Hirosaki Castle (弘前城), located in Aomori, is one of Japan’s most famous sakura (cherry blossom) viewing spots. Every spring, thousands of cherry trees burst into full bloom, creating a breathtaking landscape that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Hirosaki Sakura Festival 2025

Dates: April 18 (Friday) – May 5 (Monday), 2025
Night Illumination: Sunset – 10:00 PM (Subject to change depending on the blooming status)

The Hirosaki Sakura Festival is an annual celebration featuring food stalls, boat rides, and traditional performances. The castle grounds are adorned with over 2,600 cherry trees, creating a mesmerizing pink landscape.

The Magical “Pink River” and Petal Carpet

Hirosaki Park is surrounded by moats on all sides, and the water surface undergoes stunning transformations as the sakura bloom progresses. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, the crystal-clear water reflects the vibrant pink canopy above. As the blossoms begin to fall, thousands of petals blanket the surface of the moat, creating an enchanting “pink river.”

This breathtaking phenomenon, known as sakura hanaikada (cherry blossom raft), transforms the water into a dreamy pink canvas. The fallen petals accumulate to form a “sakura carpet”, resembling a vast pink blanket spread over the moat. As the petals decay, their central red pigments become more pronounced, giving the hanaikada an even richer, more vivid hue. To preserve this spectacular sight, water flow in the moat is carefully controlled and refreshed regularly, ensuring visitors can enjoy the pristine pink scenery throughout the festival.

The following location is the photo spots for the above photo

Fun Fact

Did you know that sakura petals turn brown in just 2–3 days? To maintain the beautiful pink scenery in the moat, water flow is carefully controlled and refreshed regularly, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the stunning sakura and cherry petal rafts throughout the festival.

Access

Hirosaki Castle is easily accessible from major cities in Japan:

• From Tokyo: Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station (about 3.5 hours), then transfer to the JR Ou Line to Hirosaki Station (about 40 minutes). From Hirosaki Station, a short 15-minute bus ride or a 30-minute walk will bring you to the castle.
• From Aomori: A direct train on the JR Ou Line takes approximately 40 minutes.

Plan Your Visit

For the best experience, consider visiting in the morning for serene views or in the evening when the sakura are illuminated, creating a magical nighttime spectacle. Whether you’re capturing the beauty of the pink river or enjoying the lively festival atmosphere, Hirosaki Castle is a must-visit destination for sakura lovers!

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