Hirosaki is a city located in the southwestern part of Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It is a fortified city and was the Tsugaru clan that ruled during the Edo period. The city is currently a regional commercial center and the largest apple producer in Japan. The city government has been promoting the slogan “Apple Hirosaki Colored Town” and “Castle, Cherry Blossom and Apple Town” to promote the image of the city.
Hirosaki Castle is a 17th century Japanese castle located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture in Japan. It was built in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan. Currently the castle consists of a main building with 3 levels, the moat, the gate and some yagura, either the original ones or a modern reconstruction.
Points of interest
Hirosaki Castle and park : Hirosaki-jo Hirosaki Park is a vast space with three moats and the remains of the original fortress, including its access gates and three corner towers. It is a very pleasant place to take a walk, many people come during the HANAMI (cherry blossom) in late April and early May.
The construction of Hirosaki Castle ended in 1611, but the castle was destroyed in 1627 by a fire caused by lightning. One of the corner towers was rebuilt in 1810 and houses a small museum with objects from the SAMURAI.
Admission: 300 yen and 09:00 – 17:00. April to November
Numuta mura shows an excellent and vast exhibition, on two floors, of the rare fan-shaped floats that parade during Neputa matsuri. Visitors can play the huge drums that accompany the parades, dressed in a Neputa smock and accompanied by a traditional flute player. It is an addictive diversion.
The Temple Quarter : Zenrin-gai, is another enclave that evokes ancient Japan. It extends along a central avenue, all lined with shrines, to the CHUSO-JI, family temple of the TUGARU clan.
From Tokyo to Hirosaki
JR train: Tokyo – Bullet train – Aomori: lasts about 3.5 hours. >> Aomori Station, JR Ou honor – 50 mini – Hirosaki. Total cost is 19, ooo yen per person
Car from Tokyo to Hirosaki: lasts 8 hours by Tohoku Expressway (Tohokudo)