Visit Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture, one of the best spots for cherry blossoms in Japan.

Blue sky and majestic mountains, vibrantly blooming cherry blossoms and a castle. The spring scenery of Hirosaki Park makes you feel as if you are in a dream world. Cherry blossoms from approximately 2,600 trees, including more than 300 trees over 100 years old, bloom in full glory in the park.

image source: www.deepjapan.org/a/4324

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Hirosaki City in Aomori prefecture is located in the northern tip of the main Honshu island. Hirosaki Castle and its cherry blossoms are known as one of the best scenic spots in Japan, listed in the “100 best spots for cherry blossoms in Japan” selected by the government, “Japan’s 100 scenic spots where people and nature blend in harmony” and “Japan’s Top 100 Castles”. Cherry trees were first planted around Hirosaki Castle 300 years ago . It is said that the population of trees was devastated at one time, but the number of trees has increased over the last 100 years thanks to donations from many people, making Hirosaki Castle as beautiful as it is now. The “Hirosaki Sakura-Matsuri” cherry blossom festival is held at Hirosaki Park from late April to early May every year when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The park bustles with people enjoying rental boats, stalls and the illumination of cherry blossoms at night.

Why are cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park so beautiful? The reason is in the pruning technique. Apples are a local specialty of Aomori prefecture, and when local apple farmers pruned old, weak cherry trees the way they prune apple trees, the trees regained vitality in the following year and produced even more beautiful cherry blossoms. Typical cherry blossoms have 3 to 4 floral buds, but the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park have 5 to 7. The increase in the thickness of the flower makes the cherry blossoms look more vigorous and the shape of the tree becomes more beautiful because the weight of the flowers causes the branches to hang down. The cherry blossoms in Hirosaki are nurtured by the wisdom of the local people and their love for the trees.