Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

While cherry blossoms in Kansai and Kanto are at their peak at the end of March/start of April, the 2,600 trees in the park around Hirosaki Castle don’t bloom until the end of April. However, as the crowds attest, it’s a show worth waiting for – especially at night when the trees and the castle are illuminated.

Admission to the park is not free. Entry to the “Honmaru” part of the park is 310yen for Adults and 100 yen for kids. This doesn’t include entry to the arboretum which is also 310yen. If you want to go into both areas, there is a combo ticket for 510yen for adults and 170yen for children. Rental of a rowing boat to row on the picturesque moat is 1,000yen.

There are numerous food and drink vendors on site, although you can bring in your own snacks and beverages from outside.

The park can be reached on foot from Hirosaki Station in 30 minutes. Alternatively, it’s a 15 minute trip on the 100yen Dotemachi Loop Bus.

(Greg Lane)