Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle is located in Tsugaru Plain, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Also known as Takajo, it is a hirayama-style renkaku-style castle with six baileys: the honmaru, ninomaru, sannomaru, yonmaru, kitaguruwa, and nishiguruwa. It was constructed in 1603 under the direction of Tsugaru Tamenobu, the lord of Hirosaki Domain, and completed in 1611 by his son, Tsugaru Nobuhira. During the Edo period, it served as the residence of the lords of Hirosaki Domain.

Hirosaki Castle is a symbol of Hirosaki with a long history. Its original five-story tenshu (main keep) was completed in 1611 but was destroyed by lightning in 1627. It was rebuilt in 1810. It is one of Japan’s twelve remaining original tenshu castles and the only one still standing in the northeastern region of the country, making it an extremely valuable cultural treasure. In addition, the castle grounds house three yagura (turrets), five gates, and a triple moat system, all designated as important cultural properties of Japan.

Today, the area around Hirosaki Castle has been developed into Hirosaki Park. The park is home to 2,600 cherry blossom trees of 50 different varieties, which bloom in late April, making it one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Additionally, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually from late April to early May. During the festival, park illuminations extend until 11 PM, offering visitors a magical night view of the blossoms.

Hirosaki Castle

Must-visit reason: The most iconic historical structure in Hirosaki City

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/State where the attraction is located: Aomori Prefecture [Aomori Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Hirosaki City [Hirosaki]