Hirosaki Park

Hirosaki Park (also known as Takaoka Park) is a historic park created around Hirosaki Castle, once the residence of the Tsugaru clan, and has been open to the public since 1895. In 1908, when the future Emperor Taisho visited, it was named "Takaoka (Public) Park," and it is sometimes called by that name. Located in the center of Hirosaki City, the park covers an impressive area of approximately 492,000 square meters. Hirosaki Park is the most famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Aomori Prefecture and is considered one of the top sakura destinations in all of Japan. Seasonal events are held throughout the year, including the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, the Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival in autumn, and the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival in winter. Within the park, visitors can explore numerous attractions such as the Hirosaki Castle keep, the Hirosaki City Museum, the Hirosaki Civic Hall, the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, and Aomori Gokoku Shrine. You can also enjoy rowing a boat along the castle moat while taking in the surrounding scenery. After strolling through the park, consider visiting the adjacent Fujita Memorial Garden or taking a break at the Starbucks Coffee Hirosaki Park Front Store, renovated from the former 8th Division Commander’s Residence built in 1917.