Is there an admission fee to enter Hirosaki Castle and its surrounding park?

The Hirosaki Castle Honmaru and Kita-no-Kuruwa areas require a ticket priced at ¥320 for adults and ¥100 for children. A standard ticket granting access to the castle, botanical garden, and Fujita Memorial Garden is available for ¥520 for adults and ¥160 for children. The surrounding Hirosaki Park is free to enter

What are Hirosaki Castle's operating hours?

Hirosaki Castle is open from April 1st to November 23rd between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Operating hours may be extended during the Sakura Festival. The castle is closed from November 24th to March 31st.

How can I access Hirosaki Castle from Tokyo?

Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori Station (approximately 3 hours). Transfer to the JR Ou Line to Hirosaki Station (about 35 minutes). From Hirosaki Station, the castle is a 15-minute bus ride or a 30-minute walk.

Is there free Wi-Fi available in Hirosaki Park?

Hirosaki Park offers free Wi-Fi access from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. During these hours, visitors can connect to the "HIROSAKI_Free_Wi-Fi" network.

Are there any guided tours available at Hirosaki Castle?

While specific guided tours are not mentioned in the provided sources, visitors can explore the Hirosaki Castle Information Center, which offers insights into the castle's history and current restoration efforts. Additionally, the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden provides an opportunity to learn about various plant species.

Hirosaki

Hirosaki Park (Castle)

4.5 (7606)City ParkTourist AttractionParkPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 24, 2026

Hirosaki Castle stands as one of Japan's twelve remaining original castles, located in Hirosaki city in the northern Aomori Prefecture. Built in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan, the castle served as the administrative center of the Hirosaki Domain for over 260 years until the Meiji Restoration.

Though the original five-story keep was destroyed by lightning in 1627, the current three-story structure was reconstructed in 1810 and remains an authentic example of early Edo period castle architecture.

The castle sits within Hirosaki Park, a sprawling 49-hectare site that ranks among Japan's most celebrated cherry blossom viewing destinations. More than 2,600 cherry trees of approximately 50 varieties transform the grounds each spring, typically from late April to early May, drawing visitors from across the country.

The contrast between pink blossoms, white castle walls, and the snow-capped Mount Iwaki in the distance creates one of Japan's most photographed landscapes. Beyond cherry blossom season, the park offers autumn foliage viewing and a winter snow lantern festival.

Visitors can explore the castle's interior, which houses exhibits on samurai culture and local history, while the surrounding park features original gates, turrets, and moats that illustrate feudal-era defensive architecture.

The castle grounds include traditional Japanese gardens and walking paths that provide views of the keep from multiple angles. The nearby Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden adds another dimension to the visit with seasonal plantings across 23 zones.

Hirosaki Castle is accessible via 35 minutes by train from Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station on the JR Ou Main Line, followed by a 15-minute walk or short bus ride to the park.

From Tokyo, the journey requires approximately 4 hours via the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station, then transferring to the local line. Admission to the castle keep and botanical garden requires a combined ticket priced at ¥510 for adults, while the park grounds themselves are free to enter year-round.

Phone

+81 172-33-8739

Website

www.hirosakipark.jp