Is there a direct bus to Hirosaki Castle from Aomori Airport?

Yes, there are airport limousine buses from Aomori Airport to Hirosaki Station. From the station, take a local bus or walk to the castle.

What are the opening hours of Hirosaki Castle?

Hirosaki Castle park is open year-round. The castle keep is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM), typically from April to November.

How much is the entry fee for Hirosaki Castle?

Admission to the castle keep and botanical garden is around ¥520 for adults and ¥160 for children. The park grounds are free to enter.

When is the best time to visit Hirosaki Castle?

Spring (late April to early May) is famous for cherry blossoms. Autumn is also beautiful with colorful foliage.

Are there any tips for visiting Hirosaki Castle?

Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The castle keep is small but offers great views. Visit during the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival for a special experience.

Hirosaki Castle – Historic Gem of Aomori

Overview

Hirosaki Castle (弘前城), located in Aomori Prefecture, is a celebrated symbol of northern Japan. Built in 1611, it is one of the few original castle keeps in the Tohoku region. The castle is renowned for its picturesque grounds, especially during cherry blossom season when thousands of sakura trees bloom, creating one of Japan’s most famous hanami spots. The castle park also features moats, bridges, and seasonal festivals, making it a year-round destination.

Hirosaki Castle is not only a historical treasure but also a gateway to exploring the culture and natural beauty of Aomori. The castle grounds are especially lively during the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in spring and the Autumn Foliage Festival in fall.
The city of Hirosaki itself is known for its samurai district, apple orchards, and local cuisine, making it a perfect stop for travelers seeking authentic countryside experiences in northern Japan.

Access to Hirosaki Castle by TRAIN or Bus (Last updated: May 9, 2025)

The most convenient way to reach Hirosaki Castle is by train. Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori Station, then transfer to the JR Ou Line to Hirosaki Station. From there, the castle is about a 15-minute bus ride or a 30-minute walk.

How to Get to Hirosaki Castle from Major Cities

Departure City	Route	Estimated Time	Estimated Cost
Tokyo	Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori → JR Ou Line to Hirosaki Station → Bus/Walk to Castle	About 4–5 hours	¥18,000–¥20,000
Aomori Airport	Airport Limousine Bus to Hirosaki Station → Bus/Walk to Castle	About 1 hour	¥1,200–¥1,500
Sendai	Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori → JR Ou Line to Hirosaki Station → Bus/Walk	About 3.5–4 hours	¥13,000–¥15,000
Akita	JR Ou Line to Hirosaki Station → Bus/Walk to Castle	About 2.5 hours	¥3,500–¥4,500

Note: For Shinkansen and limited express trains, seat reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Note: The castle is about 2km from Hirosaki Station. Local buses run frequently, or you can enjoy a scenic walk through the city.

During cherry blossom season, special shuttle buses may be available between the station and the castle park.

Official Website

For more details, please visit the official website.

Visit Official Site

Activity Information

Location: Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Opening Hours (Castle Keep): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM), typically April–November.
The castle park is open year-round and can be enjoyed at any time.
Recommended Season: Spring for cherry blossoms, Autumn for foliage
Notes: The castle keep is small but offers great views. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Some areas may be under restoration.
Entry Fee: Around ¥520 for adults, ¥160 for children (castle keep & botanical garden). Park grounds are free.

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