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One of the three most famous places in Japan
The most famous cherry blossom spot

Hirosaki Park, where Hirosaki Castle is located, is one of the "Three Great Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." Approximately 2 million people from Japan and abroad visit the park every year to see the various varieties of cherry blossoms that bloom there. The history of cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park is long, dating back to 1715, the Edo period. It is said that it began when a samurai of the Tsugaru clan brought back cherry trees from Kyoto and planted them in the castle grounds. In the Meiji period, the former samurai, unable to bear the sight of the castle being in ruins after the abolition of the feudal domain, planted cherry trees at his own expense. This was a turbulent time after the Meiji Restoration. Some people opposed the idea of turning a castle into a leisure spot, and some seedlings were even pulled out. However, as a result of continued planting, the cherry blossoms began to bloom beautifully in the Taisho period. In 1918, the Hirosaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted the "First Cherry Blossom Viewing Party," the predecessor of the "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival." Although it was suspended for a time due to the Pacific War, the event continues to this day.

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The beloved Tsugaru Fuji
A cherry blossom-lined road leading to the foot of the mountain

Towering over the Tsugaru Plain, Mt. Iwaki is the highest mountain in Aomori Prefecture. It has been an object of worship since ancient times and has been affectionately nicknamed "Tsugaru Fuji." Fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snow-capped peaks in winter. The scenery changes with each season, allowing you to feel the beautiful four seasons of Japan. When the cherry blossoms in the city reach full bloom, the cherry blossoms on the mountain bloom a little later.
The cherry blossom-lined road at the foot of Mt. Iwaki was planted by local people starting in 1985. It took 10 years to complete the road lined with about 6,500 Ooyamazakura cherry trees. The drive course is about 20km long. Once you see it, you will never forget the sight of the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the snow-capped Mt. Iwaki. The cherry blossom season usually runs from mid-April to late April. Over the course of 10 days, the color gradually changes from lower to higher elevations.

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Local railways pass through
A peaceful tunnel of cherry blossoms

Ashino Park in the former Kanagi Town (now Goshogawara City), birthplace of the writer Dazai Osamu. Known as the place where Dazai played as a child, the park has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan."
There are about 1,500 cherry trees in the vast park, which covers about 80 hectares. The lush pine trees along the shores of Lake Ashino accentuate the adorable color of the cherry blossoms. The best part is seeing the local train passing through a cherry blossom tunnel that appears only at this time of year. The picturesque combination of the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the retro train is sure to get you excited even if you're not a train fan. It's no wonder there are so many tourists with cameras along the line. Ashino Park Station is located within the park, so it's best to access it by Tsugaru Railway.

POINT4

Popular in the area
A landscape of shrines and cherry blossoms

Saruga Park is known as a famous lotus spot. The cherry blossoms that bloom around the two ponds, Kagami-ga-ike and Miharashi-ga-ike, captivate visitors in the spring. The park is also home to Saruga Shrine, which is said to have been built by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro when he subjugated the Emishi. The contrast between the bright red shrine (Munekata Shrine, a branch shrine of Saruga Shrine) that sits in the center of Kagami-ga-ike and the cherry blossoms is striking. It's a uniquely Japanese sight that will have you wanting to take a photo.
At Miharashigaike Pond, you can rent pedal boats and rowboats, and enjoy a stroll on the water while admiring the cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom varieties that bloom in the garden include weeping cherry, Yoshino cherry, and double cherry. The Hirakawa Sakura Festival is held every year from late April to early May.

The beautiful cherry blossoms of Tsugaru bloom despite the harsh winter. Although the period from when the flowers bloom until when they fall is short, we are moved by both the splendor of the full bloom and the transience of the petals as they fall.
In recent years, not only in spring, but also in winter, when the cherry blossoms are illuminated, they have become a hot topic. Why not visit the famous places around Tsugaru in search of the charming cherry blossoms?

Article created by: Akita Town Information