[2025 Hirosaki ] Travel Guide for Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (Updated Aug)

Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is said to be the best in Japan. The annual Hirosaki Sakura Festival attracts 2.45 million people, making it one of Japan's largest cherry blossom viewing spots. The most popular attraction is the Hanaikada, which is slightly past its peak cherry blossom viewing season. The park is filled with about 2,600 cherry trees, and you can see a flood of cherry blossoms, as well as the famous Hanaikada, which can be seen in the inner moat surrounding the castle ruins. Admission to Hirosaki Park is free, and admission is required only for the main castle, Hirosaki Castle. The cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park are voluminous and fluffy, unlike the typical Somei Yoshino cherry trees. This is because, although it is generally said that cherry tree branches should not be cut, Hirosaki's cherry blossoms are protected by the "Team Sakuramori," a group of cherry blossom professionals, who have been working to protect the branches of cherry trees from the apple cultivation in Aomori. By applying the pruning techniques used in the cherry blossom festival, the cherry blossoms are carefully cultivated so that the dense cherry blossoms can be enjoyed, with larger clusters, more flower clusters, and a longer lifespan than ordinary Somei-Yoshino cherry trees. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually at the end of April. The best time to see the flower rafts is usually around Golden Week, but in recent years, the timing may be earlier or later due to global warming, so you need to check the flowering status frequently. By the way, you can enjoy a stylish cherry blossom viewing experience by taking a sightseeing boat through the flower rafts with cherry blossoms falling from the inner moat of the Higashi-naimon Gate. Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 Fee: 1,500 yen for junior high school students and above *As of April 2023 Date: Friday, April 18, 2025 - Monday, May 5, 2025 Admission: Free for the garden, 320 yen for adults/100 yen for children for the main citadel Special illumination: April 18th to May 5th, from sunset to 22:00 Time required: Approximately 2 hours for one round Access: 30 minutes on foot from JR Hirosaki Station, approximately 8 minutes by taxi, approximately 20 minutes by bus in the direction of Hirosaki Park or the Cultural Center #Seasonal places in Japan #Aomori Prefecture #Famous cherry blossom spot #Amazing view

Hirosaki Park is located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It takes two hours to get there by Shinkansen from Sendai. It is a breathtaking cherry blossom viewing spot. In the spring, the cherry blossoms here are like a dream, attracting tourists from all directions, making it a holy place for cherry blossom viewing. As you enter Hirosaki Park, you will soon see the magnificent Hirosaki Castle. As one of the 12 existing castle towers, this castle not only has a long history, but also carries many stories. Standing on the city wall, overlooking the entire park, the cherry blossoms on the trees are as magnificent as clouds, and you can also see Tsugaru Fuji, which makes people feel awe. Every April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the atmosphere in the park becomes lively and joyful. Walking under the trees, you can hear laughter and the sound of camera shutters. Tourists are having picnics under the cherry trees and enjoying the warm spring sun. Especially when the breeze blows gently, the cherry blossom petals fall like snowflakes, as if you are in a romantic fairyland, making people intoxicated involuntarily. During the cherry blossom season, Hirosaki Park also holds a grand cherry blossom festival. A variety of stalls offer local delicacies, and traditional performances are a feast for the eyes. When night falls, the lights in the park are turned on, and the night cherry blossoms have a unique flavor. The romantic atmosphere is heart-warming and makes people want to stay here longer. In short, the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park are not only a natural wonder, but also a wonderful memory. Every spring, this place becomes a spiritual haven for both cherry blossom lovers and travelers who want to experience the charm of spring in Japan. Walk into Hirosaki Park, let the cherry blossoms dance with you, and feel the beauty of life. This is a spring trip you cannot miss. #仙台樱花 #foodphotography #樱花 #trip Aomori

#cherryblossom25 Aomori, located in the northern tip of Japan’s Honshu island, is one of the country’s most enchanting destinations for cherry blossom viewing, typically blooming from late April to early May, later than most other regions in Japan due to its cooler climate. Highlights of Aomori Cherry Blossoms: Hirosaki Castle Park is the crown jewel of Aomori’s sakura season. With over 2,600 cherry trees, moats filled with floating petals, and the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Iwaki, it’s considered one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom spots. The park features cherry blossom tunnels, petal-filled moats (called “hana-ikada”), and beautifully lit nighttime illuminations that offer a magical, almost surreal viewing experience. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival draws visitors with local food, cultural performances, and boat rides under the blossoms. Aomori’s blend of nature, history, and northern charm creates a unique sakura experience that feels both majestic and intimate.

#cherryblossom25 Boating in Hirosaki Park under a shower of cherry blossoms is a dreamlike experience. From late April to early May, the cherry trees along the moat are in full bloom. When the breeze blows, petals gently fall onto the water and around you, as if you're drifting through a sea of pink flowers. As you slowly row the boat, you hear the soft sounds of water and distant laughter, with petals drifting down and cherry blossoms reflected in the water around you.

#cherryblossom25 Hirosaki Park is located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, is a destination that draws visitors from around the world every spring, especially during the cherry blossom season, it is very famous for cherry blossom. Hirosaki Park known for its incredible cherry blossom display, the park is home to over 2,500 cherry trees, making it one of Japan's most stunning locations to witness this iconic natural phenomenon.

#cherryblossom25 This cherry blossom rain is particularly magical in the early morning or during the evening. As the soft glow of sunrise or the warm light of lanterns illuminates the falling petals, the park takes on a serene and almost mystical atmosphere. Visitors often find themselves caught in the moment, feeling the gentle breeze, breathing in the floral scent, and watching as nature puts on its most beautiful show.

#cherryblossom25 📍 Hirosaki Park (弘前公園) Located in Hirosaki City, Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s Top 3 Cherry Blossom Destinations. It boasts a wide variety of cherry blossoms, including over 400 Somei Yoshino trees that are more than 100 years old! 🌸 The famous Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from April 18 to May 5 this year. During the festival, you can enjoy countless food stalls offering local specialties like fried corn, candied apples, and the region’s signature black konjac! 🎡🍡 At night, the park will be illuminated, creating a magical night hanami experience you don't want to miss. 📍 Ashino Park (芦野公園) Located in Goshogawara City, Ashino Park is among the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan". 🌸🚂 Here, the "Run, Melos!" train passes through tunnels of fully bloomed sakura — a breathtaking scene straight out of a storybook. Every year, train lovers and travelers from all over Japan flock here to witness the fairytale-like scenery. The Kanagi Sakura Festival will be held from April 23 to April 29 this year. Local food stalls will offer delights like ginger miso oden, so you can savor the unique flavors of the Tsugaru region. Ashino Park also has ties to famous author Osamu Dazai, who spent his childhood here. You can even visit his childhood home, Shayōkan, by taking the "Run, Melos!" train to Kanagi Station. 🚂📖 📍 Towada City Government Office Street (十和田市官厅街通り) Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Roads, this 1.1 km-long avenue in Towada City is lined with 155 cherry trees and 160 pine trees, forming a beautiful quadruple-lined avenue. 🌸🌲 Each spring, the entire street transforms into a dreamy pink wonderland. Along the sidewalks, you'll also find modern art installations related to horses, enhancing the poetic atmosphere and making every stroll here unforgettable. #travel

The cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, are famous nationwide. There are plenty of food stalls within Hirosaki Park (offering snacks like dango and ice cream, etc.). The cherry blossoms at night were so beautiful that they moved me. I also went to see the popular heart-shaped cherry blossom spot! I was wondering where it could be, but it was easy to find since everyone was gathered around it (laughs). I love not only the full bloom but also the falling petals of the cherry blossoms. I definitely recommend seeing the pink carpet and the flower rafts!