Hirosaki

Hirosaki, a city in western Aomori Prefecture, holds centuries of history and strong ties to seasonal rhythms. At its center stands Hirosaki Castle, framed by more than 2,600 cherry trees that turn the surrounding park into a sea of pink blossoms every April. Local farms grow one-fifth of Japan’s apples, which appear in pies, ciders, and even savory dishes across town. The Neputa Festival in August fills streets with illuminated paper floats shaped like warriors, and in February, ice sculptures light up the castle grounds during the Snow Lantern Festival. Walk through neighborhoods with preserved samurai homes from the 1800s, Meiji-era Western buildings, and trails leading to the Shirakami Sanchi mountains, a UNESCO-recognized forest.

Hirosaki Castle and Park

Hirosaki Castle, completed in 1611 by the Tsugaru family, remains one of Japan’s few original feudal castles still standing. The three-story main tower rises from a hilltop inside Hirosaki Park, encircled by stone walls and water-filled moats built for defense. From late April to early May, crowds gather under the cherry trees to picnic, rent rowboats on moats strewn with petals, and view the blossoms lit by lanterns after sunset. In February, the park hosts the Snow Lantern Festival, where volunteers carve snow caves and ice sculptures illuminated by candles. Admission to the castle grounds costs nothing from October to March, but a 320-yen fee applies during peak cherry blossom weeks.

Festivals by Season

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival runs from August 1–7, with paper floats up to 9 meters tall depicting samurai battles and folklore scenes parading through downtown. Drummers and dancers in traditional costumes follow the floats, creating rhythmic energy that lasts into the night. Late October brings the Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival, where maple trees around Hirosaki Castle turn deep red next to displays of over 2,000 chrysanthemum flowers. February’s Snow Lantern Festival transforms the park into a glowing maze of snow sculptures, drawing large crowds on weekends. These events highlight how the city marks the changing seasons with light, color, and community participation.

Apples and Local Food

Apple orchards cover much of Hirosaki’s countryside, with harvests running from mid-October to mid-November. At Hirosaki City Apple Park, you can pick Fuji and Jonagold varieties for 35 yen per 100 grams. Bakeries like Ringo no Ki specialize in apple pies with flaky crusts, while the Taishō Roman Tea Room serves apple tarts and cider in a restored 1920s villa. Restaurants incorporate apples into dishes like curry and pork cutlets, balancing sweetness with savory flavors. Don’t miss regional specialties such as Igamenchi (fried squid croquettes) or Kaiyaki Miso, a rich soup baked in scallop shells over charcoal.

History and Cultural Sites

The Tsugaru Clan Neputa Village displays giant festival floats year-round and hosts daily performances of Tsugaru-jamisen, a fast-paced style of lute playing unique to the region. Nearby, the Aomori Bank Memorial Hall—a red-brick building from 1904 with stained-glass windows—shows how Western architecture influenced the city during the Meiji period. The Nakamachi district preserves wooden samurai houses from the 1800s, some open to the public with exhibits on feudal-era tools and clothing. Just south of the castle, the Fujita Memorial Garden replicates Edo-period landscaping techniques, with koi ponds and stone lanterns contrasting against the adjacent Western-style Fujita villa.

Getting to Hirosaki and Around

Take the JR Ōu Line from Shin-Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station in 35 minutes; from Tokyo, the bullet train to Shin-Aomori takes 3 hours. Local buses like the 100-yen Dotemachi Loop Line run from the station to the castle, temples, and museums every 15 minutes. To reach the Shirakami Sanchi mountains, rent a car for the 90-minute drive west to hiking trails leading to waterfalls and the bright blue Aoike Pond. Overnight buses from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station take 10 hours, passing through apple country at sunrise. In winter, taxis or guided tours are recommended for visiting remote onsens like Aoni Onsen, accessible via snow-covered roads.

Weather and Visit Planning

April temperatures hover near 15°C during cherry blossom season, but bring a jacket for evenings that drop to 5°C. Summer days stay around 25°C, though nights cool to 15°C—pack layers if attending outdoor festivals. Autumn foliage peaks in late October, with daytime highs of 12°C and frosty mornings near 0°C. Winter lasts from December to March, with heavy snow and temperatures below freezing; waterproof boots and thermal wear are essential. Note that the castle’s main tower closes from late November to mid-April, but the park stays open for snow activities. Check tourism centers for free Tsugaru-jamisen performances held weekly at cultural halls.