tower in the Tohoku Region preserved to this day.
Tsugaru Family resided in this castle in the Edo Period where the government of Hirosaki Feudal Domain was set up. In the Meiji Period, according to the ordinance to abolish castles, it was abandoned and later became a park. The first castle tower had been burned down by lightning in 1627. In 1810, the castle tower was rebuilt and three towers and five gates remain to this day. These nine structures are designated as national important cultural properties.
Hirosaki Park is famous in Japan for cherry blossoms. There are voices praising them as the nation’s most beautiful. During the Hirosaki Sakura Festival from late April to early May, many visit here each year. The castle surrounded by cherry trees is breathtaking, and the waterway full of floating cherry blossoms are as lovely as a kimono. You cannot help but to take photos. In fall, Chrysanthemum and Maple Leaf Festival, in winter, Snow Lantern Festival, and in summer, Neputa Festival are held. The park is fun to visit throughout the four seasons.
It made big news when the castle tower was moved to another location to repair the stone wall. It is still being repaired and the castle tower is planned to be moved back to the original location in 2026.
Three-layered Hirosaki Castle Tower. From the main castle, you can view Mt. Iwaki ©Hirosaki City
Surrounded by different hues of cherry blossoms ©Hirosaki City
Brilliant fall foliage ©Hirosaki City
Hirosaki Castle after being moved ©Hirosaki City
During Snow Lantern Festival, the Park is illuminated (Tsugaru Nishiki-e Grand Gallery) ©Hirosaki City
Hirosaki Castle with Night Cherry Blossoms
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle), located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, is one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, known for its beautiful combination of a magnificent historic castle and a sea of pink blossoms.
Highlights and Features
• Cherry blossoms: The park has more than 2,600 cherry trees of approximately 52 varieties, including Japan’s oldest Somei Yoshino cherry tree, planted in 1882, as well as trees over 100 years old.
• Major event: The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held every spring (from April 10 to May 5 in 2026).
• Three must-see sights:
• Cherry Blossom Tunnel along the West Moat: You can stroll or ride in a rowboat beneath the soft pink canopy of cherry blossoms.
• Illuminated cherry blossoms at night: After dark, the castle keep and cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a dreamlike scene.
• Pink petal rafts: Fallen cherry blossom petals cover the surface of the outer moat, forming a spectacular “cherry blossom carpet.”
• Admission and hours:
• Hirosaki Castle (Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa): Adults JPY 320, children JPY 100.
• Hours: Usually 9:00–17:00; during the Cherry Blossom Festival, 7:00–21:00.
Getting There
• Public transportation: From JR Hirosaki Station, take the Hirosaki City JPY 100 Loop Bus and get off at Shiyakusho-mae. It is about a 4-minute walk from there.
A must-visit spot on any cherry blossom trip to Japan, and the top one among the three best cherry blossom viewing spots!
No matter if it's cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or snow, it's always beautiful here. Definitely worth a visit.
I visited Hirosaki Park in early November 2025, mainly because I wanted to see Hirosaki Castle before the keep closed for renovations.
It happened to be peak fall foliage season, and the autumn leaves with the scenery of Hirosaki Park were absolutely beautiful.
This is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Tohoku and is even considered one of Japan's top three places for sakura viewing. The moat gets covered with beautiful cherry blossom petals—it's honestly one of the most stunning sights at Hirosaki Castle.
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