Hirosaki
Discover Hirosaki
Hirosaki (弘前) is a city in Aomori prefecture, in the northern Tohoku region of the main Japanese island Honshu. Hirosaki was the capital of the Tsugaru clan that once ruled over much of Tohoku's northern parts. Occasionally called "the Kyoto of the North", this hyperbole is backed up mostly by an abundance of temples, a castle's remains, and a famous version of the Nebuta Festival, called the Neputa Festival in Hirosaki.
What to Experience in Hirosaki
Taste of Hirosaki...
Hirosaki is Japan's leading producer of apples, introduced to the city in 1875 by John Inge, an American teacher working at a local school. If you happen to be near the expansive apple orchards, the local apple juice is also a delectable, tantalizing taste for the tongue. Drop into the Hirosaki Tourist Information Center at Otemon Square for useful maps and information.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsHirosaki is on the JR Ōu Main Line (奥羽本線) connecting Aomori, Akita and Fukushima. From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayate or Hayabusa train to Shin-Aomori, then change to the Tsugaru Limited Express train or a Local Ou Main Line train bound for Akita/Odate. The trip takes 4 hours 15 minutes at a cost of ¥16,700. There is also a seasonal "Resort Shirakami" train connecting Akita and Aomori via the Gono line that makes a stop here. If you are coming in from Akita, unless you are taking the Resort Shirakami train for the view, it is far quicker to take the Tsugaru train. For foreign tourists heading from Tokyo, the better deal is to purchase a JR East Rail Pass or the national Japan Rail Pass. Local trains from Aomori depart once per hour and take about 45 minutes (¥650). There are also additional Rapid trains at the same price during rush hour. Hirosaki is fairly spread out and you will need to figure out the bus system to get around affordably....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Hirosaki is fairly spread out and you will need to figure out the bus system to get around affordably. Most lines radiate from JR Hirosaki station. The main company in the area is Konan Bus. Payment by Suica and other IC cards is accepted for local buses. The local cherry blossom festival is also a sight to see. With over 5,000 cherry trees in the park around the castle. The locals and tourists find it an enjoyable festival of laughing, singing, dancing and drinking. The snow lantern festival is held during early February every year. During the festival, Hirosaki Castle Park is filled with snow lanterns and sculptures which are illuminated during the evenings. Hirosaki is Japan's leading producer of apples, introduced to the city in 1875 by John Inge, an American teacher working at a local school. If you happen to be near the expansive apple orchards, the local apple juice is also a delectable, tantalizing taste for the tongue.
Where to Stay
Drop into the Hirosaki Tourist Information Center at Otemon Square for useful maps and information.
Money & Budget
Hirosaki is Japan's leading producer of apples, introduced to the city in 1875 by John Inge, an American teacher working at a local school. If you happen to be near the expansive apple orchards, the local apple juice is also a delectable, tantalizing taste for the tongue. Drop into the Hirosaki Tourist Information Center at Otemon Square for useful maps and information.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Hirosaki
a tall white building with a tree in front of it
gray concrete pathway between green grass and trees
a starry night sky over trees
a group of people watching fireworks
a group of buildings with a mountain in the background
a red bridge over a river with cherry blossoms on it
bread on ceramic plate near white ceramic teacup filled with coffee
a landscape with hills and trees
2019.11
brown wooden house with green and red plants
a tall white building with a tree in front of it
gray concrete pathway between green grass and trees
a starry night sky over trees