Hirosaki Castle: Cherry Blossoms and a Castle That Moves
How to visit Hirosaki Castle in Aomori: the famous cherry blossom festival, the keep that returned home in 2026, and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: a castle in northern Honshu with one of only twelve original keeps left in Japan.
- Famous for: around 2,600 cherry trees and moats carpeted in pink petals.
- 2026 news: the keep was pulled back to its original spot in August 2026 after stone wall repairs.
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours in Hirosaki Park.
- Best time: late April to early May for cherry blossom.
Every spring, Hirosaki Park bursts into pink. Thousands of cherry trees surround the small white keep, and when the petals fall they cover the moats in a soft pink carpet called a flower raft.
Why Hirosaki Castle is a wonder
The current keep dates from the early 1800s and is one of only twelve original castle keeps in Japan. It is small but elegant, with white walls and green copper roofs.
Its cherry trees are among the most celebrated in the country, thanks to local gardeners who use apple-growing techniques to keep the old trees healthy and full of blossom.
The castle that moved
In 2015, the 400 tonne keep was moved about 70 metres so that its bulging stone wall could be rebuilt. For more than ten years it sat on a temporary spot.
In August 2026 the repairs were finished, and over a thousand volunteers helped pull the keep back towards its original position with ropes.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Castle keep | An original Edo era keep above the moat | 30 minutes |
| West Moat | A tunnel of cherry trees along the water | 30 minutes |
| Hanaikada | Moats covered in fallen petals at the end of the season | 20 minutes |
| Shunyobashi Bridge | A red bridge framed by blossom | 10 minutes |
| Fujita Memorial Garden | A garden with views to Mount Iwaki | 45 minutes |
When to go
- Late April to early May: the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, with night illumination.
- Early May: the flower rafts form as petals fall onto the moats.
- Autumn: red leaves and a chrysanthemum festival.
- Winter: a snow lantern festival in February.
Our tip: Come back after dark during the festival. The lit-up trees reflected in the moats are even more beautiful than by day.
Getting there
- From Tokyo: take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, then a JR train to Hirosaki.
- From Hirosaki Station: city buses reach the park in about 15 minutes, or walk in around 30 minutes.
- During the festival: expect busy trains and book accommodation early.
Visiting tips
- Do not shake branches or pick blossom.
- Use the bins provided and take extra rubbish home.
- Check the keep's opening hours, as access can change after the 2026 move.
- Expect large crowds at weekends during the festival.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival?
Usually from late April to early May, depending on the bloom.
Is Hirosaki Castle original?
Yes. Its keep is one of only twelve original castle keeps in Japan.
Why was Hirosaki Castle moved?
It was moved in 2015 so the stone wall beneath it could be rebuilt, and it was pulled back in August 2026.
How do you get to Hirosaki Castle?
Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, a train to Hirosaki, then a bus or a 30 minute walk.
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