History of the Largest Scale Cherry Blossoms in Japan
The cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park are lauded as the largest-scaled in Japan. They originate back to 1715, when the Tsugaru clan requisitioned 25 Kasumizakura cherry trees from Kyoto and planted them in the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, present day Hirosaki Park. The cherry trees continued to grow with the help from citizens. By the Taisho era, the castle had become surrounded by splendid cherry trees. *Taisho era –1912-1926Near the end of April every year Aomori Prefecture becomes pink with the blossoms of cherry trees. As one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites and one of Japan’s Top 100 Sights of People and Nature, the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park are famed as one of the best cherry blossom sights in Japan. Hirosaki Park is a home to 2600 trees with over 50 different types of cherry including Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, Shidarezakura (Weeping Cherry), and Yaezakura (Double Layer Cherry). Over 2,000,000 visitors visit the park during the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held annually between April 23rd and May 5th. Starting with the Sakura Tunnel (cherry blossom tunnel) on the west moat, the cherry blossoms of Hirosaki Park enchant visitors with a variety of displays throughout the viewing season. Visitors can paddle a small boat to view blossoms reflecting off the moat, come at night to see the trees illuminated, or see the grounds carpeted in falling blossoms. History of the Largest Scale Cherry Blossoms in Japan The cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park are lauded as the largest-scaled in Japan. They originate back to 1715, when the Tsugaru clan requisitioned 25 Kasumizakura cherry trees from Kyoto and planted them in the grounds of Hirosaki Castle, present day Hirosaki Park. The cherry trees continued to grow with the help from citizens. By the Taisho era, the castle had become surrounded by splendid cherry trees. *Taisho era –1912-1926

History of Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle is located in Hirosaki City, Aomori, part of the Tohoku region. During the Edo period, the first castle tower was constructed in 1609 on the orders of Nobuhira Tsugaru, the governor of the region. However, in 1627, a lightning strike ignited a stash of gunpowder inside the castle compound, and the resulting fire completely destroyed the inner citadel and other structures, including the castle tower. After the fire, Hirosaki Castle remained without a tower for almost 200 years, until reconstruction began in 1810. The current tower is counted as one of twelve extant towers in Japan today, and a designated National Important Cultural Property. Hirosaki Castle is inside Hirosaki Park, which also contains several watchtowers – Tatsumi (southeast), Hitsujisaru (southwest), and Ushitora (northeast), each named for the words that Japan used to use for cardinal directions. In relation to the castle, each tower is situated according to its name.

General Information
Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8356
Telephone:
General Incorporated Foundation Hirosaki City Midori Association 0172-33-8733 Hirosaki City Park and Green Land Sector 0172-33-8739
Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center 0172-37-5501
Period: April 23rd to May 5th Annually *Dates may change

Opening Hours
Food Stall Hours 9:00~21:00
Night Illumination 18:30~22:00 (Pay Zone and Hours)
Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa 7:00~21:00
Hirosaki Castle Arboretum 9:00~18:00 (Tickets are sold until 17:30)

Price/ Entrance Fees
Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa/Adult ¥320(¥250) Child ¥100(¥80)
Hirosaki Castle Arboretum/Adult ¥320(¥250) Child ¥100(¥80)
Combination Ticket(Honmaru, Kita no Kuruwa, Arboretum, and Fujita Memorial Garden)/ Adult ¥520(¥470)Child ¥160(¥130)

*Prices in ( ) are group discount price. Group discount available for 10 people or more.

Social Media
Website: https://www.hirosakipark.jp/en/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hirosakipark.jp
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@HIROSAKIPARK_JP