What is Hirosaki Park?
Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Kōen) is one of Japan’s most famous historical parks located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, centered around the Hirosaki Castle, one of Japan’s 12 surviving castle keeps (tenshu).
The park’s nature is beautiful throughout the four seasons, and its spring "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival" (Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri) is nationally famous, with about 2,600 cherry trees in bloom.
In autumn you can enjoy colorful leaves, and in winter the snow-covered castle and park create picturesque scenes — making it a popular spot to fully experience Japan’s four-season beauty.
This article introduces the highlights of Hirosaki Park, the best times to visit, how to get there, and more!
Highlights of Hirosaki Park
1. Hirosaki Castle — one of the 12 surviving tenshu
Located at the heart of Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki Castle is a valuable example of Edo-period castle architecture; the tenshu (keep) that stands today was rebuilt in 1810.
This tenshu is a precious historical structure as one of the 12 surviving tenshu in Japan, where visitors can sense the country’s history.
Currently, the castle is undergoing a rare large-scale stone wall restoration, and the tenshu has been temporarily moved 70 m from its original location as part of the work.
This limited-time sight is also one of the park’s attractions.
2. Spring: One of Japan’s top cherry blossom spots — "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival"
Hirosaki Park is considered one of the "Three Great Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan", and the annual "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival", held from late April to early May, draws many visitors from Japan and abroad.
Highlights
- Cherry tunnel at the West Moat: A spectacular spot to walk beneath arches of cherry trees
- Flower rafts on the Outer Moat (hanai-kada): A magical scene where fallen petals cover the water’s surface
- Combination of the tenshu and cherry blossoms: A picture-perfect scene of the historic castle framed by blossoms
At night the cherry trees are illuminated, creating a different, enchanting atmosphere than during the day.
3. Summer: A lush walking area
In summer Hirosaki Park is relatively less crowded, so you can enjoy a relaxed stroll in a peaceful atmosphere.
Also, during the annual "Hirosaki Neputa Festival" held in August, neputa floats are displayed in the park.
4. Autumn: The beautiful "Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival"
In autumn the "Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival" (late October to mid-November) showcases red and yellow autumn foliage against the historic castle backdrop.
In particular, the views of the stone walls with autumn leaves are popular photo spots.
The foliage is also illuminated at night for an even more atmospheric view.
5. Winter: Magical snowy scenery and the "Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival"
In winter Hirosaki Park becomes a fairy-tale-like scene with Hirosaki Castle covered in snow.
At the "Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival" held in February, snow lanterns and kamakura (snow huts) line the park and are lit up at night.
Projection mapping on snow sculptures is another highlight of the festival.
How to enjoy Hirosaki Park
1. Enjoy a historical walk
The park contains many historical structures; strolling around the tenshu, Sannomaru (third bailey), and Kita-no-Kuruwa (north enclosure) gives you a feel for the Edo period.
At the Hirosaki Castle Museum you can also learn about the castle’s history and the Tsugaru domain.
2. Take part in seasonal events
Hirosaki Park hosts various events throughout the year.
- April–May: "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival"
- August: "Hirosaki Neputa Festival"
- October–November: "Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival"
- February: "Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival"
3. Enjoy local cuisine
Many restaurants around Hirosaki Park serve local Aomori specialties.
- Hirosaki apple sweets: Apple pies, juices, and other desserts using Aomori’s famous apples
- Tsugaru soba: Soba with a unique texture made using yam as a binder
- Kaiyaki miso: A local Aomori dish of scallops cooked with miso
Useful information for travelers
Access
By train / bus
- About 15 minutes by bus from JR Hirosaki Station (get off at "Shiyakusho-mae" / City Hall, then a 5-minute walk)
- About 40 minutes by train from Shin-Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station
By car
- About 50 minutes by car from Aomori Airport
- Parking available (paid parking lots around the park)
Admission fees & opening hours
- Park admission: Free
- Tenshu (keep) admission: Adults ¥320, children ¥100
- Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (may vary by season)
Wi‑Fi
- Free Wi‑Fi is available at the park’s tourist information center
- Many cafés and spots around Hirosaki Station also offer Wi‑Fi
Language support
- Brochures available in English, Chinese, and Korean
- English support available at the Hirosaki Tourist Information Center
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Hirosaki Park is a representative tourist spot in Aomori where history and nature blend.
Especially during the cherry blossom season, it offers some of Japan’s most spectacular scenery — an experience you’ll remember for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I avoid crowds at the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival?
A: Visit early in the morning (around 7:00–9:00) to enjoy the blossoms with fewer people.
Q: When will the Hirosaki Castle tenshu be returned to its original location?
A: After the stone wall repairs are completed, work to move the tenshu back to its original foundation (the "hikimodoshi" operation), as well as preservation and seismic reinforcement work, will be carried out. Because the restoration is expected to continue from the late 2020s into the early 2030s, check the official website for the latest information on exact completion dates.
Q: Any tips for visiting Hirosaki Castle in winter?
A: There is heavy snowfall in winter, so wear slip-resistant footwear and dress warmly.
Visit Hirosaki Park to experience the beauty of Japan’s seasons and history!
