Discover the vibrant festivals of Hirosaki City, Aomori—events you’ll want to experience at least once!From the famous Cherryblossom Festival to the dynamic Neputa Matsuri, these festivals are packed with charm and unique traditions.Enjoy a deeper connection to Hirosaki through these captivating celebrations.
Discover the vibrant festivals of Hirosaki City, Aomori—events you’ll want to experience at least once!From the famous Cherryblossom Festival to the dynamic Neputa Matsuri, these festivals are packed with charm and unique traditions.Enjoy a deeper connection to Hirosaki through these captivating celebrations.
The Hirosaki Cherryblossom Festival is Japan',s premier cherry blossom festival, attracting around two million visitors annually. During the festival, Hirosaki Park and the area around Hirosaki Castle transform into a sea of delicate pink blossoms, creating a breathtaking sight. The tradition began in 1715 with the planting of Kasumi-zakura trees in the park. Today, you can admire over 50 varieties of cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino, Shidare-zakura, and Yaezakura. For a recommended 2-hour stroll, follow this route: start near the East Gate of Hirosaki Castle (Tenshu), enjoy the festival stalls, and end at the Honmaru (Inner Bailey) area, which requires an entry fee. Day or night, the Cherryblossom Festival offers a completely different ambiance, making each visit a unique experience.
Held annually from August 1st to August 7th, the Hirosaki Neputa Festival is one of the highlights of summer in the Tsugaru region and has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan. This festival features approximately 80 large and small Neputa floats adorned with vivid warrior paintings inspired by stories like the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin, as well as charming goldfish designs. With the distinctive chants of “Yā-yadō,” these illuminated floats glide through the night, creating a truly elegant spectacle. Some Neputa groups welcome participants, so instead of just watching, you can join the festivities and create unforgettable memories alongside the locals.
As autumn colors begin to grace Mount Iwaki, the cherry blossom-filled landscape of spring at Hirosaki Castle transforms into a stunning array of fiery reds and golds. The Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival, held in late October, originated from friendly competitions to showcase chrysanthemum blooms. Beyond the vibrant autumn leaves, the festival features elaborate chrysanthemum dolls, fragrant large blooms, medium-sized flowers, and cascading chrysanthemums that accentuate the elegance of the historic castle. In recent years, new exhibits blending flowers and art—such as apple- and Neputa-themed flower arrangements—add a contemporary touch to this traditional event. Experience the grandeur of Hirosaki’s autumn, where tradition meets modern artistry.
Since its debut in 1977, the Hirosaki Castle Snow Festival has become one of the Five Great Snow Festivals of Tohoku. The event reflects the local spirit of embracing Tohoku’s long, harsh winters with joy. Against the snowy backdrop of Hirosaki Castle, around 150 snow lanterns, 300 miniature Kamakura igloos, and various snow sculptures are on display. The main site also features a giant snow slide and other fun winter attractions. The festival truly comes alive at night. As darkness falls, the lanterns and miniature igloos are softly illuminated, creating a warm, magical glow. Don’t miss the stunning projection mapping, where seasonal scenes and festival imagery are brought to life on massive snow sculptures.
