Private Cherry Blossom Tour in Hirosaki with a Local Guide

There are about 80 types of cherry trees of a total of approximately 2,600 cherry trees that fill Hirosaki Park. This includes the Yoshino cherry tree, which is said to be Japan's oldest. Hirosaki Park is one of Japan's leading cherry blossom viewing sites. Visitors are especially encouraged to celebrate the scene around the end of April. In this tour that is led by a local guide, the most beautiful cherry blossoms in the park will be introduced. You will also explore other Hirosaki attractions scattered around the park.

Please note: This seasonal tour runs annually between April and May. The dates are subject to change.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Former Hirosaki City Library, 2-1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8356 Aomori Prefecture

This library was built to commemorate victory in the Japanese-Russo War in 1906 and was used as city library until 1931. It is a 3-story wooden mortar building with twin octagonal towers constructed in Renaissance style.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Hirosaki Park, 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8356 Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Park is one of Japan's best cherry blossom spots. With its abundance of over 2500 trees, cherry blossom tunnels, petal filled moats, numerous pleasant picnic areas, rental rowing boats, many varieties of cherry trees and illuminations in the evenings, it feels like multiple great cherry blossom spots combined into a single one.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Hirosaki Castle, 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8551 Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Castle used to be a splendid five-story tower which stood on the southwestern part of the castle’s keep. The tower unfortunately burnt down when it was hit by lightning. The Laws for the Military Houses at that time prohibited the tower from being rebuilt to its original grandeur and the castle tower was eventually rebuilt as the three story tower we see today. The tower is the only castle tower in Tohoku area which was rebuilt in Edo Period and recognized as symbol of the city of Hirosaki.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Tsugaruhan Neputa Mura, 61 Kamenokomachi, Hirosaki 036-8332 Aomori Prefecture

Tsugaru-han Neputa Mura is a tourist spot where visitors can experience a quasi-Hirosaki Neputa Festival. The fan-shaped Neputa actually used in the festival are exhibited for viewing. Visitors can also try the taiko (Japanese drums) along with the Neputa musicians themselves. Live Tsugaru-shamisen performance are also open for viewing.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, 1 Shimo Shiroganecho Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki 036-8356 Aomori Prefecture

A festival is held annually from April 23 to May 5, when the blossoms are usually in bloom. Starting with the Sakura Tunnel (cherry blossom tunnel) on the west moat, the cherry blossoms of Hirosaki Park enchant visitors with a variety of displays throughout the viewing season. Visitors can paddle a small boat to view blossoms reflecting off the moat, come at night to see the trees illuminated, or see the grounds carpeted in falling blossoms.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Ishiba Residence, 88 Kamenokomachi, Hirosaki 036-8332 Aomori Prefecture

This is the residence of a merchant family during the late Edo Period. Designated an important cultural property, today the building is used as a brewery. For generations, Ishiba family heads were named Seibei and dealt in sundry goods. It is a valuable building as one of few remaining merchant resident buildings. It has atmosphere distinctive to the snowy north with its long history marked on open hearth and pillars.

Duration: 15 minutes