Hirosaki Park

Hirosaki Park (also known as Oyokoen) is a vast park located in the center of Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, covering a total area of approximately 492,000 square meters. This site was once home to Hirosaki Castle, the residence of the Tsugaru clan, who governed the Hirosaki Domain with a stipend of 100,000 koku, and it still strongly retains the atmosphere of the feudal era.

At the heart of the park stands Hirosaki Castle, the northernmost surviving castle keep in Japan. The current keep was rebuilt in 1810 and is one of the 12 surviving keeps dating from the Edo period. As the only surviving keep in the Tohoku region, it has also been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Hirosaki Castle consists of six baileys, and around the main enclosure, numerous gates, turrets, and moats remain as they were in the past. It is extremely rare in Japan for a castle preserved on such a scale to be open to the public as a park. In particular, the view of the vermilion railing and the keep from Nijubashi Bridge is a popular photo spot. Also worth noting is the intricate shachihoko decoration on the castle keep’s roof, featuring a tiger’s head and a fish’s body.

Hirosaki Park hosts a variety of events along with the beauty of nature in every season, attracting many visitors throughout the year.

■ Spring: Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
One of Japan’s premier cherry blossom destinations, the park is adorned with more than 2,600 cherry trees of about 52 varieties. Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms are in full bloom, offering many spectacular sights such as cherry blossom tunnels, the contrast of Hirosaki Castle and cherry blossoms, and “hanikada,” where fallen petals cover the outer moat like a floating carpet. Held every year from mid-April to early May, this major event welcomes about 2 million visitors from across Japan. At night, the blossoms are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

■ Autumn: Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival
From mid-October to early November, about 1,000 maples, ginkgo trees, and even the cherry trees turn color, bathing the park in red and gold. Chrysanthemum dolls and floral displays are also exhibited, and at night the illuminated foliage creates a dreamy, enchanting scene.

■ Winter: Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival / Winter Sakura Light-Up
In February, the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is held, with around 200 snow sculptures, snow lanterns, and mini kamakura dotting the park, creating a fantastical space lit by candlelight. In the “Winter Sakura Light-Up,” snow-covered cherry branches are illuminated in pink, captivating visitors with the sight of cherry blossoms seemingly blooming in winter.

■ Tourist Spots Around Hirosaki Park
There are also many attractive sightseeing spots in the area surrounding Hirosaki Park.

Tsugaru Domain Neputa Village
A facility where visitors can experience the history and culture of the Neputa Festival, including actual float displays and taiko drumming experiences.

Fujita Memorial Garden
A beautiful garden where a Western-style building and a Japanese garden harmonize, allowing visitors to enjoy seasonal flowers and scenery.

Starbucks Coffee Hirosaki Park Mae Store
A registered tangible cultural property housed in the former residence of the commander of the 8th Division, built during the Taisho era. Its retro, charming atmosphere is very popular.

Hirosaki Park is one of Tohoku’s leading tourist destinations, where historic buildings, seasonal natural beauty, and local traditional culture come together in harmony. From spring cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and winter snowscapes to seasonal events, it offers a different charm each time you visit. Exploring the park by rickshaw will allow you to enjoy its elegant atmosphere even more.