Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle Ruins)
Enjoy Hirosaki Castle and the beauty of the four seasons
Hirosaki Castle was constructed back in 1611. The castle and the surrounding park opened as Hirosaki Park in May 1895 and has been enjoyed by many locals and visitors ever since.
The castle keep, five castle gates, and three corner turrets that have remained from the Edo period (1603-1867) are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
Hirosaki Park is home to approximately 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties, making it one of the "Three Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan. There are many highlights, such as somei-yoshino, the oldest cherry tree in Hirosaki Park that is 140 years old, the illuminated yozakura (cherry blossoms at night), and "hanaikada," or flower rafts of cherry petals that cover the entire moat. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, held every year from late April to early May, attracts many people from within and outside of the prefecture.
Currently, Hirosaki Castle's keep is being moved to the inner side of the castle's main citadel for repairs to the stonewalls, and for this limited time only, visitors can enjoy taking pictures of the keep and the cherry blossoms together with Mt. Iwaki.
In autumn, about 1,000 maple trees and 2,600 cherry trees turn brilliant colors, and chrysanthemum decorations and floral art adorn the site in the Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival. In winter, about 150 snow lanterns and snow statues handmade by citizens and about 300 miniature kamakura (Japanese igloos) lit with lights create a fantastic world in the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival, offering beautiful seasonal scenes.
The castle keep, five castle gates, and three corner turrets that have remained from the Edo period (1603-1867) are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.
Hirosaki Park is home to approximately 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties, making it one of the "Three Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan. There are many highlights, such as somei-yoshino, the oldest cherry tree in Hirosaki Park that is 140 years old, the illuminated yozakura (cherry blossoms at night), and "hanaikada," or flower rafts of cherry petals that cover the entire moat. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, held every year from late April to early May, attracts many people from within and outside of the prefecture.
Currently, Hirosaki Castle's keep is being moved to the inner side of the castle's main citadel for repairs to the stonewalls, and for this limited time only, visitors can enjoy taking pictures of the keep and the cherry blossoms together with Mt. Iwaki.
In autumn, about 1,000 maple trees and 2,600 cherry trees turn brilliant colors, and chrysanthemum decorations and floral art adorn the site in the Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival. In winter, about 150 snow lanterns and snow statues handmade by citizens and about 300 miniature kamakura (Japanese igloos) lit with lights create a fantastic world in the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival, offering beautiful seasonal scenes.
- Address
- 青森県弘前市1 Oaza Shimoshirogane-cho
- Telephone Number
- 0172-33-8739
- Opening Times
- Honmaru/Kita no Kuruwa: 9:00-17:00 (Apr. 1-Nov. 23)
*May be extended during the Cherry Blossom Festival, etc.
*Free admission except for the above dates and times (Admission is free except for the Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa) - Prices
- ●Single ticket (One-day admission to Hirosaki Castle Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa)
Adult (High school student & older): 320 yen (250 yen)
Child (Elementary & middle school school student) 100 yen (80 yen)
●Common ticket (1-day pass for Hirosaki Castle, Northern Quarter, Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, and Fujita Memorial Garden)
Adult (High school students & older): 520 yen (470 yen)
Child (Elementary & middle school school students): 160 yen (130 yen)
*Annual passes are also available
*Prices in parentheses are for groups of 10 or more people - Duration
- Approximately 2 hours per lap of the park
- Notes