Hirosaki Park: Cherry Blossoms and Castle Views

Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots. This year, it’s the last chance to see Hirosaki Castle under construction alongside the stunning cherry blossoms and Mount Iwaki.

Hirosaki Park is an urban park covering approximately 49 hectares, centered around the outer moat of Hirosaki Castle. The park is home to around 2,600 cherry trees, and every spring, the “Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival” is held, attracting many tourists. The park also features a Japanese garden, a boating pond, and historical buildings, offering visitors a chance to enjoy nature throughout the year. Particularly during the cherry blossom season in spring, it becomes a popular spot not only for tourists but also for locals. It is a beautiful place where history and nature merge, and it’s a great destination to experience the charm of Hirosaki.

Location	1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori
Access	From Hirosaki Station, take the Hirosaki City Circular Bus for 15 minutes and get off at the Shiyakushomae stop. It’s a 4-minute walk from there.
Open Hour	The park is open 24 hours. The paid area is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the hours are from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Cherry Blossom Festival Period	April 16, 2025 – May 5, 2025
Fee	Entrance is free; the paid area near Hirosaki Castle is 320 yen.
Website	Hirosaki Park

On April 21st, I visited Hirosaki Park on a weekday morning. It wasn’t too crowded, so I was able to explore at a relaxed pace. The friendly staff at the park’s information desk recommended a fantastic spot with a great view of Mount Iwaki and the cherry blossoms, which was a highlight of the visit. The park is vast, with plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the surroundings. I had a delicious apple pie and coffee from one of the stalls.
The park has elevation changes, and there are areas that can be difficult to walk. Additionally, visitors can enjoy boat rides on the moat, so I highly recommend wearing sneakers for comfort.
Be aware that the roads around the park can get quite congested, especially during cherry blossom season, and this year is the last chance to view Hirosaki Castle with the cherry blossoms and Mount Iwaki together.