Hirosaki Park (Castle)

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.