Hirosaki

Introducing Hirosaki

Tucked about an hour southwest of Aomori, and founded in the 17th century by Lord Tsugaru Tamenobu, this pretty castle town was once one of Tōhoku’s leading cultural centres. However, the Meiji Restoration combined Tsugaru’s territories with those of the Nambu clan, resulting in the creation of Aomori prefecture, with the city of Aomori as its capital. Unlike Aomori, Hirosaki was spared from damage during WWII (although the castle itself had been previously destroyed by a lightning strike), and the castle grounds are well preserved, with extant keeps and towers, plus numerous beautiful maple and cherry trees. Hirosaki is also the site of the Neputa Matsuri – not to be confused with Aomori’s Nebuta but almost as rowdy and just as popular.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009