Want a more challenging ride than just a casual bike outing? Here’s a route suggested by a local who’s comfortable riding up to 10 km (6.2 miles) each way on a basic city bike (mamachari). If you’re an experienced cyclist or simply want to fit in some exercise while traveling, these routes in Hirosaki (featuring both hills and distance) are for you!
For basic info on renting bikes in Hirosaki, see our “Beginner’s Edition” article:
Renting a Bike in Hirosaki – Beginner Edition
If an electric-assist bike is available, we highly recommend reserving one—this course can be quite demanding! Go at your own pace and enjoy safely.
1. Aiming for Hirosaki Park Route
This route starts from Hirosaki Station and heads toward Hirosaki Park, tackling some uphill sections along the way. Put in the effort so you can celebrate with a delicious drink later in Kaji-machi, Hirosaki’s biggest nightlife district!
Hirosaki Station (rent a bike)
↓
1) Ekidote Promenade
↓ (about 15 min)
2) Dolf. (Breakfast/Brunch)
↓ (10 min)
3) Tomita no Shikko (Spring Water)
↓ (10 min)
4) Saishoin Temple
↓ (10 min)
5) cafe DemiDemi
↓ (10 min)
6) Soba-dokoro Shimizu
↓ (15 min)
7) Zenringai (Temple District)
↓ (15 min)
8) Fujita Memorial Garden
↓ (5 min)
9) Hirosaki Civic Hall (Cafe baton)
↓ (right there)
10) Hirosaki Park
↓
11) Hirosaki City Tourist Center (return bike)
Let’s introduce each stop!
1) Ekidote Promenade
This promenade is a great warm-up spot to get used to your rental bike. Take a leisurely ride and check out the sculptures along the way.
2) Dolf.
A brand-new pancake cafe that opened in December 2023, located under the “Blue Eight” coffee shop at the busy Dote-machi and Tomita Odori intersection. Dolf. serves fluffy soufflé pancakes and hearty meal-style pancakes. They also offer a morning menu—perfect if you skipped breakfast. (Reservations recommended.)
- Name: Dolf.
- Location: 132 Dote-machi, 1F, Hirosaki-shi
- Hours: 8:00–18:00 (Morning menu 8:00–10:00)
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Website & Instagram:
3) Tomita no Shikko
Reference:
https://aomoru.jp/tourism/hirosaki_central_spring_water/
Ride along Tomita Odori toward Hirosaki University, then turn right at the intersection by Kurotaki Florist. Continue past the local fire department station, and you’ll see a small wooden hut on the left—this is Tomita no Shikko, where underground spring water has flowed for centuries. Bring a bottle to fill up so you can enjoy refreshing natural water along your ride!
- Name: Tomita no Shikko
- Location: 5-2 Kamisukimachi, Hirosaki-shi
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Open year-round
4) Saishoin Temple
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Leaving Tomita no Shikko, you’ll pass Bunka Kindergarten on your left. Cross the Konan Railway tracks, then cross the red Shimizu Bridge, and you’ll see a narrow road on your left that cars can’t enter. This slope is quite steep—feel free to walk your bike if you need to. Enjoy the lush greenery and keep an eye out for pheasants!
At the top, you’ll see Saishoin Temple on your right, famous for its five-story pagoda and recognized as the temple for the Year of the Rabbit in the Tsugaru region’s unique zodiac tradition.
- Name: Kongozan Saishoin
- Location: 63 Doyamachi, Hirosaki-shi
- Hours: 9:00–16:30
- Website: http://www15.plala.or.jp/SAISYOU/
5) cafe DemiDemi
After leaving Saishoin, continue with Hirosaki High School on your left until you reach a T-junction with a traffic light. cafe DemiDemi is on the right side of that intersection. Located near Hirosaki University’s medical faculty, it’s popular with both locals and students—perfect for a coffee break.
6) Soba-dokoro Shimizu
This area is called Shintera-machi (New Temple Town). Head down the row of temples; when you reach the intersection with Kato Miso & Soy Sauce Brewery, turn right and descend “Kato-zaka.” The road is narrow and somewhat busy, so ride carefully.
Cross the river, and you’ll see Soba-dokoro Shimizu on your left. Their handmade soba is delicious year-round, but the shaved ice in summer is also a local favorite.
- Name: Soba-dokoro Shimizu
- Location: 1-1-14 Momonari-Shinmachi, Hirosaki-shi
- Tel: 0172-37-3763
- Hours: 11:00–20:00 (Tuesdays 11:00–16:00)
- Closed: Wednesdays
7) Zenringai (Temple District)
Leaving Soba-dokoro Shimizu, head left. At the Zenringai Iriguchi (entrance) intersection, turn left and pass through a black gate. Beyond it is Zenringai, a remarkable street lined with Zen temples. By car, you’d reach the largest temple, Chosho-ji, almost immediately. On a bike, you can slow down to admire each temple along the way—highly recommended. You can even visit Fumon-in (known locally as “Sankan”) just off the main route.
8) Fujita Memorial Garden
Returning to the Zenringai entrance and continuing toward Hirosaki Park, you’ll see Fujita Memorial Garden on your left. Stroll through the Taisho-era garden, enjoy the Western-style mansion, or relax at the adjacent café. The venue also hosts exhibitions featuring Tsugaru crafts.
9) Hirosaki Civic Hall (Cafe baton)
Directly across the street from Fujita Memorial Garden is the Hirosaki Civic Hall, designed by the modernist architect Maekawa Kunio. The building’s simple yet distinctive presence is worth appreciating on its own. Don’t miss the stained-glass artwork “Ao no Jikan” by local Hirosaki artist Sano Nui—it shimmers beautifully in natural light. After exploring, unwind at the chic in-house café, baton.
10) Hirosaki Park
The Hirosaki Civic Hall is located inside Hirosaki Park. If you have time and energy left, cycle around the entire park—it’s quite large. Even just the area near Otemon Gate offers plenty of greenery and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Name: Hirosaki Park (Takaryo-en)
- Location: 1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi
11) Hirosaki City Tourist Center
Opposite Otemon Gate across the road, you’ll find the Hirosaki City Tourist Center, where you can return your bike—congrats on completing a challenging ride! Feel free to rest inside while deciding where to grab a drink in Kaji-machi later.
- Name: Hirosaki City Tourist Center
- Location: 2-1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi
- Hours: 9:00–18:00 (Bike rental until 16:00)
- Closed: New Year’s holidays
- Website: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=tourist_hall
2. Grand Tour Challenge Course
Enjoy nature, apple orchards, and hot springs on this more extensive route!
You can start at Ringo Park or, if you’re confident in your legs, rent a bike at the Tourist Center and pedal uphill all the way to Ringo Park. Choose whichever start point fits your stamina and the weather.
1) Hirosaki City Tourist Center
(Rent a bike here, or take a bus to Ringo Park)
↓ (20 min)
2) Hirosaki Ringo Park
(Bike rental also available here)
3) kimori
↓ (10 min)
4) Hikoan (Soba)
↓ (5 min)
5) Tsugaru Dentou Kumiko-kan (Kumiko Woodcraft)
↓ (45 min)
6) Oobiraki Onsen
7) Sakuragaoka Onsen
↓ (5 min)
8) Keyaki (Coffee Shop)
↓ (10 min)
9) Tsuchibuchi River Cycling Road
↓ (30 min)
10) Shimo-Kawara Doll Workshop (Shimokawara-yaki)
↓ (20 min)
11) Machinaka Information Center (return bike)
Let’s take a look at these highlights!
1) Hirosaki City Tourist Center
If you feel ready to tackle the uphill ride, rent a bike here. If it’s a bit daunting, consider taking the Soma/Nishimeya-area bus to Ringo Park and start from there.
2) Hirosaki Ringo Park
Leaving the Tourist Center, head toward Mount Iwaki with the Hirosaki City Hall on your left. Turn left at the Fujita Memorial Garden intersection, cross the river, and climb the slope. When you reach the intersection with Kato Miso & Soy Sauce Brewery on the right, continue following the signs uphill toward Ringo Park on your left.
This spacious area is filled with apple trees, and you can pick apples yourself depending on the season.
3) kimori
Inside Ringo Park stands a distinctive white, pyramid-shaped building—this is the kimori cidery, which produces the locally beloved “Kimori” line of hard ciders. They sometimes host stylish events, too.
- Name: Hirosaki Cidre Factory kimori
- Location: 125 Shimizu Tomita Terasawa (within Ringo Park), Hirosaki-shi
- Tel: 0172-88-8936
- Website & Instagram:
4) Hikoan
Exit Ringo Park and turn right on the main (bus) road, where you’ll soon spot Hikoan, a well-known soba restaurant on the right. The “rocker” chef frequently appears on local TV. His cold and hot soba dishes both have a great reputation—don’t be surprised if the large parking lot is full!
- Name: Hikoan
- Location: 4-3-7 Momonari-Shinmachi, Hirosaki-shi
- Hours: 11:00–14:00 / 17:30–19:00
- Closed: Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a holiday)
5) Tsugaru Dentou Kumiko-kan
Across the road from Hikoan, you’ll see the Tsugaru Dentou Kumiko-kan. This facility displays intricate wooden latticework known as kumiko—an exquisite traditional craft. You can even book a hands-on experience (reservation required).
- Name: Tsugaru Dentou Kumiko-kan
- Location: 3-1-13 Momonari-Shinmachi, Hirosaki-shi
- Hours: 9:00–16:00
- Open: Not year-round; please check their website and reserve in advance.
- Website: https://tsugaru-dentou-kumikokan.hp.peraichi.com/
6) Oobiraki Onsen
After leaving Kumiko-kan, head back toward central Hirosaki. At the Lawson intersection, turn right and continue straight up a gentle incline that will test your stamina—take breaks and stay hydrated!
When you see the Shimizu Community Center on your right, you’ve reached a branching point. Turn right just before it to reach Oobiraki Onsen. Known for its many private family baths, it also features a restaurant and a small arcade. Unlike many Tsugaru hot springs, the water here isn’t too hot—soak at your leisure. With ample rest areas, it’s perfect for recharging.
7) Sakuragaoka Onsen
Pass the Shimizu Community Center and turn left, then gently descend until you see another left turn leading to Sakuragaoka Onsen. Tucked into a residential neighborhood, this small hot spring bathhouse has a slightly sulfuric, higher-temperature water and also features a sauna.
- Name: Sakuragaoka Onsen
- Location: 4-2-3 Sakuragaoka, Hirosaki-shi
- Tel: 0172-88-0500
- Hours: 10:00–22:00
- Closed: Tuesdays
8) Keyaki
On the way between Shimizu Community Center and Sakuragaoka Onsen, you’ll find this local coffee roaster. Keyaki is a popular spot for lunch, sweets, and, of course, delicious coffee.
- Name: Keyaki
- Location: Sakuragaoka area, Hirosaki-shi
- Hours: 10:00–17:00 (café service 11:30–15:00)
- Closed: Mondays, 1st & 3rd Sundays
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyaki_hirosaki/
9) Tsuchibuchi River Cycling Road
Continuing downhill past Keyaki, use the Hirosaki Hospital (Oyokyo Kidney Institute) as your marker to find the Tsuchibuchi River. A cycling path runs along it—turn left to head back toward central Hirosaki. The gentle downhill slope makes for a relaxing ride. You might hear birds chirping or spot pheasants along the way.
10) Shimo-Kawara Doll Workshop
Keep following the river, crossing a few main roads. Once you enter a residential area, look on your left for a large chestnut tree with a sign designating it a protected tree of Hirosaki. Here stands the Shimo-Kawara Doll Workshop. It’s only open on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.—if the timing works out, do stop by! Their vividly painted earthen dolls are prized by collectors and fans of lucky charms.
11) Machinaka Information Center
Leaving the workshop, continue along the river until you see Hirotaka-shita Station on the Konan Railway. The cycling path briefly ends here—watch for a sign that says “No Road Ahead.” Turn left, climb a short hill, then turn right, crossing the railway tracks. You’ll reach the Tsuchibuchi River again. Cross it, then turn left on the road and go straight. You’ll come to a T-junction with Bunka Kindergarten on the right—turn left here and cross Shimizu Bridge. You’ll see the cycling road resume on your right—follow it until you spot Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Museum on the right near Chuo Hirosaki Station at the Sakaibashi intersection. Turn right and continue to the next intersection; on the left is the Machinaka Information Center, where you can return your bike.
Nearby Spots in Kaji-machi
Looking for a place to eat or drink after your ride?
- Recommended year-end or New Year party spots
- Stylish bars
- Restaurants serving local Tsugaru cuisine
- Dinner options to suit any taste
Discovering Everyday Hirosaki by Bike
In these routes, you intentionally leave the station and head uphill toward Hirosaki Castle/Hirosaki Park, passing through lesser-known areas. The narrow slope beside Saishoin or the Tsuchibuchi River Cycling Road are places even some locals rarely see, making them hidden gems.
Tourists often stick to major attractions, so exploring these back roads by bike gives you a fresh perspective on daily life in Hirosaki. If you’re up for a challenge, give these routes a try. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering hills and discovering hidden corners of the city!
