You’ve planned your trip to the Hirosaki Sakura Festival, booked your accommodation, and eagerly awaited the breathtaking cherry blossoms—only to find out that this year, the flowers are blooming earlier than expected. Will the petals have already fallen by the time you arrive?

No need to worry!

This 2-night, 3-day tour itinerary introduces the best late-blooming cherry blossom spots along with Hirosaki’s rich historical sites. If you love history, culture, and scenic beauty, this guide is perfect for you!

Day 1 – Beyond Hirosaki Castle: Discover Another Cherry Blossom Wonderland

When people think of Hirosaki’s cherry blossoms, they immediately picture Hirosaki Castle. But did you know that another spectacular cherry blossom spot, often called the "World’s Longest Cherry Blossom Road," exists just outside the city?

This scenic route, located near Mt. Iwaki, features thousands of cherry trees that bloom at different altitudes. While lower areas may be past peak bloom, the higher elevations still offer vibrant blossoms—allowing you to enjoy both falling petals and full bloom in one trip!

1:00 PM – Arrive at JR Hirosaki Station

Before heading to the cherry blossoms, grab a bento box from the station! The area around the giant apple monument inside the station offers a variety of local bento options.

2:00 PM – The World’s Longest Cherry Blossom Road

📍 Location: Hyakuzawa, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
🌸 Best viewing areas:

• Iwakisan Skyline (higher altitude, blooms later)
• Sakura Forest Park (currently in full bloom)

Situated at the foot of Mt. Iwaki, this 20km stretch of cherry trees is breathtaking. As you ascend, the higher-altitude cherry blossoms remain untouched by early spring warmth, making it an excellent spot for late-season viewing.

🚗 Getting there:

• By car: Free parking available at Iwakisan Souvenir Center or Iwakisan Comprehensive Park.
• By taxi: A 30-minute drive from Hirosaki Station.

🔗 More info: Iwakisan Official Website

4:00 PM – Kakushū-ji Temple (Final Resting Place of Tsugaru Lords)

📍 Location: 1-4-1 Fujishiro, Hirosaki City
⏰ Hours: Open daily
☎ Phone: 0172-32-7460
🔗 Website: Kakushū-ji Official Site

This temple houses the mausoleum of Tsugaru Tamenobu, the founder of the Tsugaru Clan, who played a significant role in shaping Hirosaki’s history. Stroll through the peaceful temple gardens, admire the sacred pond, and enjoy the ancient cherry trees that bloom gracefully on the temple grounds.

5:30 PM – Izakaya Domon (Local Cuisine & Sake)

📍 Location: 99 Daikan-cho, Hirosaki City
⏰ Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Closed on Sundays & Holidays)
☎ Phone: 0172-36-3059

Famous for serving local Tsugaru cuisine and Hirosaki’s signature sake, Houhai, this izakaya is a must-visit. Even celebrity chef Shinpei Kurihara has dined here!

💡 Pro Tip: Not sure which Houhai sake to try? Ask the staff—they’ll gladly recommend the perfect pairing!

7:30 PM – Return to Hotel

Day 2 – Exploring Hirosaki’s History & Hidden Cherry Blossoms

Today, you’ll visit Hirosaki Castle and explore historic temple streets. With plenty of walking involved, we’ve included relaxing café stops along the way.

10:00 AM – Hirosaki Castle & Sakura Festival Grounds

📍 Location: 1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki City
☎ Phone: 0172-33-8739
🔗 Website: Hirosaki City Official Site

The Hirosaki Sakura Festival isn’t just about flowers—it’s also about delicious festival food! Grab local street food from the many stalls, spread out a picnic mat, and enjoy a feast under the cherry blossoms.

🌸 Late-blooming cherry trees to look for:

• Azuma Nishiki
• Ukōn
• Shōgetsu
• Kanzan
• Fugen-zō

1:00 PM – Starbucks Coffee Hirosaki Park Front

📍 Location: 1-1 Kamishirogane-cho, Hirosaki City
⏰ Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🔗 Website: Starbucks Japan

Not just any Starbucks—this one is housed in a beautifully preserved Taisho-era building! Experience classic Japanese-Western architecture while sipping on a seasonal sakura latte.

💡 Pro Tip: Use mobile ordering to skip the long festival lines!

2:30 PM – Saisho-in Temple (Five-Story Pagoda)

📍 Location: 63 Doya-machi, Hirosaki City
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🔗 Website: Saisho-in Temple

Famous for its five-story pagoda, known as the most beautiful in northern Japan, this temple offers stunning cherry blossom views in a serene setting.

3:00 PM – Zenrin-gai (33-Temple Street)

📍 Location: Nishi-Shigemori, Hirosaki City

A rare collection of 33 Zen temples, strategically placed by the 2nd Tsugaru Lord as part of Hirosaki Castle’s fortification. The temples have remained intact for centuries, making this street a must-see for history lovers.

4:30 PM – café Demi Demi

📍 52-2 Shinteramachi, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8214
☎ Phone: 0172-80-9222
🔗 Instagram: https://instagram.com/cafedemidemi
🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cafedemidemi/
Note: The café has five parking spots available in front of the building.

Nestled between Saishoin and the Zenringai district, this charming white café welcomes you with tasty treats like chiffon cake and an-butter toast (red bean paste & butter on toast). If you’re feeling peckish from all that walking, this is the perfect spot to recharge. They’ll even recommend coffee pairings to complement your dessert!

Drinks are also available for takeout, so you can enjoy your coffee on the go.

6:00 PM – Western-style Dinner at Gallop

📍 Location: 3-1-3 Den-en, Hirosaki City
☎ Phone: 080-1665-1260

This retro Western-style eatery is famous for juicy hamburg steaks and mini honey toast desserts. A cozy and nostalgic way to end the day!

Day 3 – Hidden Castles & Local Comfort Food

10:00 AM – Horikoshi Castle Ruins

📍 Location: Kashiwada, Horikoshi, Hirosaki City
🔗 Website: Horikoshi Castle

Before Hirosaki Castle, the Tsugaru Clan ruled from Horikoshi Castle. Today, moat remnants and old fortifications can still be seen.

12:00 PM – Nakamiso Ramen (Hirosaki’s Soul Food)

📍 Location: Hiroro 4F, Hirosaki City
🔗 Website: Nakamiso Ramen

This sweet miso ramen packed with local vegetables is a Hirosaki favorite!

1:00 PM – Return Home

Final Thoughts

Even if cherry blossoms fall early, Hirosaki still offers amazing experiences. Explore history, savor local flavors, and discover hidden gems—there’s always something magical to enjoy!

Now, get your camera ready and create unforgettable memories in Hirosaki!