The Hirosaki Sakura Festival is a historic event that has been celebrated since the Taisho era (1912-1926). Every year, thousands of visitors gather to witness the breathtaking cherry blossoms, making this festival one of the largest in Japan.

In 2023, the cherry blossoms bloomed early, with the pre-festival period starting on April 15, and the main festival running from April 21 to May 5.

Hirosaki Park is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Cherry Blossom Spots, attracting not only domestic but also international tourists. It is home to around 2,600 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry), and Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry), with 52 different varieties in total.

When in full bloom, the branches become so heavy with flowers that they gracefully droop, allowing visitors to admire the blossoms up close. At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms reflecting on the moat’s surface create a mesmerizing and dreamlike atmosphere.

But the beauty of Hirosaki Park’s cherry blossoms doesn’t end when they fall—the festival offers stunning views throughout all stages of bloom and petal fall.

In this guide, we’ll introduce five must-visit photo spots at the Hirosaki Sakura Festival, including both popular and hidden gems, so you can capture unforgettable memories!

1. A Pink Carpet of Cherry Blossoms – "Hana-Ikada"

The first must-see spot is Hana-Ikada, a breathtaking natural phenomenon.

Hana-Ikada (flower raft) refers to the way fallen cherry blossom petals float on the water’s surface, forming a thick, pink carpet that drifts with the spring breeze.

As cherry blossoms start to fall, petals from 2,600 trees gather in Hirosaki Park’s moats, turning the water into a vivid pink spectacle. This mesmerizing scene, sometimes called a cherry blossom carpet or cherry blossom tatami, is a unique charm of the Hirosaki Sakura Festival.

Even the famous Facebook page "The World's Stunning Views You Must See Before You Die" has featured this breathtaking sight, drawing attention from around the world.

Why Does Hana-Ikada Occur Here?

Unlike rivers, the moats in Hirosaki Park have still water, which allows the petals to accumulate instead of being carried away. This creates a rare and spectacular sight that cannot be seen in most other cherry blossom locations.

💡 Best time to see:

• A few days after full bloom, before the petals lose their vibrant pink color.

📍 Best locations for photos:

• Outer Moat (Soto-bori) and West Moat (Nishi-bori).
• Rent a boat at West Moat for an even closer view of the pink-covered water surface.

2. A Heart-Shaped Cherry Blossom Frame

A natural heart-shaped cherry blossom branch has become a social media sensation in recent years.

At this hidden photo spot inside Hirosaki Park, two cherry tree branches overlap in a perfect heart shape, creating a romantic backdrop.

Although the exact location is not officially disclosed, the festival organizers have placed a heart-shaped tree stump nearby as a clue. Searching for this hidden spot adds an element of adventure to your visit!

💡 Tips for finding the heart-shaped cherry blossoms:

• Look for crowds gathering in a specific area—that’s usually a good sign!
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you may need to explore different paths.

💡 Best time for photos:

• Daytime: The contrast between the pink cherry blossoms and the blue sky makes for a vibrant shot.
• Nighttime (Recommended!): The illuminated trees make the heart shape more visible and add a magical touch.

📸 Photo idea:
Take a romantic couple or family photo with the cherry blossom heart as your backdrop!

3. A Tunnel of Cherry Blossoms – "Sakura Tunnel"

Located along the West Moat (Nishi-bori), this 360-meter-long path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees forming an enchanting tunnel.

With low-hanging branches, visitors can walk underneath the blossoms, fully immersing themselves in the beauty of Hirosaki's cherry blossoms.

💡 Photography Tips:

• 📸 Best spots:
  • Both ends of the Sakura Tunnel—they provide the best framing for perspective shots.
• 🌅 Best time to visit:
  • Early morning (~8:00 AM): Fewer people, ideal for capturing peaceful shots.
  • During sunset or at night: Lanterns create a festive and dreamy atmosphere.

✨ Extra tip: Sit on a bench inside the tunnel for a cozy cherry blossom portrait!

4. Endless Cherry Trees Reflected on Water – West Moat Boat Pier

At the end of the Sakura Tunnel, you’ll find the West Moat Boat Pier, another hidden gem for photography.

Here, cherry trees stretch endlessly along the water’s edge, creating a magnificent reflection on the calm surface of the moat. The scattered petals floating on the water add a poetic charm to the scene.

💡 Photography Tips:

• Capture the boats in your frame for an extra touch of atmosphere.
• Best time:
  • Daytime: Vibrant cherry blossoms and boats create a picturesque scene.
  • Nighttime: The illuminated trees and their reflection in the water create a magical view.

📍 Boat Rental Info:

• Operating hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM during the festival.

5. Last Chance to Capture the Castle & Mt. Iwaki Together!

Hirosaki Castle is the only remaining castle tower in the Tohoku region and one of only 12 original castles in Japan. It is a National Important Cultural Property.

Originally located in a different spot within Hirosaki Park, the castle tower was temporarily moved due to major stone wall restoration work that began in 2015.

Why is 2025 the Last Chance for This View?

• After 2025, the castle tower will be returned to its original location, meaning this rare view of the castle, Mt. Iwaki, and cherry blossoms together will no longer be possible.

📍 Best photo spot:

• Observation Deck (built for the restoration project).
• 🌅 Best time for photos:
  • Morning: Avoids backlighting for a clear shot.
  • Sunset: Soft orange light enhances the pink cherry blossoms.

Final Thoughts

These five must-visit photo spots offer both iconic and hidden views of the Hirosaki Sakura Festival.

With the entire Hirosaki Park serving as a festival venue, there are countless opportunities for breathtaking photos beyond these locations.

So grab your camera, embrace the festive energy, and capture unforgettable cherry blossom memories in Hirosaki!

Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle) – Visitor Information

📍 Location:
1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture

📞 Contact:
+81-172-33-8739

🌸 Festival Entry Fees (April 1 – November 23):

• Hirosaki Castle Inner Grounds & Botanical Garden: Paid Entry (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
• Extended Hours: Until 9:00 PM during the Sakura Festival

🔗 Official Website:
Hirosaki City Official Site