Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) is a historic Japanese castle located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, in the northern Tohoku region of Japan. It is famous for its picturesque setting, cherry blossoms, and well-preserved Edo-period architecture.
Hirosaki Castle was originally built in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan, who ruled the Hirosaki Domain. However, the original five-story keep was destroyed in 1627 by a lightning strike, causing an explosion in its gunpowder storehouse.
When the castle was rebuilt in 1810, laws prohibited the castle to be restored to the original five stories, and as such was rebuilt with three stories. Hirosaki castle is the only castle in the Tohoku region of Japan that was constructed in Edo period (1603-1868) and has survived to modern times. The castle is one of the 12 original castles in Japan that have not been reconstructed with modern materials.
In 2015, the castle keep was temporarily moved 70 meters for restoration work on the stone walls. The castle keep is expected to be returned to its original position once the stone wall restoration is complete (estimated around 2025–2030). In the meantime, the castle keep can still be entered in it’s new location.
The castle grounds are remarkable during the spring time, and is often regarded as one of the top cherry blossom viewing areas in the country, as during this time about two and a half thousand trees begin to bloom, and the castle moat quickly floods with cherry petals.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm
- 320JPY (Castle Only)
- 520JPY (Botanical Garden, Castle, and Fujita Memorial Garden combined ticket)
- Average Time Spent: 1 Hour
- Official Website
- Castle Keep Closed: November 24th - March 31st
Accessing Hirosaki Castle
As most of the cities popular tourist attractions are located near each other, there is a bus service that is primarily for sightseeing around the city.
The Dotemachi Loop Bus can depart from Hirosaki station, and goes around in a short loop around the tourist spots, stopping at Hirosaki Park – of which Hirosaki Castle is located within. A Jounrey on the Dotemachi Loop Bus will only cost 100JPY, and is a great service to use for getting around Hirosaki.
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