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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Hirosaki.
“Immerse yourself in a real-life fairy tale amidst the blooming cherry blossoms and picturesque landscapes of Hirosaki; a land that embodies the perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and modern-day adventure waiting to be discovered.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Hirosaki:
1. Hirosaki Castle Park
A historic castle park located in Hirosaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the expansive park grounds and admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring.
Visit the Hirosaki Castle and Museum to learn about the history of the area and enjoy panoramic views of the park.
Attend the annual Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in late April to early May, which includes food vendors, traditional performances, and illuminations.
Don’t miss: The iconic “weeping cherry tree” near the castle keep, which is over 370 years old and is one of Japan’s designated National Natural Monuments.
Also, take a boat tour around the moat surrounding the castle.
Insider travel tips: Try the local delicacy, Hirosaki Neputa, a type of rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste or chestnut. Avoid visiting during Golden Week (late April to early May), as the park will be very crowded.
Alternatively, you can go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
2. Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event held in Hirosaki, Japan, celebrating the arrival of Spring and the blooming of the cherry blossom trees in Hirosaki Park.
What to see or do: Visitors can expect to see more than 2,600 cherry blossom trees in full bloom, with stunning pink and white petals filling the park.
The festival features food stalls selling traditional Japanese snacks and drinks, as well as cultural performances including music and dance.
Don’t miss: The iconic Hirosaki Castle, surrounded by a moat and nestled in the park, is a sight to behold during cherry blossom season.
It’s also worth taking a stroll around the park at night, when the trees are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: – The festival is usually held in late April to early May, but the exact timing can vary based on when the cherry blossoms bloom.
Check the festival website for the latest information.
3. Tsugaru-han Neputa Village
Tsugaru-han Neputa Village is a cultural center dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditional Neputa festival of the Tsugaru region in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see numerous examples of Neputa floats and learn about the history and meaning behind the festival through exhibits and demonstrations.
There are also workshops where visitors can participate in traditional crafts such as drumming and lantern-making.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the center’s offerings is the opportunity to see a live Neputa performance, which features boisterous music, dancing, and giant illuminated floats.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit Tsugaru-han Neputa Village is during the Neputa Festival in early August, when the entire city of Hirosaki comes alive with parades, traditional food and entertainment, and fireworks displays.
Be sure to try the local delicacies, including Tsugaru-jamisen-bento (a boxed lunch featuring local specialties) and hiyashi-reimen (cold noodles in a refreshing broth).
4. Hirosaki Apple Park
Hirosaki Apple Park is a park dedicated to apples, located in Hirosaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the orchard, see different types of apple trees, and enjoy tasty apple products.
The park also holds various apple-themed events and festivals throughout the year, including apple picking in the fall, apple blossom viewing in the spring, and apple cider sampling in the winter.
Don’t miss: The Apple Museum, which showcases the history of the apple industry in Hirosaki, is a must-see. Visitors can also try different types of apples at the Apple Taste Testing Station to find their favorite.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting in the fall, make sure to try the freshly made apple cider. The park can get crowded, so consider visiting during the week or in the early morning to avoid the crowds.
Additionally, don’t forget to bring home some apple-based souvenirs from the Apple Park gift shop.
5. Hirosaki City Museum
Hirosaki City Museum is a historical and cultural museum located in Hirosaki, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum exhibits a wide range of artifacts including swords, armor, pottery, and paintings that reflect the unique history of Hirosaki.
Visitors can explore the permanent exhibits, which cover the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration, as well as special exhibitions that are held throughout the year.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the museum’s collection of samurai armor and weapons.
The exhibit features impressive suits of armor worn by warriors during the Edo period, providing a glimpse into the life of samurai and their fighting techniques.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and closed on Mondays.
6. Hirosaki Catholic Church
The Hirosaki Catholic Church is a stunning Western-style church located in Hirosaki, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors to the Hirosaki Catholic Church can admire the exquisite European architecture and interior design of this historic church. The church features intricate stained glass windows, detailed woodcarvings, and beautiful paintings.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a close look at the altar and the ceiling frescoes, which are masterpieces of art. Visitors can also attend mass or other religious services at the church.
Insider travel tips: – The Hirosaki Catholic Church is located near the Hirosaki Castle, so you can easily visit both attractions in one trip.
7. Iwakiyama Shrine
Iwakiyama Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine located on Mount Iwaki in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a scenic hike up the mountain to reach the shrine and take in stunning views along the way.
The shrine itself is known for its gorgeous red torii gates and impressive architecture. It’s a peaceful and serene spot to take a break and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the stunning cherry blossoms that bloom around the shrine in the springtime. The vibrant pink flowers make for a truly breathtaking sight.
Insider travel tips: Bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water for the hike up to the shrine. Try to visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and smaller crowds.
Don’t forget to pick up a good luck charm at the shrine’s souvenir shop.
8. Fujita Memorial Garden
A traditional Japanese garden located in Hirosaki, Japan, covering an area of 30,000 square meters.
What to see or do: Stroll through the picturesque landscape, complete with a pond, waterfall, and tea house. Admire the seasonal flowers, including cherry blossoms in the spring, and brightly colored leaves in the fall.
Don’t miss: The meticulously pruned pine trees and the distinctive red-lacquered bridge over the pond, which offers a stunning view of the garden.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in late April for an unforgettable experience.
9. Hirosaki Botanical Garden
A botanical garden located in Hirosaki city, Japan.
What to see or do: The garden covers an area of about 32 hectares and features a wide variety of plants and flowers such as cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, and irises.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the walking paths, enjoy the seasonal blooms, and explore the different sections of the garden, including the greenhouse and the water garden.
Don’t miss: The cherry blossom season in late April to early May, when the garden is covered in a sea of pink blossoms.
The illuminated cherry blossom trees in the evening are also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: Visit the garden early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months as mosquitoes can be abundant. Additionally, consider renting a bike to explore the garden and surrounding area.
10. Nanatsudaki Falls
Nanatsudaki Falls is a collection of seven cascading waterfalls located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the falls, hike through the lush forest trails, and take in the panoramic views from the observation deck.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit during autumn when the surrounding foliage transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, making for a perfect photo opportunity.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes for the hike, and bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views.
The falls can get crowded during peak tourist times, so visiting early in the morning or on a weekday may offer a quieter experience.
11. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival Botanical Garden
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in the Botanical Garden is a world-famous event held annually in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can witness the beauty of over 2,600 cherry blossom trees in full bloom, stroll around the tranquil gardens, and enjoy traditional Japanese performances and food.
Don’t miss: The mesmerizing sight of the illuminated cherry blossom trees at night, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: – The festival is usually held from late April to early May, but check the dates beforehand to avoid missing it.
12. Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden
A beautiful botanical garden located within the grounds of Hirosaki Castle in Aomori, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the changing seasons through a variety of flora including cherry blossoms in the spring, hydrangeas in the summer, autumn foliage in the fall, and snow roses in the winter.
There are over 3200 apple trees, which are the specialty of the region, and a large greenhouse featuring tropical plants.
Don’t miss: The illuminated cherry blossom trees during the spring nights, and the apple blossom festival held in early May. Additionally, the garden is home to a picturesque pond with a traditional Japanese-style bridge.
Insider travel tips: For those visiting in the spring, it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and to get a good spot for the cherry blossom illumination at night.
Also, taking a guided tour of the castle grounds will provide an informative and fascinating insight into the region’s history.
13. Chosho-ji Temple
Chosho-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the historic temple grounds and admire its unique architecture, which combines traditional Japanese and Chinese styles. The temple is particularly renowned for its stunning garden, which is considered one of the twelve great gardens of Japan.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a stroll through the temple’s beautiful garden, which boasts a pond, a waterfall, and a variety of seasonal flowers and trees.
Don’t forget to stop by the temple’s main hall to view its impressive Buddhist statues and artifacts.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, visit Chosho-ji Temple early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you’re traveling during cherry blossom season, be sure to see the temple’s cherry blossom trees in full bloom.
Additionally, take some time to relax in the temple’s tea house and enjoy a cup of matcha tea.
14. Fujita Memorial Garden Apple Orchard
The Fujita Memorial Garden is a beautiful park in Hirosaki, Japan, known for its stunning cherry blossoms and peaceful atmosphere. Within the park, there is also an apple orchard that is open to the public.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through the apple orchard and pick fresh apples straight from the trees. The orchard is typically open from late August to early November, depending on the weather and harvest season.
There are several varieties of apples, including Fuji and Tsugaru.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to taste the freshly picked apples! You can eat them right there in the orchard or take them home as a souvenir.
The park also has a tea house and museum, which are worth a visit.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit during peak apple season for the best selection of ripe fruit.