Originally constructed in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan, Hirosaki Castle is the only extant castle in Aomori Prefecture and the second most northern castle in Japan (the northernmost castle is located in Matsumae in Hokkaido). The current structure (dating from 1810) occupies the southwest corner of the bailey, although the entire structure has been temporarily moved to the center of the bailey so that the underlying stone wall can be strengthened. The castle is set to return to its former position in 2021.