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Hirosaki, a city in Aomori Prefecture, is famous for its annual cherry blossom festival. The city also boasts plenty of scenic and historic places to visit. This article will introduce information about Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki Park, hotels in Hirosaki, and Hirosaki local cuisine.
About Hirosaki
Hirosaki Seasonal Events & Festivals
Hirosaki Weather Overview
How to Get to Hirosaki City
Top 10 Attractions in Hirosaki
Hirosaki Cuisine
Recommended Accommodations in Hirosaki
Shopping & Souvenirs in Hirosaki
Attractions Around Hirosaki
One-Day Itinerary for Hirosaki
Hirosaki is a city in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Every spring, Hirosaki Park is filled with beautiful cherry blossoms attracting many visitors from all around Japan. This park ranks among the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.
In addition to the cherry blossom season in spring, the autumn foliage transforms Hirosaki Park into a landscape of golden and fiery red colors. Winter welcomes the snow lantern festival, adding a touch of romance to the chilly atmosphere of Hirosaki City.
Moreover, Hirosaki City produces the highest quantity of apples in the country and coined the apple capital of Japan. When visiting Hirosaki, be sure not to miss the delicious apples and apple desserts!
Below, we provide detailed information about Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. This includes transportation, attractions, local cuisine, and accommodations. Be sure to take note of all the practical travel information for Hirosaki!
Let's first learn about special activities and festivals that Hirosaki has throughout the seasons!
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The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in Japan. At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms provide visitors with a romantic visual feast. The cherry blossom viewing period at Hirosaki Castle is typically from late April to early May.
The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is an important intangible cultural heritage of Japan. It is held every year from the evening of August 1 to the morning of August 7.
During the festival, about 80 beautifully crafted Neputa lanterns depicting figures from the Three Kingdoms and Sengoku periods parade through the streets of Hirosaki City. The parade is accompanied by flute and drum bands formed by locals.
Picture courtesy of Pixta
In autumn, Hirosaki Park is dyed in golden and red maple leaves. If you want to enjoy the autumn foliage, be sure to add Hirosaki Castle's maple leaves to your list!
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In winter, Hirosaki Park transforms into a dreamy snow kingdom. During the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival, the combination of ice sculptures and sparkling lights creates a surreal atmosphere.
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival 2025 Dates
February 7 to February 11, 2025
10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Until 8:00 PM on the festival's last day, February 11)
No matter what season you visit Hirosaki, you can experience completely different charms and enjoy a variety of landscapes. Everyone can choose their visit to Hirosaki based on their preferences!
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Hirosaki is located in the Tohoku region of Japan, where there are four distinct seasons. Due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, Aomori experiences heavy snowfall in winter. Below is an overview of Hirosaki's weather throughout the year to help you prepare before your trip.
In spring, temperatures in Hirosaki gradually warm up, averaging around 2 degrees Celsius in March and rising to about 15 degrees Celsius by May. This is the season for cherry blossoms. However, it can still be chilly in early spring, so we recommend preparing a light jacket.
Summer in Hirosaki is not extremely hot, with average temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius in June, reaching up to 26 degrees Celsius in August.
The humidity is relatively high, but it’s cooler and more pleasant compared to other regions of Japan. This is a great time to participate in summer events like the Hirosaki Neputa Festival. We recommend wearing light and breathable clothing.
The autumn weather is cool, averaging around 19 degrees Celsius in September and dropping to 6 degrees Celsius by November. The cooler early morning and evening temperatures make this the best time for enjoying autumn foliage and hiking.
Winter in Hirosaki is very cold, with average temperatures mostly below zero. There is significant snowfall, so be sure to stay warm and prepare proper winter clothing and gear. We recommend packing down jackets, gloves, hats, ear warmers, and snow boots.
Picture courtesy of Pixta
The fastest way from Tokyo to Hirosaki is by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station, then transferring to the Ou Main Line to Hirosaki Station. The entire journey takes about 3.5 hours.
When riding the Tohoku Shinkansen, we recommend purchasing the JR East Pass to explore other areas in the Tohoku region. With this pass, you can ride the Shinkansen and JR designated routes an unlimited number of times within five days, making it very cost-effective.
With this pass, you can easily visit tourist spots, including the Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site in Aomori City, Kakunodate Samurai Residences in Akita, and Chuson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi, Iwate!
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After arriving in Hirosaki City, what is the best way to get around the city? The Dotemachi Loop Bus is the most convenient option! This bus operates year-round with buses arriving every 10 minutes. You won't have to wait for long to start exploring the city!
For transportation to Hirosaki Castle, remember to get off at Shiyakusho-mae (City Hall) stop.
Dotemachi Loop Bus Operating Hours
April to November: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
December to March: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
For more information and the timetable, please visit the Hirosaki Tourist Information's official website (Japanese).
The distance between various attractions in Hirosaki is not far apart, making it suitable to explore the city on foot in one to two days. Of course, if you prefer not to walk, you can also utilize the Dotemachi Loop Bus mentioned earlier. Here are 10 must-visit attractions in Hirosaki!
When the weather warms up come spring, 2,500 cherry blossom trees in Hirosaki Park bloom and create a stunning floral display. In autumn, the park showcases a golden-red landscape, while the Snow Lantern Festival in winter fills Hirosaki Castle with a uniquely romantic atmosphere.
Additionally, Hirosaki Park has a hidden gem—two cherry trees that grow in an intertwined manner, forming a heart shape. If you visit Hirosaki Park in spring, be sure to take a beautiful photo as a keepsake!
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 by the second feudal lord of the Tsugaru clan, Nobuhira Tsugaru. The original keep was a five-story structure. However, it was struck by lightning and burned down in 1627.
The existing three-story keep was rebuilt in 1811 and has preserved the architectural style of the Edo period.
Most ancient castles in Japan were either destroyed at the end of the samurai era in 1868 or damaged during World War II. However, Hirosaki Castle is the only castle from the Edo period that has been completely preserved in the Tohoku region. In 2006, Hirosaki Castle was selected among the "100 Famous Japanese Castles."
Hirosaki Castle Official Website
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Fujita Memorial Garden covers an area of about 21,800 square meters, making it second only to the Motsuji Temple Garden in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture. The garden was created by the first president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fujita Ken'ichi, in the 8th year of the Taisho era. The garden is divided into an elevated and lower area.
The elevated garden uses Mount Iwaki as a backdrop and features Taisho-era buildings, including a Western-style mansion and an archaeological museum. The lower garden showcases flowers such as irises and azaleas, as well as a waterfall and arched bridges.
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Want to experience apple picking? Then Hirosaki Apple Park is the place to be! The apple park spans approximately 9.7 hectares and features nearly 2,300 apple trees. There are about 80 varieties available for picking from early August to mid-November each year.
The park's Apple House offers over 1,200 apple-related products. You'll even find a snack area serving dishes like apple curry and apple wine. After picking apples, why not take a moment to sit down and savor these delicious apple dishes and desserts?
The Aomori Neputa Festival in Aomori City, the Hirosaki Neputa Festival in Hirosaki City, and the Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival in Goshogawara City are collectively known as the three major Neputa festivals in Aomori.
Located in Hirosaki City, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village serves as a cultural landmark. It showcases beautiful lanterns and traditional crafts from the Tsugaru Neputa Festival. Visitors can also participate in making mini lanterns, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of the Tsugaru region through hands-on experiences.
The Aomori Bank Memorial Museum is housed in the former building of the 59th National Bank, established in 1879. The original structure has been preserved and relocated, transforming it into a cultural heritage site that showcases historical significance and architectural beauty.
The building is designed in a Renaissance style, presenting an elegant and dignified appearance. It has even been designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. The exhibition hall features a collection of old banknotes and coins from previous eras, making it a worthwhile visit.
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The Former Hirosaki City Library was built in 1906 and served as the city library until 1931. Designed and constructed by architect Koichi Horie, this three-story wooden building is based on Renaissance architectural style. Its most striking features are the octagonal twin towers on either side of the building, which add a unique visual highlight to the library.
The first floor of the library has been restored to resemble its original form as a city library. Here, you'll find displays of historical documents related to its past. The second floor showcases local publications and niche magazines.
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Tohoku Gakuin is the oldest private school in Aomori Prefecture, founded in 1872, and later relocated to Otemon Plaza in 1987. The Former Foreign Teachers House, built in 1900, is now managed by Hirosaki City.
This building showcases the lifestyle of foreign teachers during the Meiji era through its period-style furniture and decor. There is also a cafe located on the first floor, where visitors can enjoy coffee and relax after their visit.
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The Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art has been transformed from a brick warehouse built during the Meiji and Taisho periods in Yoshino-cho. This former brewery now stands as a symbol of Hirosaki's modern industrial heritage.
The museum gathers artworks from both domestic and international artists, focusing on contemporary art that reflects the history and culture of Hirosaki and the Tohoku region.
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Zenringai is located to the southwest of Hirosaki Castle. It was established in 1610 by the second feudal lord of the Tsugaru clan, Nobuhira Tsugaru, who concentrated 33 Soto Zen temples in the Tsugaru region along this long street.
This unique layout was designed to enhance the defense of the castle, making it quite rare even in Japan! Among these temples, Chosho-ji's Sanmon gate is particularly impressive, standing at 16.2 meters tall and built in 1629. It has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
When it comes to Hirosaki’s cuisine, you can’t miss out on apple-related desserts! Aside from apple treats, there are places near Hirosaki Park where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine. Here are five restaurants and cafes located close to Hirosaki Park, making it easy to include them in your one-day tour of Hirosaki.
You'll see many locals dining inside Ginsui Shokudo upon opening the door. This is a tell-tale sign that it's a beloved Japanese restaurant in the community.
The dishes here are simple yet comforting, evoking a sense of home. The menu offers a wide variety, including grilled meat set meals, oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), stir-fried noodles, and ramen. Best of all, the dishes are very reasonably priced. It's a great place to experience authentic flavors.
Address: 15-2 Shinkajimachi, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
Google Map
If you enjoy nostalgic cafes, you should not miss out on visiting Cafe Rubian!
Run by a friendly older gentleman, this cozy cafe exudes a retro atmosphere. Each dish on the menu is memorable, whether it's the aromatic spaghetti Napolitan to the sweet strawberry sundae. The strawberry sundae, in particular, is the perfect dessert to end your meal!
Address: 4 Kajimachi, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
Google Map
Located next to Hirosaki Castle, the signature apple cake at cafe KITAMON is one of the writer's favorites. They even ate it twice within three days!
Made with fresh local apples, the cake is sweet but not overwhelming. It has a dense texture that allows you to savor the seasonal flavors of Hirosaki in every bite. After a stroll around Hirosaki Park, enjoying a slice of apple cake with a hot coffee is pure bliss.
Address: 90-1 Kameko-machi, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
Google Map
Since Coffee Jidaiya opens at 8 AM, it is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and kickstart your day.
Order a rich hand-poured coffee along with a golden, crispy apple pie to recharge for a day filled with adventure. The elderly lady who operates the cafe always greets customers with a warm smile, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for anyone who visits.
Address: 9 Mototeramachi, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Mikami Building 1F
Google Map
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The Starbucks located next to Hirosaki Park is housed in a century-old building. It was originally built in 1917 as the official residence of the Commander of the 8th Division. This structure features a unique blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles, combining a traditional Japanese roof with characteristics of Western-style mansions. Moreover, this Starbucks is the second location in Japan to be registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property!
Address: 1-1 Kamishiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
Google Map
The Taisho Roman Tea Room is located within the Fujita Memorial Garden. This historic building was originally constructed in 1919 as a private residence for Hirosaki entrepreneur Fujita Ken'ichi.
The architecture reflects the influence of Western Romanticism from the Taisho era and has a classical elegance. Due to its popularity, we recommend visiting early and taking a numbered ticket. Otherwise, many of the popular desserts may sell out by the afternoon!
Address: 8-1 Kamishiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
Google Map
Hirosaki offers a variety of accommodation options that cater to different travelers' needs. This includes business hotels near Hirosaki Station and youth hostels close to Hirosaki Park.
It’s important to note that accommodations are in high demand during the cherry blossom season and the Neputa Festival! If you plan to visit Hirosaki during these times, be sure to book your hotel and lodging well in advance.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The Hirosaki City Art Hotel is conveniently located across from Hirosaki Station, making it an ideal choice for sightseeing and business travelers. The hotel offers a variety of rooms, including twin rooms, double rooms, and even apple-themed rooms inspired by the local apple culture.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
It takes about an 8-minute walk from Dormy Inn Hirosaki to Hirosaki Park. Some guest rooms even offer charming city views, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful seasonal scenery of Hirosaki.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
In addition to a stylish bar and gourmet restaurant, the hotel features a natural hot spring bath! If you enjoy soaking in hot springs, Dormy Inn Hirosaki is the perfect choice for your stay.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
If you’re planning a solo trip, you might consider staying at Orando no Nikai. It is only a 10-minute walk from Hirosaki Park. The accommodation offers mixed dormitories for men and women, women-only dorms, and Japanese tatami rooms that can be separated or combined as needed.
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The public facilities include separate restrooms for men and women, two shared shower rooms, and one women-only shower room. Additionally, there is a small kitchen available for guests to prepare simple meals.
Souvenirs in Hirosaki typically feature apple-related products, such as apple pie, apple jam, and apple juice. Additionally, locally made crafts like Tsugaru lacquerware ("tsugaru nuri" in Japanese) are highly recommended as collectible keepsakes.
Here are two recommended places to shop when looking to buy souvenirs in Hirosaki.
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Hirosaki Station houses several shops that specialize in local souvenirs, making it a convenient stop for picking up gifts before boarding your train. The shops offer various options, including apple pie, apple jam, and apple juice. You'll also find local handcrafted items like Tsugaru lacquerware.
Located in Hirosaki City, Kashitsukasa Mishima was established in 1905 and has over 120 years of history. This traditional Japanese sweet shop is beloved by locals for its principle of creating wagashi that customers will love. One of the signature products is "Pie Manju," an apple pie that incorporates elements of wagashi, priced at 160 yen each.
The Pie Manju features a soft pie crust, filled with a handmade apple jam made from the "Kogyoku" variety of apples grown in Nishitsugaru. It has a naturally sweet flavor and a unique texture that makes it unforgettable. The individual packaging is convenient for carrying, making it a perfect souvenir. The writer purchased the Pie Manju to share as a souvenir with friends and family!
Address: 39 Wakatoku-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
Google Map
There are many sights worth exploring around Hirosaki. If you have the time, we recommend extending your trip to the Tsugaru Peninsula and boarding the Gono Line to experience local natural beauty and cultural charm.
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Traveling on the Gono Line offers stunning views of the Sea of Japan along the coast. Especially on clear days, the blue sea and the stretching coastline create picturesque scenery.
The beauty of the Tsugaru Peninsula is also breathtaking aboard the local train line. If you enjoy hot springs, we recommend taking the Gono Line to WeSPa Tsubakiyama Station and visiting Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen for a unique hot spring experience right by the sea.
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Traveling from Hirosaki to Aomori City takes only about 40 minutes by train. Aomori City boasts many unique attractions, including the Sannai-Maruyama Historical Site. It is the largest Jomon period settlement site in Japan, dating back roughly 5,500 to 4,000 years. Aomori Prefecture designated this site for preservation in 1994 and later registered it as a National Special Historic Site in 2000.
After reading this article, you should have a good understanding of Hirosaki's dining, drinking, and recreational options! If you're still contemplating how to arrange your itinerary, feel free to refer to the following one-day itinerary plan created by MATCHA for a delightful experience in Hirosaki!
Here’s a suggested one-day itinerary in Hirosaki:
Hirosaki Castle & Hirosaki Park
Start your day by exploring the beautiful Hirosaki Castle and its surrounding park, especially if you're visiting during the cherry blossom season.
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Fujita Memorial Garden
After the park, head to the Fujita Memorial Garden. While you're there, grab a numbered ticket for the Taisho Roman Tea Room to enjoy some refreshments later.
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Ginsui Shokudo (Lunch)
Stop for lunch at Ginsui Shokudo to savor local Japanese dishes.
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Former Hirosaki City Library
Visit the historic former city library, known for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings.
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Aomori Bank Memorial Museum
Take a short trip to the Aomori Bank Memorial Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of the region.
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Tsugaru-han Neputa Villag
End your day at Tsugaru-han Neputa Village to experience traditional Tsugaru culture and view beautiful Neputa floats.
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cafe KITAMON / Taisho Roman Tea Room
Start your day by enjoying breakfast at cafe KITAMON or brunch at the Taisho Roman Tea Room. Savor delicious local apple dishes and other treats.
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Hirosaki Apple Park
After your meal, head to the Hirosaki Apple Park. If you're short on time, you can also consider visiting the park the next morning.
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Cafe Rubian (Dinner)
For dinner, stop by Cafe Rubian, where you can enjoy comforting dishes, including their famous spaghetti Napolitan and strawberry sundae.
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Return to Hirosaki Station
Picture courtesy of Pixta
Hirosaki's charm lies not only in its stunning cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. There's also delightful local cuisine hidden in the corners of the city, especially irresistible apple desserts.
Known as the "City of Apples," Hirosaki is a relaxing travel destination where you can stroll through parks and discover cozy cafes, restaurants, and attractions that change seasonally. Embracing its unique local atmosphere will undoubtedly make your journey in Hirosaki even more unforgettable!