Hirosaki Castle

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Facts & Figures

The three-storey Hirosaki Castle, built in the hirayama-style, is one of the finest castles in Japan. Hirosaki Castle is also known under the name Takaoka Castle. It’s one of the twelve castles in Japan built before the Edo era, and was originally built with five stories. The turret on the southeast corner, the castle tower and the East Gate of the outermost castle wall are designated Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese gouvernment. Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.
 Get Your Pass Now and Save! > The castle grounds measures are 612 meters x 947 meters. The surrounding Hirosaki Park is a must-see during cherry blossom season (end of April and beginning of May). The park is famous all over Japan and more than 1 Mio. visitors/year enjoy there appr. 2600 cherry trees.

• Hirosaki Castle:
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Closed - November 24th till March 31st
• Admission fee - 300 yen (Hirosaki Castle), 500 yen (Hirosaki Castle & Botanical Garden)
• Admission Fee - last Sunday of May is free

History

The construction of the Hirosaki Castle was completed in 1611. The castle was the seat of Lord Tsugaru Nobuhira (daimyo), member of a Japanese samurai clan. The Tsugaru clan ruled over Hirosaki Domain, now known as central Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture. In 1627 the castle burned completely down (struck by lightning) and it was rebuilt many years later in 1810 by Tsugaru Yasuchika. All the surviving structures of Hirosaki Castle, with the exception of the East Gate, were named National Important Cultural Properties in 1950. Two years later, the site was named a National Historic Site. The East Gate gained ICP status in 1953, after reconstruction, thus bringing the total of structures with such protection to nine. The castle was named one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan in 2006 by the Japanese Castle Foundation.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Botanical Garden (Arboretum) - great place (1200 trees and 1500 species of plants) for nature lovers like me

Hirosaki Castle Museum - it is always interesting to learn more about the history of this great place

Important Cultural Properties - are the Minamiuchimon Gate, Higashiuchimon Gate, Otemon Gate, Higashimon Gate, Tatsumi Yagura, Hitsujisaru Yagura, Ushitora Yagura, Kitamon Gate, Tenshu (3 storey central castle tower)

Hirosaki City Museum - archaeological findings from Aomori Prefecture are on display

Gokoku Shrine - located near the North Gate, the shrine represents the Aomori branch of Yasukuni Shrine

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Hirosaki Sakura Festival (23rd April till 5th May)
Many different kind of cherry trees plus the illumination at night gives this festival a must-see status. Be prepared for a crowded place and be part of the 1 Mio. visitors/year.

May

Hirosaki Apple Blossom Festival (6th till 20th)
This festival follows right after the Sakura festival and the whole region celebrates their famous apple products with live concerts (Apple Girls) and the sale of apple pies. For apple lovers this is the place to be:)

August

Neputa Matsuri (1st till 7th)
The biggest yearly festival in Hirosaki is famous for colorful illuminated and extravagant floats, accompanying dancers and large parades. Many visitors join the festival and participate in the parade activities.