Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle is one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom spots, typically peaking in late April to early May—later than Tokyo or Kyoto due to its northern location in Aomori Prefecture. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually in Hirosaki Park. The park contains over 2,600 cherry trees, mostly Somei Yoshino variety.

Hirosaki Castle's current three-story keep was rebuilt in 1810 after the original 1611 castle was destroyed by lightning in 1627. The keep has not been moved, but it underwent a major physical relocation in 2015: it was lifted and moved about 70 meters to allow seismic reinforcement of the stone foundation. It will eventually be moved back after the work is complete.

Hirosaki Castle was built by the Tsugaru clan, beginning with Tsugaru Tamenobu and completed by Tsugaru Nobuhira in 1611. It served as the seat of the Hirosaki Domain throughout the Edo period. The Tsugaru family ruled the area for over 260 years until the Meiji Restoration.

Hirosaki Castle is not currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though it is on Japan's tentative list of candidate sites for 'Castle Sites and Related Properties of the Medieval and Early Modern Period.' It is designated an Important Cultural Property. The castle grounds contain five surviving castle gates and three corner yagura (turrets).