🕓 2025/3/16
＃観光地
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
目Table of Contents
- What is the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival?
- Must-See Attractions at the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
- The History of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
- How to Enjoy the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Introduction
With the arrival of spring, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival draws visitors from all over Japan and beyond. Held at Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, this festival showcases approximately 2,600 cherry trees in full bloom, making it one of Japan’s Three Great Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. The breathtaking contrast between the historic Hirosaki Castle and the vibrant pink cherry blossoms creates a uniquely Japanese springtime spectacle that continues to captivate visitors year after year.
The 2025 Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival will take place over 18 days, from Friday, April 18, to Monday, May 5. Visitors can enjoy not only the stunning cherry blossoms during the day but also illuminated night-time cherry blossoms, boating experiences, and various cultural events that make this festival even more memorable.
In this article, we will provide a detailed guide to the festival’s history, must-see attractions, and best ways to enjoy it, ensuring you have all the essential information to make the most of your visit.
1. What is the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival?
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Japan’s most renowned cherry blossom festivals, held at Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. The park is home to approximately 2,600 cherry trees from 52 different varieties, earning it recognition as one of Japan’s Three Great Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. Among them, the Somei Yoshino cherry trees in Hirosaki Park are particularly famous for their extraordinarily dense blooms, creating a breathtaking canopy that nearly obscures the sky when in full bloom.
A unique feature of the festival is the "Hirosaki Pruning Method," a specialized tree maintenance technique derived from local apple orchard pruning methods. This technique allows even century-old cherry trees to continue blooming vibrantly year after year. The scenic blend of cherry blossoms and the historic Hirosaki Castle makes this festival incredibly popular among both domestic and international visitors. Every year, around two million people visit during the festival period to enjoy this spectacular event.
The 2025 Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival will take place over 18 days, from Friday, April 18, to Monday, May 5. Due to the ongoing trend of earlier blooming, the festival’s start date has been moved one day earlier than initially planned. Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing during the day, illuminated night-time cherry blossoms, boating experiences, and various cultural events, making it a mesmerizing experience at any time of day.
2. Highlights of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
The Nishibori Area and Hirosaki Castle Keep & Gejo Bridge are among the most popular and breathtaking spots of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival. Depending on the stage of the cherry blossoms, visiting at different times of the day—both during daylight and at night—offers distinct and mesmerizing views. The 2025 festival is a particularly special occasion, making it the perfect time to experience the magnificent harmony of history and nature through the beauty of cherry blossoms.
1. Nishibori Area
The Nishibori Area is one of the most picturesque locations within Hirosaki Park, renowned for its stunning reflections of cherry blossoms on the water and the iconic cherry blossom tunnel that visitors can walk through.
・Springyo Bridge & the Cherry Blossom Tunnel
The Springyo Bridge (Shunyo-bashi), which stretches across Nishibori, offers a breathtaking view of the cherry blossom tunnel, making visitors feel as if they are walking through a corridor of cherry blossoms. From the bridge, you can admire the cherry branches extending from both riverbanks, forming a natural floral archway. During full bloom, the contrast between the pink cherry blossoms and the blue sky creates an unforgettable scenic experience, drawing numerous tourists and photographers to the area.
・Sakura Reflections on the Water & the "Hanaikada" Phenomenon
The ancient Somei Yoshino cherry trees lining Nishibori create stunning reflections on the water when in full bloom, forming a mirror-like, dreamlike scene. As the petals begin to fall, they gently drift onto the water, creating a breathtaking pink carpet known as "Hanaikada" (flower raft). This rare and uniquely Hirosaki phenomenon attracts visitors eager to capture the beauty of cherry blossoms floating across the surface of the moat.
・Rowboat Experience on Nishibori
A boat rental station in Nishibori allows visitors to enjoy a rowing experience under the cherry blossoms. From the water, the cherry-lined moat offers an unparalleled perspective, making it feel as if you are drifting through a sea of pink blossoms. During peak bloom and petal-fall season, the water is blanketed with cherry petals, creating a magical and unforgettable sight.
At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms cast a soft glow on the water, creating an ethereal, otherworldly landscape. The serene atmosphere and reflections of the blossoms and lights make this one of the most enchanting night-time cherry blossom experiences in Japan.
2. Hirosaki Castle Keep & Gejo Bridge
The Hirosaki Castle Keep is the symbol of Hirosaki Park, and its stunning contrast with the cherry blossoms makes it one of the most sought-after photography spots during the festival. The Gejo Bridge (Geyōbashi), located nearby, offers a picturesque view of the cherry blossoms, the castle, and Mount Iwaki in the background, making it an iconic cherry blossom viewing location.
・The Beauty of Gejo Bridge
The red-lacquered railings of Gejo Bridge make it a stunning focal point, perfectly complementing the delicate pink cherry blossoms. The bridge serves as a prime location for photography, where visitors can capture Hirosaki Castle framed by full-bloom cherry blossoms. On clear days, the combination of the blue sky, castle, and cherry blossoms creates a picture-perfect scene, making it one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Japan.
・A Once-in-a-Lifetime View in 2025
2025 is the final spring before the castle keep is moved back to its original location. The current temporary position of the castle keep allows visitors to see Hirosaki Castle, cherry blossoms, and Mount Iwaki together in one frame—an experience only possible this year. In autumn 2026, the castle keep will be restored to its original foundation, making 2025 the last chance to witness this extraordinary view.
・Night-Time Illumination & the Enchanting Atmosphere
As night falls, the Hirosaki Castle Keep and cherry blossoms are beautifully illuminated, transforming the area into a magical wonderland. The Gejo Bridge, bathed in warm light, stands out against the softly lit cherry blossoms, offering a dramatically different atmosphere from daytime. The castle’s white walls reflect the glow of the lights, while the petals gently fall through the night air, creating an unforgettable scene reminiscent of classic Japanese aesthetics.
3. The Cherry Blossom Heart – A Hidden Photo Spot
Within Hirosaki Park, a unique "Cherry Blossom Heart" has gained popularity as a hidden photo-worthy location. From a specific angle, the branches of cherry trees frame the sky in the shape of a heart, creating a natural romantic symbol.
This charming and picturesque spot has become a social media sensation, particularly among couples and photography enthusiasts. The Cherry Blossom Heart is featured in some official park guides and tourism pamphlets, so checking in advance may help you locate it more easily. Capturing this heart-shaped cherry blossom silhouette can make for a special and unforgettable memory of spring in Hirosaki.
3. The History of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
1. Origins and the History of Cherry Tree Planting
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The first cherry trees were planted in Hirosaki Castle in 1715 (Shōtoku 5) when saplings of Kasumizakura (Prunus verecunda) were brought from Arashiyama, Kyoto, and planted within the castle grounds. However, at that time, Hirosaki was not yet recognized as a famous cherry blossom site, and the trees were planted only in limited areas.
After the Meiji Restoration, the abolition of feudal domains (Haihan Chiken) in 1871 led to the dismantling of the Tsugaru domain, causing Hirosaki Castle to fall into disrepair. To preserve this historic site, former samurai of the Tsugaru clan promoted cherry tree planting. In 1880 (Meiji 13), Uchiyama Kakumi personally funded the planting of 20 cherry trees. Two years later, in 1882 (Meiji 15), Kikuchi Tatee donated 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry saplings, which initiated large-scale tree planting efforts.
However, there was opposition from traditionalists who believed that a former castle site should not be used for cherry blossom viewing, leading to incidents where saplings were deliberately broken. Despite this resistance, the passion of the former samurai and local citizens gradually changed public opinion, and cherry trees became widely accepted. In 1895 (Meiji 28), the Hirosaki Castle grounds were officially opened to the public as "Hirosaki Park," laying the foundation for the park's identity as a cherry blossom viewing site.
2. The Beginning and Development of the Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival (Kankōkai)
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As cherry blossoms gained popularity, locals began gathering in Hirosaki Park for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) every spring. In 1916 (Taishō 5), a youth group called “Nonki Club” organized the first Kankōkai (Cherry Blossom Viewing Gathering). They invited film technicians from Tokyo to capture the cherry blossoms on film, and introduced parades, costume processions, and food stalls, forming the prototype of today’s Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival.
By 1918 (Taishō 7), the event had become an official festival hosted by the Hirosaki Chamber of Commerce (now Hirosaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry). The festival expanded to include floats, sumo tournaments, and fireworks displays, attracting large crowds.
In 1921 (Taishō 10), the Hirosaki Castle Keep was illuminated for the first time, introducing night-time cherry blossom viewing. This tradition continued into the Shōwa era, with further improvements in lighting techniques, allowing visitors to enjoy a more mystical and picturesque night-time cherry blossom experience.
3. War, Revival, and the Official Naming of the "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival"
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However, the festival was suspended in 1944 (Shōwa 19) due to the worsening conditions of World War II. Despite this setback, it was quickly revived in 1947 (Shōwa 22) after the war, and cherry tree planting resumed. In 1956 (Shōwa 31), former city councilor Fukushi Chūkich donated 1,300 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, creating the iconic cherry-lined Outer Moat (Sotobori) that is now one of the festival’s signature attractions.
In 1961 (Shōwa 36), the event was officially renamed "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival", and in 1962 (Shōwa 37), the festival period was formally set as April 22 to May 5, solidifying its status as one of Japan’s most famous spring festivals.
4. The Modern Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Following its renaming, the festival continued to evolve with the addition of new events. In 1984, the Miss Sakura Contest was introduced, where selected individuals would promote the festival as official tourism ambassadors. In 1989, the Hirosaki City 100th Anniversary Sakura Symposium was held, and Hirosaki Castle’s Honmaru (inner citadel) and Kita-no-Kuruwa (northern area) were designated as paid-entry zones to support cherry tree conservation.
In 1995, a special event was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hirosaki Park’s opening, and in 2003, the paid-entry period for Honmaru and Kita-no-Kuruwa was extended to cover spring through autumn, further strengthening conservation efforts. In 2018, the 100th anniversary of the original Kankōkai was celebrated with a special aerial performance by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Blue Impulse aerobatic team, drawing huge crowds.
However, in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival was canceled for the first time in history. The festival later resumed with enhanced safety measures, regaining its former vibrancy.
5. 2025 – A Historic Year for the Festival
The 2025 Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival will be especially significant, as it marks the final spring before the Hirosaki Castle Keep is moved back to its original location. This will be the last chance to view the rare composition of the Castle Keep, cherry blossoms, and Mount Iwaki together in a single frame.
With over 100 years of history, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival has grown into one of Japan’s premier cherry blossom festivals, nurtured by the dedication and passion of the local community. As it continues to evolve, it remains a treasured symbol of Hirosaki’s cultural heritage, carrying its legacy forward into the future.
4. How to Enjoy the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival offers much more than just cherry blossom viewing. Visitors can experience a variety of events and activities unique to Hirosaki, making the most of this special festival. From breathtaking views to cultural experiences, here are some of the best ways to enjoy the event.
■ Moat Boat Rides
At Hirosaki Park, visitors can enjoy rowboats and guided boat tours on the park’s moats, providing a unique perspective of the cherry blossoms from the water. The views from the water are vastly different from those on land, offering an elegant and serene experience.
① Nishibori (West Moat) Area – Rowboats
- Fee: ¥1,500 per boat (60 minutes)
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry: 4:00 PM)
- Features:
- Rowboats allow visitors to navigate beneath the majestic Somei Yoshino cherry trees that line the moat.
- Experience "Hanaikada" (Flower Raft)—when fallen cherry petals cover the water’s surface, creating a dreamlike pink landscape.
- A popular activity for families and couples, offering a relaxing and immersive experience.
- Due to high demand, early reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times.
② Naka-bori (Inner Moat) Area – Guided Boat Tour "Naka-bori Kan’ōsen"
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※出展：https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=nakabori
- Fee: Adults ¥1,500 / Students ¥1,000 / Children (preschool) ¥500
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (departing regularly throughout the day)
- Features:
- A staff-operated guided boat ride, allowing passengers to sit back and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
- A 20-minute tour providing an exclusive water-view perspective of Hirosaki Castle and cherry blossoms.
- The reflection of cherry blossoms on the water enhances the photogenic appeal, making it a favorite Instagram spot.
- Tours are available in English, making them popular among international tourists.
■ Guided Tours
Several guided tours are available during the festival to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Hirosaki Park’s history, cherry blossoms, and photogenic spots.
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"Express Guide Tour"
- Hosted by a multilingual festival ambassador team, this tour introduces the best Instagram-worthy locations.
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
- Fee: ¥1,000 per adult (excludes paid entry zones for Hirosaki Castle)
- Minimum Participants: 2 people
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"Nighttime Cherry Blossom 'Kampai' Tour"
- A unique tour that explores Hirosaki Park’s illuminated cherry blossoms.
- Includes a light refreshment experience to celebrate the season.
- Duration: Approximately 75 minutes
- Fee: ¥3,000 per adult (excludes paid entry zones for Hirosaki Castle)
- Reservations Required: Check the official website for details.
These tours provide in-depth insights into the festival and ensure a memorable experience beyond just viewing cherry blossoms.
■ Miss Sakura Contest
The Miss Sakura Contest is one of the most famous traditions of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival. First established in 1984 (Shōwa 59), it plays a key role in promoting Hirosaki’s tourism and cultural events.
・Contest Details
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Eligibility:
- Women aged 18 or older, either residents of Hirosaki City or Aomori Prefecture, or those with a strong connection to Hirosaki.
- High school students and those serving as other pageant titleholders are not eligible.
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Responsibilities of Miss Sakura:
- Representing Hirosaki at major local festivals such as:
- Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
- Hirosaki Neputa Festival
- Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival
- Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
- Attending regional promotional events in cities such as Tokyo and Hakodate, actively promoting Hirosaki’s tourism and local products.
- Representing Hirosaki at major local festivals such as:
Conclusion
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, making it one of Japan’s most spectacular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) events. The contrast between the magnificent cherry blossoms and the historic Hirosaki Castle offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
With night illuminations, boat rides, and traditional performances, the festival provides endless ways to enjoy the beauty of spring.
2025 marks a special year, as it will be the last spring before Hirosaki Castle Keep returns to its original location. This is the final opportunity to witness the breathtaking composition of cherry blossoms, Hirosaki Castle, and Mount Iwaki together in one view.
To make the most of this unique festival, be sure to plan ahead and prepare for an unforgettable cherry blossom experience!