Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held at Hirosaki Park to coincide with peak sakura season, typically from late April to early May (Golden Week). Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s premier cherry blossom destinations, drawing about two million visitors each year during the bloom. During the festival period, around 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties—including Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms—burst into bloom across the park. The story began in 1882 when former Hirosaki Domain samurai Tateei Kikuchi planted 1,000 cherry trees at his own expense. From 1918, hanami gatherings called "Kanshoku-kai" were held, and in 1961 the event name was changed to "Sakura Matsuri." Hirosaki’s cherry blossoms are said to be especially spectacular thanks to pruning techniques developed through apple cultivation. In the park, you can see Japan’s oldest Somei Yoshino trees (over 100 years old) as well as the country’s thickest Somei Yoshino, with a maximum trunk circumference of 5.37 meters. At the outer moat, enjoy the enchanting contrast between post-peak blossoms and the "hana-ikada"—rafts of petals that blanket the water. The approximately 360-meter "Cherry Blossom Tunnel" along the West Moat is also a must-see. Because blooming dates can shift depending on weather and temperatures each year, be sure to check the latest flowering updates frequently and visit at the best possible timing.