Local Picks! Recommended Classic Itinerary Around Hirosaki Castle

The Hirosaki Sakura Festival will finally be held again this year!

In this article, a local resident of Hirosaki (the author) will introduce a classic sightseeing course around Hirosaki Castle. It’s planned for a three-day, two-night trip, so if you’re not quite sure what else to see besides the castle, please read on!

~ Day 1 ~

Enjoy the Sakura Festival to the fullest on your first day!

You’ll likely be traveling by Shinkansen bullet train or other transportation in the morning, so you might arrive around noon.

Because the Hirosaki Sakura Festival offers so many cherry blossom viewing spots and plenty of festival food stalls, you can easily spend half a day there without any trouble. Locals love to enjoy the festival from before noon all the way into the evening, soaking up both daytime and nighttime cherry blossoms. If you plan on a long day of hanami (cherry blossom viewing), don’t forget a picnic sheet!

13:00 – BRICK A-FACTORY

Right in front of the ticket gates at Hirosaki Station is BRICK A-FACTORY, a shop offering local Tsugaru specialties. You’ll find apple pies, a variety of apple sweets, and even apple cider, perfect for picking up alcoholic beverages or soft drinks to enjoy at the festival.

Side Note: Bus is Recommended for Getting Around!

You’ll likely do a lot of walking inside Hirosaki Castle, so to go from Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Castle, we recommend taking a bus. The Dote-machi Loop Bus runs every 10 minutes and costs just 150 yen, making it super convenient.

• By bus or taxi, it takes about 10 minutes from Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Castle; on foot, it’s about 30 minutes.
• For details on bus schedules, visit the official Konan Bus website.

13:30 – Hirosaki Castle

Once you arrive at Hirosaki Castle, pick up some festival food from the stalls and secure a spot for a picnic.

Sakura Festival website

Once you’ve secured a spot, just relax and enjoy a feast while gazing at the cherry blossoms!

Nighttime illumination of the blossoms starts around sunset, and the exact time isn’t fixed. Sunset is generally between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., so around that time, you can capture some night-blossom photos on your way out—it’s highly recommended.

Side Note: If You Run Out of Drinks…Degusta

Degusta is a liquor store about a 10-minute walk from Hirosaki Castle. Of course, you can also purchase alcoholic beverages at the festival stalls, but if you’d like to try local specialties during your trip to Hirosaki, walk a little farther to check out Degusta. They carry local Hirosaki sake like Toyobai and various apple-based drinks!

20:00 – Back to Your Hotel

Great job on your first day! Get some rest and gear up for tomorrow.

~ Day 2 ~

Explore the Must-See Spots Around Hirosaki Castle

Although Hirosaki Castle is surrounded by many historical buildings from Japan’s early modern era (due to its former castle town status), you’ll also find lots of impressive modern architecture. On your second day, check out these classic spots around Hirosaki Castle!

10:00 – Former 59th Bank Main Office Building

After breakfast at your hotel, head out to see Hirosaki’s famous architectural sites, starting with the Former 59th Bank Main Office Building, constructed in the Meiji Period (1868–1912). Inside, you can see financial exhibits featuring old passbooks and currency that were actually used at the time.

If you prefer taking the bus closer to Hirosaki Castle, note that if you ride the Dote-machi Loop Bus, you can get off at the “Honcho” stop, or if you take the “Tamenobu-go” bus, you should get off at “Shiyakusho-mae (City Hall)” to tour around this area more easily.

10:25 – Former Hirosaki City Library & Former To-o Gijuku Foreign Teacher’s Residence

These two buildings were also constructed in the Meiji Period. On the same grounds, you’ll find miniature models of Hirosaki’s Western-style architecture, allowing you to appreciate near and far angles of these historical buildings!

Side Note: If You Want an Early-Morning Breakfast...Boulangerie Ishita (Ishida Pan)

If you want to pick up breakfast in Hirosaki, we recommend Boulangerie Ishita (Ishida Pan), a bakery near Hirosaki Station that opens early. The author’s favorites are the menchi-katsu sandwich and the salad roll!

11:00 – Kissa-shitsu baton

Why not have lunch in another of Hirosaki’s famous architectural landmarks?

Kissa-shitsu baton is a café located inside the Hirosaki Civic Hall (Hirosaki Shimin Kaikan). The hall itself was designed by Maekawa Kunio, a renowned modern Japanese architect!

If you’re an architecture buff, you’ve probably heard of him. Nearby, you can also visit the Hirosaki City Museum, another building designed by Maekawa. Don’t miss it!

13:00 – Fujita Memorial Garden

Enjoy Matcha with a Garden View

After lunch, head to Fujita Memorial Garden, which is just around the corner from Hirosaki Civic Hall.

Built in the Taisho Period (1912–1926), Fujita Memorial Garden features two styles of Japanese garden design—a borrowed-scenery garden and a pond-strolling garden. You can also participate in a matcha tea ceremony, making it the perfect spot for a post-lunch break.

15:00 – Hirosaki Ninja Residence

Once you’ve had a relaxing break, explore some architecture from the Edo Period (1603–1868)!

Check out the Hirosaki Ninja Residence. Intriguing, right? As it turns out, historical records show that Koga-style ninjas once lived in Hirosaki! You can even try a ninja experience here.

Be sure to make a reservation in advance by phone if you plan on going.

16:00 – Former Iwata Residence, Former Sasamori Residence, Former Ito Residence, Former Umeda Residence

After your ninja experience, head to the opposite side of Hirosaki Castle to visit the Former Iwata Residence, Former Sasamori Residence, Former Ito Residence, and Former Umeda Residence.

All of these are samurai residences from the Edo Period, but the lifestyle varied depending on the rank or profession of the samurai family who lived there. Comparing the differences among these houses can really enhance your visit!

18:00 – Tsugaru Shamisen Izakaya Aiya

After exploring Hirosaki’s historic side, treat yourself to some Tsugaru regional dishes!

At Tsugaru Shamisen Izakaya Aiya, you can enjoy dinner while listening to live performances by professional Tsugaru shamisen musicians. The author’s recommended local dish is ika-menchi (minced squid patties). They serve it here, so be sure to give it a try!

20:00 – Bar & Food Kuroi Tsuki

Finish off your second day at Bar & Food Kuroi Tsuki!

This bar serves collaboration cocktails created with Ringo Musume (a local idol group). They offer two specialty drinks: the “Mamekobachi Soda” and the “Caramel Apple Latte.” Both are also available in non-alcoholic versions, so feel free to enjoy them even if you’ve already had a bit to drink.

21:00 – Back to Your Hotel

Tomorrow starts a bit early, so get plenty of rest!

~ Day 3 ~

Buy Souvenirs and a Bento for the Trip Home!

On the final day, many people head home by early afternoon. Why not pick up some souvenirs for yourself or friends before you leave?

9:00 – Kawasaki Dye Works

Create a Personal Memory with Tsugaru-Style Indigo Dyeing

When it comes to traditional Tsugaru handicrafts, Tsugaru lacquerware and kogin embroidery are well known. But did you know that indigo dyeing is also famous here?

At Kawasaki Dye Works, you can try dyeing a handkerchief or T-shirt—a memorable experience for your trip! If you’d like to participate, please reserve at least two days in advance.

11:00 – JR Hirosaki Station

Time to pick up souvenirs for family and friends, as well as a station bento (ekiben) for your Shinkansen or flight home. You’ll find most of Hirosaki’s classic gifts and station bento options at Hirosaki Station or in the surrounding area.

Check out this article on the author’s top souvenir picks—apple sweets are always a popular choice. If you’re shopping for someone who likes sake, consider getting Tsugaru-zuke, a local pickled delicacy often paired with drinks.

In front of the ticket gates at Hirosaki Station, near the giant apple monument, you’ll see an area selling various station bento. Check out these articles summarizing what’s available. The author has tried several, and they’re all good—but the “Tsugaru no Tamatebako” (Tsugaru Treasure Box) is especially recommended because it’s beautiful, delicious, and features a variety of local dishes in small portions.

12:00 – Heading Home

Summary

We’ve introduced a classic itinerary around Hirosaki Castle. Everything is laid out so you can visit all these nearby spots and stores. You could also mix in some architectural tours on Day 1 during the Hirosaki Sakura Festival—it’s flexible to suit your interests. We hope you get to see not only Hirosaki Castle but also enjoy many other aspects of Hirosaki’s charm!