Travel Guide: Hirosaki
Hirosaki is a retro castle town famous for cherry blossoms and apples.
Cover photo: Hirosaki Castle at Hirosaki Castle Park, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan (2024). Photo by Danny With Love.
Click on an image for more details.
Intro
Hirosaki (hee-roh-sah-kee) is the historic political and economic center of Aomori Prefecture, home to the only surviving castle in east Japan. Today, Hirosaki is famous as the largest producer of ringo (apples) in the nation. It’s also known for cherry blossoms and the exciting Hirosaki Neputa Festival — featuring giant decorated lantern floats in the shape of fans.
I stayed in Hirosaki for three nights amidst the summer festival season. Truthfully, I only stopped here because hotels in Aomori City were fully booked; it proved serendipitous as I enjoyed my time in Hirosaki very much. Home to just 170,000 people, the fruit-obsessed town offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. I found the castle park especially lovely and it was a joy to see apples around every corner. Please read on for more details and travel tips.
History
First known as Takaoka, Hirosaki (弘前) was established as a castle town around 1603 by Tamenobu Tsugaru (津軽為信) — a feudal lord loyal to Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣 秀吉). In 1871, the Tsugaru Domain and surroundings were combined into Aomori Prefecture (青森県) by the Meiji Government and the prefectural office was relocated to Aomori City.
American apples were introduced to the area in the late 18th century. Hirosaki resident Tatee Kikuchi (菊池 楯衛) is credited with popularizing the fruit’s cultivation. Today, the city grows some 170,000 tons every year, about 20% of Japan’s total apple production.
Hirosaki Castle
The city’s top attraction is Hirosaki-jo, one of Japan’s twelve original castles. The castle grounds feature multiple gates, turrets, moats, and bridges, as well as a botanical garden. The park is most popular in cherry blossom season, boasting over 50 blooming varieties.
The castle’s stone wall base is currently undergoing renovation; incredibly, the entire 400-ton structure was moved to its new temporary site in 2015. Visitors can still enter the castle. Renovations are expected to be completed in 2026.
Cuisine
Of course, a visit to Hirosaki is incomplete without a bite of apple. It’s sold in virtually every way imaginable — like whole fruit, juice, and gelato — but the most popular form is classic apple pie. Hirosaki has released a convenient Apple Pie Guide, comparing the level of sweetness, tartness, and cinnamon found in pies throughout the city. There is a pie suited to every taste!
Hirosaki also offers soba (buckwheat noodles) and seafood, notably scallops. As it was festival season during my visit, many restaurants were busy; I’m most disappointed to have missed Anzu, known for live performances of Tsugaru shamisen (Japanese stringed instrument).
Events
Hirosaki’s major events include the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (mid-April to early May), the Hirosaki Neputa Festival (August 1st to 7th), Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival (late October to early November), and the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (early February).
Transportation & Accommodation
Hirosaki is about one hour from Aomori City by train, and four from Tokyo. It is also served by Aomori Airport. The city center is easy to walk; buses and taxis are available. Hotels are located near JR Hirosaki Station. I recommend making reservations at least two months in advance for major events.
Top Attractions
Hirosaki Castle & Park (One of Japan’s Twelve Original Castles)
Tsugaru-Han Neputa Village (Festival Gallery & Cultural Center)
Fujita Memorial Garden (Traditional Japanese Garden)
Brick A-Factory (Local Souvenir Shop)
Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Gallery and Souvenirs)
Starbucks Koen-Mae (Former Army Commander Residence)
Nakacho (Samurai District)*
Former Hirosaki City Library (Historic Wooden Building)*
Hirosaki Apple Park (Apple Picking)*
Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art*
Saishoin (Temple with Five-Storied Pagoda)*
*I have not visited these attractions.
Additional Ideas
Hirosaki can serve as a base to explore west Aomori Prefecture — best with a rental car. Nearby attractions include the Ghibli-referenced garden Seibi-en, internet-famous Inakadate Village Rice Art Field, scenic bridge Tsuru no Maihashi, vibrant Takayama Inari Shrine, and the UNESCO-certified forest Shirakami Sanchi.
