At the heart of Hirosaki-kōen lie the ancient remains of this castle, originally constructed in 1611. Rather tragically, only 16 years after it was built the castle was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground. Two centuries on, one of the corner towers was rebuilt and today it houses a small museum showcasing samurai weaponry.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
18.59 MILES
Looking like a modernist sculpture, the geometric white facade of the Aomori Museum of Art was designed to blend in with the landscape when blanketed with…
18.53 MILES
Excavation of this site turned up an astonishing number of intact artefacts from Japan's Jōmon era (10,000 to 2000 years ago), which are on display at the…
0.22 MILES
Perfect for picnicking, this enormous public park has been shaped over the centuries by three castle moats, and landscaped with overhanging cherry trees …
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20.03 MILES
For anyone wanting a taste of the alpine without having to brave the steep ascent, this scenic ropeway whisks you quickly up to the summit of Tamoyachi…
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0.3 MILES
The former home and garden of the wealthy Fujita family, this beautiful example of a manicured Japanese garden is the second largest in Tōhoku. Meandering…
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1.68 MILES
In season, an excursion to this working orchard in full view of regal Iwaki-san is an ideal family activity. Apple-picking tours leave every 30 minutes…
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0.9 MILES
A 10-minute walk southwest of the Hirosaki-jō ruins brings you to an atmospheric temple district redolent of feudal times. At the top of the hill, Chōshō…
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0.42 MILES
Come here to see some of Hirosaki's huge Neputa festival lanterns and try your hand at the giant taiko (drums). There are also exhibitions of local crafts…
Nearby attractions
0.22 MILES
Perfect for picnicking, this enormous public park has been shaped over the centuries by three castle moats, and landscaped with overhanging cherry trees …
0.3 MILES
The former home and garden of the wealthy Fujita family, this beautiful example of a manicured Japanese garden is the second largest in Tōhoku. Meandering…
0.42 MILES
Come here to see some of Hirosaki's huge Neputa festival lanterns and try your hand at the giant taiko (drums). There are also exhibitions of local crafts…
0.9 MILES
A 10-minute walk southwest of the Hirosaki-jō ruins brings you to an atmospheric temple district redolent of feudal times. At the top of the hill, Chōshō…
1.68 MILES
In season, an excursion to this working orchard in full view of regal Iwaki-san is an ideal family activity. Apple-picking tours leave every 30 minutes…
18.53 MILES
Excavation of this site turned up an astonishing number of intact artefacts from Japan's Jōmon era (10,000 to 2000 years ago), which are on display at the…
18.59 MILES
Looking like a modernist sculpture, the geometric white facade of the Aomori Museum of Art was designed to blend in with the landscape when blanketed with…
20.03 MILES
For anyone wanting a taste of the alpine without having to brave the steep ascent, this scenic ropeway whisks you quickly up to the summit of Tamoyachi…