Aomori Apple Tour in Hirosaki: Orchards, Tearoom, and Pies

Discover Aomori Apples in Hirosaki

Mention Aomori, and the first thing that comes to mind is its famous apples—plump, rosy, crisp, and juicy. As Japan’s leading apple producer, Hirosaki City boasts not only breathtaking natural scenery but also a rich, deep-rooted apple culture.

Join us on an "Apple Tour" through Hirosaki as we explore the orchards at Hirosaki Apple Park, indulge in apple-infused dishes and desserts at a local tearoom, and stop by a standout pastry shop.

• Table of Contents
• Hirosaki Apple Park: Discover How Aomori Apples Are Grown
• Taisho Roman Tearoom: Try Apple Curry and Seasonal Desserts
• Jardin Pastry Shop: Taste Award-Winning Apple Pies

Hirosaki Apple Park: Discover How Aomori Apples Are Grown

Hirosaki Apple Park is home to around 1,300 trees across 65 apple varieties. In the park's hands-on orchard, you can tour the grounds and try your hand at real farming tasks—like thinning fruit, bagging, and leaf-trimming—to learn what it takes to grow these famous apples.

As it turns out, producing a delicious apple requires a full year of meticulous care. Farmers start pruning branches in the snow from late January to March, followed by spring pollination and fruit thinning.

From September to November, farmers carefully pluck leaves two to three times and rotate each apple, so it receives even sunlight and turns a vibrant, uniform red. When autumn arrives, the harvest season fills the air with a sweet apple aroma and kicks off a variety of hands-on activities.

Outside, the park features traditional farmhouses, vintage agricultural equipment, play structures for kids, and an open lawn ideal for picnics.

Head inside Ringo no Ie ("House of Apples") to explore a massive selection of around 1,250 apple-themed products, ranging from local snacks to handcrafted items.

When you get hungry, the on-site dining area serves unique apple-infused dishes, including apple curry, pork cutlet, and apple ice cream.

Hirosaki Apple Park

125 Shimizutomita Terazawa, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture 036-8262

Taisho Roman Tearoom: Try Apple Curry and Seasonal Desserts

Built in 1919 as the private villa of Kenichi Fujita—first president of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry—the Fujita Memorial Garden is home to the historic Taisho Roman Tearoom.

Step inside this charming Taisho-era coffee shop to savor local Aomori specialties, including rich apple curry and seasonal desserts.

The tearoom's highlight is its curated selection of popular apple pies from top local bakeries, such as Nice Life and the traditional confectioner Futamian.

Because each shop uses different apple varieties and custom recipes, every slice offers a distinct flavor profile—making this a dream destination for apple lovers. (Pies range from 275 to 440 yen, with discounted drink sets available.)

We also highly recommend trying the house apple curry. Simmered with local apples, the sauce develops a subtle, natural sweetness that complements the rich spices perfectly.

Jardin Pastry Shop: Taste Award-Winning Apple Pies

With over 45 years of tradition, Jardin is a homey neighborhood pastry shop located near Hirosaki University. Unassuming yet deeply inviting, it holds a special place in local history as the winner of the Grand Prize at Hirosaki's inaugural Apple Pie Contest in 2001.

Today, 84-year-old founder Kiyoyoshi Kasai works alongside his wife and son to run the family business. Each member brings their own specialty to the kitchen, creating a delightful variety of handcrafted treats that keep locals coming back.

Visiting with a group? You can order a giant, apple-shaped pie in advance! For everyday travelers, individual-sized apple pies are readily available to enjoy on the go.

Every day, Mr. Kasai masterfully crafts his signature apple pies by hand—from kneading the dough and preparing the local Jonathan apple filling to baking each batch to perfection.

He explains that because Aomori apples are naturally sweet and aromatic, he only adds a touch of sugar to balance their acidity. No extra spices or seasonings are needed, allowing the vibrant, pure flavor of the fruit to take center stage.

A-Factory: Enjoy Aomori's Delicious Apples

The moment you step outside Aomori Station, rows of apple trees greet you—their young fruit budding during the growing season as a clear nod to the region's favorite crop. It’s easy to see why apples are practically synonymous with Aomori.

If you're looking to take a piece of the region home, head straight to A-Factory, located right next to JR Aomori Station. This vibrant market features an incredible selection of apple-based products along with a wide array of local Aomori specialties.