Hirosaki Castle is a popular tourist destination that offers breathtaking scenery in every season—whether it’s cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, or snow-covered landscapes in winter. Among these, the spring cherry blossom festival stands out as a world-renowned event, attracting visitors from across the globe. The sight of full-bloom cherry trees alongside the original castle keep creates a picture-perfect scene.
To help you make the most of this destination where historical significance meets natural beauty, this guide covers everything you need to know before your visit—from top sights and access routes to must-try local foods.
Contents
How to Get to Hirosaki Castle
By Train
Tokyo Station
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen “Hayabusa” and get off at Shin-Aomori Station (approx. 2 hr 59 min).
From Shin-Aomori Station, take the JR Ou Line via limited express, rapid, or local train to Hirosaki Station (approx. 25–40 min).
Osaka Station
Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen “Nozomi” to Tokyo Station (approx. 2 hr 35 min).
From Tokyo Station, transfer to the Tohoku Shinkansen “Hayabusa” and get off at Shin-Aomori Station (approx. 2 hr 59 min).
From Shin-Aomori Station, take the JR Ou Line via limited express, rapid, or local train to Hirosaki Station (approx. 25–40 min).
From Hirosaki Station, Hirosaki Castle is about 30 minutes on foot, 10 minutes by taxi, or 15 minutes by city loop bus.
Check the latest weather forecast before your visit: [weathernews ]
Recommended Itineraries
Half-day tour of classic sights
09:00 – Hirosaki City Tourist Center
09:30 – Hirosaki Castle (Tenshu)
10:15 – Gejo-bashi Bridge
11:00 – Hirosaki City Museum
12:00 – Fujita Memorial Garden
Top Attractions and Things to Do
Nakamachi Traditional Samurai Residence District
Take a stroll through this historical district lined with Edo-period samurai residences.
Former Hirosaki City Library
A charming tourist spot featuring Western-style architecture from the Meiji period.
Hirosaki Catholic Church
A wooden Gothic-style church known for its serene atmosphere.
Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art
A contemporary art museum housed in a renovated historical brick warehouse.
Best Local Foods to Try
The local cuisine around Hirosaki Castle showcases the climate and culture of the Tsugaru region . In this historic castle town, you can enjoy traditional flavors and dishes made with local ingredients. Be sure to try some during your sightseeing breaks.
Inaka Soba – Handmade buckwheat noodles served hot or cold.Apple Pie – A variety of delicious apple-based sweets unique to this apple-producing town.Kaiyaki Miso – A miso-based scallop dish cooked in a shell.
Where to Stay
This curated list features hotels located within Hirosaki City or within a 40-minute drive , making them highly convenient for travelers visiting Hirosaki Castle. All properties are easily accessible from JR Hirosaki Station, whether on foot or by car, and are ideal for those exploring the city’s attractions, cherry blossoms, or planning day trips to nearby hot springs.
Luxury
Kazennosho – About 30 minutes by car from Hirosaki StationAsobe no Mori Iwakisou – About 40 minutes by car from JR Hirosaki Station (free shuttle available)Fujiyahotel at Owani Onsen – About 30 minutes by car from Hirosaki StationBuna no Sato Shirakamikan – About 30 minutes by car from Hirosaki Station
Mid-Range
Art Hotel Hirosaki City – About 1 minute’s walk from JR Hirosaki StationDormy Inn Hirosaki Iwaki Sakura-no-Yu – About 10 minutes’ walk from JR Hirosaki StationHotel Route-Inn Hirosaki Ekimae – About 1 minute’s walk from JR Hirosaki Station
Budget
Natural Hot Spring “Neputa no Yu” – About 12 minutes’ walk from JR Hirosaki StationHirosaki Park Hotel – About 10 minutes’ walk from JR Hirosaki StationSmile Hotel Hirosaki – About 10 minutes’ walk from JR Hirosaki StationHirosaki Grand Hotel – About 15 minutes’ walk from JR Hirosaki StationHirosaki Plaza Hotel – About 15 minutes’ walk from JR Hirosaki Station
FAQ
How much time should I plan for touring Hirosaki Castle?
During cherry blossom season, plan for about 2 hours to tour the park.
How do I get from JR Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Castle?
It’s about 15 minutes by city loop bus from the station or roughly 30 minutes on foot.
Is the cherry blossom festival crowded?
Yes, it gets very crowded. Early morning or weekday visits are generally less busy.
Is there a night-time illumination of the cherry blossoms?
Yes, during the cherry blossom festival, the park is illuminated from 6 PM to 10 PM.
Is Hirosaki Castle worth visiting in winter?
Yes, the Snow Lantern Festival is held in winter, offering magical snow-covered scenery.
What makes the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle special?
Many of the Somei Yoshino trees are over 100 years old, and features like cherry blossom tunnels and petals floating on the moat are truly stunning.
Conclusion
Hirosaki Castle is a rare destination in Japan where you can enjoy both historical significance and natural beauty. The cherry blossom festival , in particular, is an awe-inspiring experience that appeals to everyone—from photography enthusiasts to families. With all the information provided here, even first-time visitors can navigate the area with ease.
Start planning your trip to witness the captivating charm of Hirosaki’s castle and cherry blossoms.
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