Hirosaki Castle

弘前城

Castles · Aomori

Located in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan, who ruled the domain for 260 years until feudal rule ended in 1871. Its original five-story keep burned down after a lightning strike in 1627 and was rebuilt as the current three-story tower in 1810, making it Tohoku's only surviving Edo-period castle keep. Set within Hirosaki Park amid a triple moat, the castle is especially renowned for its cherry blossoms each spring and illuminated snow lantern festival in winter.

TikTok video of June 12, 2026