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.
