Hirosaki Park (Takayoen)

Hirosaki Park, known locally as Takayoen, occupies the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, which was completed in 1611 by Tsugaru Nobuhira. The original five-story keep was destroyed by lightning in 1627, and the current three-story keep was reconstructed in 1810. This structure is the only Edo-period castle tower in the Tohoku region that remains in its original form. The castle served as the administrative center and residence of the Tsugaru clan until the Meiji Restoration. The grounds were converted into a public park in 1895, and today nine structures within the complex, including the keep, five gates, and three turrets, are designated as Important Cultural Properties.

The park spans approximately 49 hectares and ranks among Japan's most celebrated cherry blossom viewing destinations. It contains roughly 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties, including a 140-year-old somei-yoshino specimen. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually from late April to early May, draws over two million visitors who come to see the blossoms reflected in the castle moats and illuminated at night. The park also hosts autumn foliage displays with 1,000 maple trees during the October festival and the February Snow Lantern Festival featuring 150 snow lanterns crafted by local residents.

Visitors can access the Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa areas, which offer views of Mount Iwaki and the surrounding landscape. The castle keep houses a museum displaying artifacts related to the Tsugaru clan and regional history. The grounds include the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden with 1,500 plant species spread across 7.65 hectares. Due to ongoing stone wall restoration, the castle keep was relocated 70 meters from its original position in 2015 and is scheduled to return by autumn 2026. The park's moats accommodate rental boats during the spring season, and various walking paths connect the main attractions.

From JR Hirosaki Station, visitors can take the Dotemachi Loop Bus, which departs every 10 minutes and reaches the park in approximately 15 minutes. The fare is ¥150 for cash or ¥130 with an IC card, and a day pass costs ¥500. The nearest stop is Shiyakusho-mae (City Hall). Taxis take roughly 10 minutes from the station. Walking from the station requires about 30 minutes. Admission to general park areas is free, while entry to the Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa sections costs ¥320 for adults and ¥100 for children. A combined ticket for the castle, botanical garden, and nearby Fujita Memorial Garden is available for ¥520 for adults and ¥160 for children.