Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle, The 1611 Castle Of The Tsugaru Clan In Far Northern Honshu, With One Of The Few Small Original Keeps Left In Japan And A Surrounding Park Famous For Its Cherry Blossom In Late April And Early May. · Hirosaki, Aomori
Hirosaki Castle is the 1611 castle of the Tsugaru clan, set in Hirosaki Park in Aomori, in far northern Honshu. It keeps a small original three-storey keep, one of about 12 original keeps surviving in Japan, and that keep was moved in 2015 to allow repair of the stone wall beneath - confirm its current position. The park is the real draw: thousands of cherry trees, wide moats and old gates, and a blossom festival from roughly late April to early May - confirm - when the moat is covered in fallen petals. A snow lantern festival is held in February - confirm. The inner grounds charge a small admission. It suits blossom seekers and castle fans, and apple lovers will enjoy Hirosaki's apple pie and cider. It is a trip from Aomori of about 45 minutes - confirm - and the keep is small, so it is worth the detour for the park, the moats and the walk more than the interior. Winters are cold, windy and snowy.
Hirosaki Park, 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori, a short bus or walk from Hirosaki Station, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
The park is open at all hours and free to walk, but the inner grounds and keep keep daytime hours, commonly from about 9:00 and closing around 17:00, with last entry earlier and shorter hours in winter - confirm. The keep interior may close in winter or during repair work, and the inner grounds can close during snow festivals or on set days. During the cherry blossom festival, hours are extended and evening illumination is common - confirm dates. From Aomori take the JR Ou Line to Hirosaki, commonly about 45 minutes - confirm - then walk about 15 minutes or take a loop bus. Book hotels months ahead for blossom week and avoid Golden Week.