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 Festivals, these festivals are packed with charm in each season and unique traditions. To fully enjoy these festivals, we will introduce the charm of each one, along with their basic information such as schedules, history, and highlights! Enjoy a deeper connection to Hirosaki through these captivating celebrations.
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual spring event held in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. With 2,600 cherry trees in full bloom at Hirosaki Park and around 200 food stalls and vendor booths lining the pathways, the festival is a major attraction. Every year, it draws over two million visitors, making it popular not only among locals but also among tourists from across Japan and overseas. In this section, we’ll provide an in-depth look at the festival’s schedule, history, and must-see attractions. If you’re interested in experiencing the beauty of Hirosaki’s cherry blossoms, read on!
Dates: UPDATE NEEDED
Location: Hirosaki Park (1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356)
Access:
Approximate Opening Hours:
Admission Fees: Honmaru & Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden: Entrance fees apply
Parking:
The history of cherry trees in Hirosaki Park dates back to 1715, when a samurai of the Hirosaki Domain brought 25 cherry saplings from Arashiyama in Kyoto. However, by the Meiji era, the abolition of feudal domains and the Castle Abolition Order left Hirosaki Castle and its surrounding park in a state of neglect.
Seeing the decline, former Hirosaki samurai Uchiyama Kakuya donated 20 cherry trees in 1880, and Kikuchi Tatee, another former samurai, donated 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees in 1882. However, the early Meiji period was a time of upheaval due to the Meiji Restoration, and some disgruntled samurai, opposed to turning the castle into a leisure space, vandalized the saplings.
As stability returned, the castle grounds were officially opened to the public as a park, and tree planting continued. In 1918, the first “Cherry Blossom Viewing Party” was held, and in 1961, the event was officially renamed the “Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival.” Over the years, it has grown into one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom festivals, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018.
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival offers plenty to see and do throughout the day, from morning strolls to thrilling boat rides and enchanting nighttime illuminations. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights by time of day.
Mornings are the perfect time for a peaceful walk around the park and moat areas, when the air is fresh and the crowds are sparse. One of the best spots to visit is Nishibori (West Moat), located on the western edge of Hirosaki Park. Lined with cherry trees, this area sometimes reflects the blossoms on the water’s surface, creating a breathtaking scene.
Hirosaki Park is home to unique cherry trees, including:
For an unforgettable experience, wake up early and admire the cherry blossoms before the crowds arrive.
For a more immersive experience, try the Nishibori Boat Ride, which lets you glide directly beneath the cherry blossoms. You can admire the blossoms from up close or take in a 360-degree panoramic view of the pink canopy from the center of the moat. The boats accommodate up to three people, making them perfect for family and friends.
Another unique option is the Nakabori Sightseeing Boat, a traditional Japanese-style boat where a boatman rows while passengers relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms. Be sure to bring a camera!
During the festival, several areas of Hirosaki Park are illuminated after sunset, creating an enchanting nighttime atmosphere. The three best spots for illumination are:
The park also features illuminated Neputa Festival paintings and giant lanterns, offering a different atmosphere from the daytime. Keep in mind that temperatures in April and May can drop below 10°C (50°F) at night, so bring an extra layer to stay warm.
A cherry blossom festival wouldn’t be complete without stunning photos. With so many picturesque locations in Hirosaki Park, here are three must-visit photography spots.
A pathway lined with cherry trees forms a tunnel of blossoms along the Nishibori Moat. The branches stretch overhead, creating a pink canopy. On sunny days, sunlight filters through the petals, creating a dreamy pink glow. Early mornings are the best time to avoid crowds and capture the tunnel effect in your photos.
As cherry blossoms begin to fall, petals cover the moat’s surface, forming a stunning pink carpet. The combination of fallen petals and the remaining cherry blossoms on the trees creates a fleeting, poetic scene. Since this phenomenon lasts only a short time, plan your visit carefully to catch it at its peak.
Hirosaki Castle, one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castle keeps, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Built in 1810, it provides a historical backdrop to the cherry blossoms. Try photographing it from below, framing it with cherry blossoms on either side. The nighttime illumination adds a majestic touch, creating a powerful contrast between light and shadow.
Spanning approximately 492,000 square meters, Hirosaki Park is home to 2,600 cherry trees of more than 50 varieties, offering breathtaking views wherever you look. Don’t forget to try local Hirosaki delicacies from the festival food stalls!
If you’re planning a spring trip to Japan, be sure to visit Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the country’s most spectacular cherry blossom events.
