Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle, a 17th-century hilltop fortress in Aomori Prefecture, presents Edo-period architecture alongside Japan’s famous cherry blossoms. Built in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan, its three-story main tower remains one of the country’s few original castle structures. In spring, Hirosaki Park’s 2,600 cherry trees attract visitors. You can see petals floating in the moats, enjoy evening light displays, or rent a boat. During colder months, the grounds hold snow lantern festivals, autumn leaf viewing, and a botanical garden with 1,500 types of plants. The preserved moats, gates, and watchtowers provide insight into Japan’s feudal-era defense strategies.

Original Castle Structures and Edo-Period Design

Hirosaki Castle represents the hirayama style, constructed on a low hill to use natural terrain for protection. The three-story main tower, rebuilt in 1811 after lightning destroyed the original five-story version, measures 14.4 meters tall with steeply sloped roofs. Three watchtowers and five gates from the Edo period still stand within the layered moats and courtyards. Excavations in 2000 uncovered foundations of palace buildings, revealing details about the Tsugaru clan’s daily life. Recognized as a National Historic Site in 1952, it ranks among Japan’s 12 castles with original keeps and appears on the “100 Fine Castles of Japan” registry.

Cherry Blossom Season in Hirosaki Park

From late April to early May, thousands gather in Hirosaki Park to view cherry blossoms. The western moat’s dense rows of trees form a canopy known as the “sakura tunnel,” and the “Heart Sakura” tree’s uniquely shaped branches draw photographers. Pay 1,000 yen to row a boat beneath blossoms drifting on the water, or join evening crowds under lit trees. A 500-year-old cherry tree, nicknamed “Nezuko” due to a phonetic link to a popular anime character, has become a recent favorite. The park’s 0.6 square kilometers include trails, open spaces for picnics, and angles to photograph the castle framed by flowers.

Year-Round Activities and Festivals

In summer, shaded paths through the park suit walks or runs. Autumn’s Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival emphasizes bright red maples against dark pines, with lights enhancing the colors after sunset. During winter, the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival fills the grounds with hundreds of handmade lanterns and snow domes. Projected light animations cover the castle walls, and snow slides or lit paths entertain families. The botanical garden remains accessible year-round, with alpine plants and greenhouses adding variety.

Getting to Hirosaki Castle

Walk 30 minutes or take a 15-minute bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station to reach the castle. From Tokyo, ride the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori (3 hours), then transfer to the JR Ou Line for a 40-minute trip to Hirosaki. If coming from Sapporo, take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori (1 hour) before switching trains. The Dotemachi Loop Bus stops at Shiyakusho-mae, steps from the park entrance.

Botanical Garden and Local Sites

The Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden covers 76,500 square meters with 124,000 plants, including rare mountain species and tropical greenhouse varieties. Buy a combined ticket for 520 yen to visit the garden, castle tower, and Fujita Memorial Garden’s traditional Japanese layouts. Gokoku Shrine, located in the park’s northern area, provides quiet wooded spaces for reflection. Stop at the Hirosaki Castle Information Center for maps detailing ongoing stone wall restorations and to purchase local items like Aomori apple snacks.

Hours, Fees, and Seasonal Closures

The castle tower and central grounds open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (with longer hours during cherry blossom season) between April 1 and November 23. Adults pay 320 yen for entry, with discounts for groups. From November 24 to March 31, access to the outer areas is free, though the tower closes. Winter visitors can still experience snow festivals and lit paths without entering the tower.