Constructed in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan, the Hirosaki castle is one of the most famous remnants of the feudal era. This Edo period construction spreads over a vast expanse with its sparkling white tower, its huge gates and a lush spread of cherry trees. The donjon of Hirosaki Castle had originally been a five level tower until lightning charred it in 1627. The 'yagura' to which the tower had been connected is also demolished now. The three-level tower and the turrets visible today is a 1810 reconstruction. The new donjon is propped on the stone wall of an inner moat and stands today as the only existing donjon in the eastern part of the Nagano prefecture. The castle ground, with its 5000 cherry trees, is a picture perfect locale as the trees don a blushing pink during the summer. The Hirosaki castle is in fact, one of the finest cherry blossom spots in Japan.
Other tourist attractions in Hirosaki: With its historic castle and ancient temples, Hirosaki is a city rich with a heritage of its own. The Hirosaki castle is a hub of tourist interest with its ancient building and sprawling park that pulls in thousands of tourists in the Cherry Blossom Festival. The castle has a museum to display the arms of the feudal era. Close to the park is the Otemon square. Zenringai, a collection of 33 Zen temples is said to guard the Hirosaki castle. The Ch?sh?-ji Temple with its Sanmon Gate and Buddhist statues is another famous destination for the tourists. The Saish?-in Monastery is a huge 5 story pagoda built by the Tsugaru clan. Kakunodate is an ancient town for the samurais, and definitely a place worth visiting. A major attraction in Hirosaki is the Neputa Matsuri festival. With its decorated lights and dances, the festival is an opulent display of color and tradition. How to reach Hirosaki: From Tokyo, Hirosaki is a five hour train ride by the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayate train that takes one to Hachinohe from where the Tsugaru Limited Express train goes straight to Hirosaki. The city is linked to Aomori, Akita and Fukushima via the JR ?u Main Line. Akebono overnight trains run from Tokyo, and Nihonkai overnight trains are there from Osaka, and Kyoto. Hourly local trains from Aomori would also take you to Hirosaki. From the JR Hirosaki Station, the castle is a ten minutes bus ride. Accommodations in Hirosaki: The city has a number of luxury and economic accommodations for its tourists. The City Hirosaki hotel is an affordable hotel in the core of the city. Tokyu City Hirosaki Hotel, Hotel New Castle, and Mercure Hotel Hokke Club Hirosaki are some other places to guarantee a comfortable stay in Hirosaki.
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