Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Experience Japan’s serenity as cherry blossoms paint the landscape with their beauty.

The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is a yearly spring celebration in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. Featuring 2,600 cherry trees bursting with blossoms in Hirosaki Park and approximately 200 food stalls and vendor booths along the paths, the festival draws large crowds.

Fun fact! In Hirosaki, a special pruning method was adopted from apple tree pruning. This approach allows each cherry blossom branch to yield more flowering buds than typical cherry blossoms.

Blooming is expected to begin on April 18, coinciding with the festival's start. The event runs until May 5, so make sure to plan your trip to Japan this spring!

Disclaimer: These dates are based on bloom predictions for 2025, but bloom timing can change. Double-check closer to your visit to avoid surprises!

History of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Legend has it that cherry trees were first planted in Hirosaki Park in 1715, during the Edo period, when the cherry blossoms like Kasumizakura from Kyoto’s Arashiyama were reintroduced. In the early Meiji period, 1,000 Yoshino cherry trees were planted within the castle ruins, followed by planting more Somei-Yoshino trees. By the Taisho era, the park flourished with cherry blossoms, inspiring the Cherry Blossom Viewing Party in 1918. In 1961, the event was officially renamed the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival.

Today, the park boasts more than 50 types of sakura, including Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms, Yaezakura (double-layer cherry), and Shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree).

What to Expect When Attending the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

At this festival, you'll enjoy numerous activities throughout the day, including morning walks, exciting boat rides, and captivating evening illuminations.

In the morning, before the crowds arrive, enjoy a peaceful walk around the park and moat areas. Nishibori (West Moat) is one of the most popular spots. While the blossoms are still on the trees, their reflections shimmer on the water’s surface. As petals fall, they create a stunning flower carpet on the water. Both moments offer perfect photo opportunities.

Incredible performances by Hirosaki Neputa Festival artists will enhance the experience. Enjoy the music while savoring delicious local food. Food stalls (yatai) will offer Aomori's best treats, like grilled squid, apple-based sweets, yakisoba, and sakura mochi.

After sunset, various areas of Hirosaki Park will glow with beautiful illumination. A prime location for an evening stroll is close to the Sugi-no-Ohashi bridge, where cherry trees lining the moat will be elegantly illuminated.

Based on historical weather data for Hirosaki in April, daytime highs will be around 12 C (54 F), and nighttime lows will be near 2 C (36 F). You'll want to dress in layers since spring in Japan can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Also, don't forget your umbrella or raincoat for frequent spring showers!

Tickets

This festival is open to the public and free to enjoy, however, there are certain paid areas.

A one-day ticket for Hirosaki Castle, Honmaru, and the Kitanokura district costs 320 yen (~$2.16) for adults and 100 yen (~$0.68) for children. The price is the same for the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden.

A combined ticket for all paid areas costs 520 yen (~$3.51) for adults and 160 yen (~$1.08) for kids. This ticket also allows you to enter Fujita Memorial Garden.

Security Protocols

Safety is a top priority at the event to ensure everyone has a fun and worry-free experience. Security staff and local authorities are present throughout the park, especially around crowded areas like Hirosaki Castle and the Sakura Tunnel. Bag checks will be conducted at certain entrances, and visitors are encouraged to follow festival guidelines, such as not bringing large luggage or drones. Emergency stations and first-aid tents are available in case you need assistance, and there are clear signs in multiple languages to help with directions. Just be mindful of your belongings, respect the beautiful park, and enjoy the magical cherry blossoms!

How to Get To or From the Event

Here's how to reach the festival:

By train:

From Tokyo

• Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station (~3-3.5 hours).
• Transfer to the JR Ou Line and take a local train to Hirosaki Station (~40 min).

From Osaka or Kyoto

• Take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Tokyo, then follow the Tokyo route.

From Sapporo

• Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, then transfer to the JR Ou Line to Hirosaki.

When you arrive in Hirosaki, you can take the Hirosaki 100-Yen loop bus or the Konan bus. Bus stops include Hirosaki Station, Hirosaki Castle Park, and the Samurai District. Depending on where you're headed, the bus fares will vary. If you enjoy cycling, you can rent a bicycle for just 500 yen (~$3.38) per day - perfect for riding around Hirosaki Castle Park and the cherry blossom areas.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Policy

You can carry small bags like picnic ones with food for hanami (flower viewing), but avoid large coolers. This is a crowded event, so bringing bulky bags isn't recommended, and they will be restricted in certain areas.

It's best to pack light when you head to observe the sakuras and store your luggage somewhere secure. Bounce can help you have quality time without worrying about your stuff while in Japan.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bags With Bounce and Enjoy Sakura Season

Bounce offers you the option to store your luggage in several cities in Japan and head to the Cherry Blossom Festival. If you're staying in Tokyo, you can drop off belongings in your preferred area for just ¥400 per day.

You'll get 24/7 support, ¥1,000,000 in bag protection, and no cancellation fee.

Just visit our website or use the Bounce mobile app to book a spot quickly and easily!

How to Stow Your Bag at the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 With Bounce

1. Book: Pick the most convenient spot, book, and pay online.
2. Store your bags: Go to the chosen store, show your payment confirmation, and drop off your stuff.
3. Create special memories: Have a memorable time in Hirosaki and enjoy cherry blossoms.

How to Make the Most Out of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

• Join a tea ceremony at the park and sip matcha while surrounded by cherry blossom trees.
• Try wearing a yukata or kimono (rent one in Hirosaki) for a more immersive experience.
• Listen to Tsugaru Shamisen performances, a traditional music style unique to Aomori.
• Take the boat ride in the moat for a unique sakura-viewing angle!
• Bring a small lantern or fairy lights to create a cozy atmosphere for your hanami spot.
• Store your bags with Bounce to enjoy the festival worry-free.

Come and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, where history, culture, and thousands of sakura trees create an unforgettable springtime experience!