Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Overview

The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Japan's premier cherry blossom celebrations, held every spring at Hirosaki Park (a nationally designated historic site, Hirosaki Castle Ruins) in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. It is typically held from mid-April to early May (the period varies depending on blooming conditions, so please check the official website for the latest schedule), during which approximately 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties, including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and double-flowered cherry, come into full bloom. Special nighttime illumination is held from sunset to 10:00 PM, and food stalls operate from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (hours vary by period).

This festival is not merely a gathering for flower viewing; it originates from the "Kano Kai" (Cherry Blossom Viewing Party) that began in 1918 (Taisho 7), giving it a history of over 100 years. Approximately over 2 million visitors come each year, making it one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom destinations. Hirosaki Park is counted among Japan's three great cherry blossom sites and three great nighttime cherry blossom spots, and is selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites.

History and Origin

The planting of cherry trees at Hirosaki Park is said to have begun in 1715 (Sho toku 5), when a Hirosaki domain retainer brought back 25 Kasumi-zakura trees from Arashiyama in Kyoto. This initial planting was reportedly driven by the retainer's personal passion and local patriotism. After the Meiji Restoration and the abolition of domains, the castle grounds fell into disrepair, prompting former domain retainers to plant cherry trees to protect the historic site. In 1880 (Meiji 13), Kakuyo Uchiyama planted 20 cherry trees at his own expense, and in 1882 (Meiji 15), Tatei Kikuchi donated and planted 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, a variety that was not yet widely known at the time. However, there was opposition, with some arguing that the castle should not be turned into a place of recreation, and some seedlings were broken or pulled out.

Thanks to the efforts of Kakuyo Uchiyama, another 1,000 Somei Yoshino trees were planted between 1901 (Meiji 34) and 1903 (Meiji 36) to commemorate the marriage of the Taisho Emperor. By this time, the Hirosaki Castle ruins had been opened to the public as Hirosaki Park in 1895 (Meiji 28), and park development was progressing. In the Taisho era, the trees planted in the Meiji period began to bloom profusely, and in 1916 (Taisho 5), a local youth group called the "Nonki Kurabu" organized costume parades and evening cherry blossom viewing parties. They brought in a film technician from Tokyo and used arc lights and illuminations for nighttime viewing, creating the prototype for the current festival.

The first Kano Kai (Cherry Blossom Viewing Party) was inaugurated on May 3, 1918 (Taisho 7), hosted by the Hirosaki Chamber of Commerce. Various entertainments were held, including floats, bicycle races, sumo tournaments, and fireworks. The following year, in 1919, coffee shops, restaurants, rice dumpling stalls, and sideshow attractions began to appear. In 1921 (Taisho 10), the castle keep was illuminated with electric lights, drawing crowds late into the night. The event was suspended from 1944 to 1946 due to the war, but it was revived in 1947 (Showa 22). In 1956 (Showa 31), former city councilor Chukichi Fukushi donated 1,300 Somei Yoshino trees, filling the outer moat with cherry blossoms. In 1961 (Showa 36), the Kano Kai was renamed the "Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival," and from 1962 the festival period was fixed from April 22 to May 5.

In 1961 (Showa 36), the Kano Kai was renamed "Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri" (Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival), and the following year, the festival period was fixed from April 22 to May 5. In 1989 (Heisei 1), the city's 100th anniversary was marked by the "National Cherry Blossom Symposium," and the Honmaru and Ninomaru areas became paid-entry zones. In 2018 (Heisei 30), the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Blue Impulse demonstration team performed a commemorative flight for the 100th anniversary of the Kano Kai. In 2020 (Reiwa 2), the cherry blossom festival was cancelled due to measures against the novel coronavirus disease.

Highlights

Ancient Somei Yoshino Trees and Their Abundant Blooms Hirosaki Park is home to over 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees that are over 100 years old. This longevity is achieved through the "Hirosaki Method" of pruning, which applies techniques learned from apple cultivation to rejuvenate the trees. During peak bloom, each flower bud produces four to five blossoms, creating a dense canopy so thick that the sky is invisible when standing beneath the branches.

The Scenic Combination of Hirosaki Castle Keep and Cherry Blossoms The rare opportunity to see both an original castle keep and cherry blossoms together is the park's greatest attraction. The keep was built in 1611, and the current structure was rebuilt approximately 215 years ago; it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The opportunity to view both an original castle keep and cherry blossoms together is rare nationwide, and viewing the blossoms against one of Japan's twelve surviving original keeps is an experience unique to Hirosaki.

Nighttime Illumination From sunset to 10:00 PM, the cherry trees, castle gates, and the castle keep are illuminated by projectors. This illumination continues a tradition that began in 1921 (Taisho 10) when the castle keep was first lit with electric lights. The reflection of the cherry blossoms in the moat and the flower tunnels floating in the darkness create a magical atmosphere distinct from the daytime view.

Hirosaki Seven Cherry Blossom Scenic Spots The park's official website introduces seven recommended scenic spots known as the "Hirosaki Seven Cherry Blossom Scenic Views". These spots, including ancient tree-lined avenues and cherry trees along the moat, were created through years of careful management and planting plans. A full circuit of all seven spots takes about two hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms from various angles.

Hirosaki Seven Cherries and Seven-Flowered Cherry The "Hirosaki Seven Cherries" refers to seven carefully selected varieties of double-flowered cherry blossoms (yaezakura) with outstanding visual appeal. There is also the "Hirosaki Seven-Flowered Cherry," a type where a single flower bud produces seven blossoms. These varieties bloom later than the Somei Yoshino, allowing visitors to enjoy different types of cherry blossoms in succession over an extended period.

The "Sakura Mori" Team and the Hirosaki Method of Pruning Since April 2014, a team of 45 members, including staff with certified tree doctor qualifications, has been active as the "Sakura Mori" (Cherry Tree Guardians). They overturned the conventional wisdom that "a fool prunes cherry trees" by learning pruning techniques from apple farmers, which successfully rejuvenated the trees. This "Hirosaki Method" has resulted in cherry trees that live longer and produce more abundant blossoms than typical Somei Yoshino trees.

Food Stalls and Festive Atmosphere Numerous food stalls line the park, operating from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This tradition dates back to 1919 (Taisho 8), with stalls selling cherry blossom rice dumplings and local specialties. Visitors can enjoy sweets made with Hirosaki apples and local Tsugaru cuisine under the cherry blossoms, fully experiencing the festival's vibrant energy with all five senses.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: Typically from mid-April to early May (the period varies depending on blooming conditions; please check the official website for the latest schedule).
• Venue: Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle Ruins, a National Historic Site)
• Special Night Illumination: Sunset to 10:00 PM
• Food Stall Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (April 28-30: 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM; May 1-5: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
• Paid Entry Areas and Hours: Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Botanical Garden: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Access: Approximately 15 minutes by Hirosaki City Bus from JR Hirosaki Station (get off at "Hirosaki Koen Iriguchi" or "Shiyakusho Mae"), or about 30 minutes on foot from the station. By car, it is about 20 minutes from the Owani-Hirosaki IC on the Tohoku Expressway. Temporary parking lots are available around Hirosaki Park during the festival, but public transportation is recommended.
• Time Required: Approximately 2 hours for a full circuit of the park
• Contact: Hirosaki Convention and Tourism Association (inside Hirosaki City Tourist Information Center), TEL: 0172-35-3131. However, always check the official website for the latest event status and changes.

Surrounding Area Information

Several historical and cultural attractions are located within walking distance of Hirosaki Park. The Hirosaki City Museum, within walking distance, displays historical materials of the Tsugaru domain and local cultural properties, offering a chance to learn about the history of the cherry blossoms. The Fujita Memorial Garden, located north of the castle, features a Western-Japanese style mansion and garden built in the Taisho era, providing a quiet, scenic spot often overlooked during the cherry blossom season.

In addition, the "Tsugaru-han Neputa Village" in Hirosaki City offers permanent exhibits of the large fan-shaped neputa floats used in the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, along with live Tsugaru shamisen performances. Special events are sometimes held during the cherry blossom season, allowing visitors to enjoy both the daytime blossoms and the nighttime festival. Hirosaki is also known as Japan's leading apple-producing region, and roadside stands near the park sell apple sweets and apple juice during the cherry blossom season.

About 15 minutes by car from Hirosaki Park is Hirosaki Station, a gateway to the World Heritage site Shirakami Sanchi. The area also features workshops for traditional Tsugaru crafts such as "Tsugaru-nuri" lacquerware and "Kogin-zashi" embroidery. A combined tour of the cherry blossom festival and these cultural experiences offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the Tsugaru region.

Related Information

1. Hirosaki Castle Miss Cherry Blossom Contest: Began in 1956 (Showa 31) as the "Princess Cherry Blossom Contest" and was renamed in 1984 (Showa 59). It serves as a highlight of the festival, promoting local tourism.
2. Renaming from "Kano Kai" to "Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri": The name was changed in 1961 (Showa 36), and the festival period was fixed from April 22 to May 5 the following year.
3. Posters by Munakata Shiko: From 1956 (Showa 31) to 1970 (Showa 45), master printmaker Shiko Munakata created six posters for the Kano Kai.
4. Blue Impulse Commemorative Flight: In 2018 (Heisei 30), the JASDF Blue Impulse team performed a flight at the opening ceremony for the 100th anniversary of the Kano Kai.
5. Cancellation Due to COVID-19: In 2020 (Reiwa 2), the festival was cancelled for the first time in its history, coinciding with what would have been the 100th event since the first Kano Kai.
6. Paid Entry to Hirosaki Park: The Honmaru and Ninomaru areas became paid-entry zones during the festival in 1989 (Heisei 1). In 2003 (Heisei 15), the Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa areas became paid-entry year-round from April to November.
7. The Hirosaki Method of Pruning: Developed by Nagamasa Kudo, the first director of the park management office, who learned techniques from apple farmers. This method has extended the lifespan of the cherry trees and improved their flower production.
8. The Pioneering Role of the "Nonki Kurabu": In 1916 (Taisho 5), this local youth group organized costume parades and nighttime cherry blossom viewing, creating the prototype for the current festival.

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