Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park [Aomori]

【Hirosaki Castle summary】

Hirosaki Castle is the northernmost existing castle tower in Japan and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It was planned in 1603 by Tame-nobu Tsugaru, who united Tsugaru, and the second Nobuhira started the construction of the castle in 1610. The castle was used as the center of the Tsugaru domain government for 260 years until the abolition of the domain in 1945, when the castle was destroyed by air raids and fire, and today, the castle’s keep, three turrets, and five gates remain, all of which are designated as important cultural properties.

【Hirosaki Castle San-no-Maru Otemon Gate】

This gate has existed since the original construction of the castle in 1611, and is now used as the main gate to Hirosaki Park. This turreted gate with a side door and copper tile roof is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Overall, it is a simple wooden structure, and is considered rare among castle buildings in Japan as it retains the old form of the Warring States Period.

【Hirosaki Castle gejo-bashi Bridge】

Bridges over the Honmaru and Ninomaru. From here, proceed to the Honmaru (toll area). It is said that the name comes from the fact that it was designated to dismount from horses on the Ninomaru side. The best view of the castle tower from Shimonori Bridge is the contrast between the cherry blossoms and the red bridge.

【Hirosaki Castle castle tower】

As of 2024, the stone wall is under restoration and has been moved to a temporary location about 100 meters from its original site. Although it is temporary, you can visit the inside. We are looking forward to the spring of 2025.

【Hirosaki Park cherry blossom】

It is literally a garden of flowers, as it is considered one of the three best cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tohoku region. Cherry trees in Hirosaki are mainly Someiyoshino, and although Someiyoshino are said to have a life span of 60 years, there are more than 300 old trees that are over 100 years old. There are more than 1,200 trees that are over 60 years old. The cherry trees in Hirosaki Park are characterized by their volume, as each cluster has 4 to 5 flower buds, and in some places as many as 7 flower buds. Hirosaki Park is also one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan.

【Hirosaki Park illumination】

The park is illuminated at night until 10:00 pm. Hirosaki Park at night is fantastic and intoxicating.

【Hirosaki Castle Nearby attractions】

Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, Hirosaki Hachimangu Shrine, Iwakisan Shrine

津軽藩ねぷた村【青森県】

弘前八幡宮【青森県】

Iwakisan Shrine [Aomori]

【Hirosaki Castle Access】

Manager’s Comments

Hirosaki Castle is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, with a considerable number of cherry trees, and the view of Mount Iwaki from inside the castle is spectacular. In my opinion, it is the best cherry blossom viewing spot I have ever seen.

During the cherry blossom season, the roads are usually jam-packed and nearby accommodations are always fully booked. You will probably have to make reservations early or stay outside of Hirosaki City, but it is still more than worth it.

scenery(Cherry blossom season)

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display items(Cherry blossom season)

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access

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my opinion(Cherry blossom season)

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Hirosaki Castle・Hirosaki Park

1 Shimoshiragin-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8356, Japan

※Paid parking available.

About 10 minutes drive from JR Hirosaki Station

About 30 minutes walk from JR Hirosaki Station

参考

Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle)

Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle)

関連投稿:

Iwakisan Shrine [Aomori] Okadome Kumanoza Shrine (Happiness Shrine) [Kumamoto] Hikawa Shrine (Musashi Ichinomiya) [Saitama] Oji Shrine and Otonashi Shinsui Park [Tokyo]