Countries
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
23
Apr
Date
23 Apr (Thursday)
Time
Apr 23 – May 5
Venue
Hirosaki Park, １ Shimoshiroganecho
Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
📝 Useful Information
The 2026 Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to take place from April 17 to May 5, 2026, at Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture. This world-renowned event features approximately 2,600 cherry trees of over 50 varieties, including the iconic Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry trees.
Would you like help finding accommodation near Hirosaki Park or more details on the train routes from Tokyo?
Key Event Details
Top Highlights & Activities
Traveler Tips
•Location: Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle), 1-1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori.
•Admission: Access to the park is generally free, but entry to the Honmaru (Main Enclosure) and Botanical Garden costs ¥320 for adults and ¥100 for children. A common ticket for multiple sites is available for ¥520.
•Blooming Forecast: For 2026, blossoms are expected to start blooming around April 15 in the park, with full bloom anticipated around April 20–22.
•Night Illuminations: One of Japan's "Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots," the trees and castle are lit up from sunset until 22:00 daily during the festival.
•Hanaikada (Flower Rafts): Near the end of the season (expected April 23–27, 2026), fallen petals completely cover the surface of the outer moat, creating a stunning "pink carpet".
•Boat Rentals: Visitors can rent rowboats on the West Moat for ¥1,000 per hour to view the blossoms from the water.
•Special Tours: A Night Cherry Blossom Boat Tour (Yozakura-Bune) is available from April 18–26 for ¥2,000 (advance reservation required via JTB BOKUN).
•Night Cherry Blossom Boat Tour (Yozakura-Bune)
•Hassle-Free Picnics: The Tebura de Kanokai service provides a pre-arranged picnic with local food and music for ¥44,000 per person.
•Crowds: The festival coincides with Japan's Golden Week, so it is highly recommended to book accommodation and transportation (like the JR Shinkansen) well in advance.
•Best Photo Spot: Look for the "Heart-shaped Cherry Blossoms" created by the overlapping branches of two trees, though its exact location is a popular secret to discover within the park.
•Castle Access: Note that the Main Keep internal tours will be unavailable for several years starting November 23, 2025, due to relocation work back to its original mound.
Updated at 18 Mar 2026