Local Guide
[2025 Edition] Aomori's cherry blossoms are at their best during Golden Week! Introducing cherry blossom viewing spots and events such as Hirosaki Castle

Around Golden Week, cherry blossoms begin to bloom all over Aomori Prefecture. Hirosaki Park is one of the most popular spots in the country, with the cherry blossoms visible against the backdrop of the stone walls of Hirosaki Castle. Aomori also has many hidden spots where you can see rare varieties of cherry blossoms, enjoy cherry blossom viewing in special seats, and more, all of which are only known to locals. In addition to these famous cherry blossom spots, we will also introduce events that will make your cherry blossom viewing experience even more enjoyable.

The collaboration of Hirosaki Castle and cherry blossoms is a must-see

This park, which spreads out around Hirosaki Castle, is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the country. You can enjoy about 50 varieties and 2,600 cherry trees in the park. The main variety is Somei-Yoshino, which blooms from late April to early May. In addition, a wide variety of varieties can be seen for over a month, including Yaebenishidare, which blooms from early May.
There are many viewing points for the cherry blossoms, among which the most popular are the view of the cherry blossoms from the Honmaru with Mt. Iwaki in the background and the "Cherry Blossom Tunnel" with its 400m long row of cherry blossom trees. The "flower rafts" where fallen petals float all over the moat are also mesmerizingly beautiful, like a pink carpet being spread out.
The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival and many related events are held during the cherry blossom season.

[Blooming season] Usually late April
[Best time to see] Late April every year
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, Yaebenishidarae, Weeping cherry, Hirosakiyukiakari, etc.

▼Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025
Date: (Fri), April 18th, 2025 -(Mon) 2025
*Illumination is from sunset to 22:00
Note: The event period may change depending on the cherry blossom conditions.
URL: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=cat02_spring_sakura#matsuri_main

Comments Local Guide
The best thing about Hirosaki Park is that you can still enjoy it even after the cherry blossoms have fallen. The moat filled with fallen cherry blossoms is a spectacular sight.
Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle)
  • URLhttps://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/details.html?id=CNT00403311702141656
  • 住所Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki City, Shimoshiroganecho 1 MAP
  • 営業時間Admission is free, Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa are open from April 1st to November 23rd from 9:00am to 5:00pm
  • 定休日Hirosaki Castle Tower: November 24th to March 31st
  • 入場料Admission is free, but the Honmaru and Kita no Kuruwa area are paid areas, 320 yen for high school students and older, 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students (free during the winter season from November 24th to March 31st)
  • TEL0172-37-5501(弘前市立観光館)
  • メモDuring the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, admission is from 9:00 to 21:00

Enjoy cherry blossom viewing and festivals with the blue sea as your backdrop

Mutsu Bay is surrounded by the Tsugaru Peninsula and Shimokita Peninsula. Gourai Park is a seaside park that stretches along the seaside line of Mutsu Bay.
Known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, there are over 600 cherry trees to see within the park. Somei-Yoshino, Ooyamazakura with pale pink flowers, and weeping cherry blossoms bloom from mid- to late April, and Satozakura can be enjoyed until early May.
The Aomori Spring Festival is held around Golden Week, during which many stalls are set up and there are many events such as dance shows and fireworks. At night, countless lanterns are lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere for cherry blossom viewing.

[Blooming season] Mid to late April
[Best time to see] Late April every year
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, Ooyamazakura, weeping cherry, Satozakura, etc.

▼Aomori Spring Festival
Date and time: Saturday, April 19, 2025 to Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Note: Eating while walking is prohibited

Comments Local Guide
During the Spring Festival, there will be a number of stalls set up, allowing you to enjoy the festival atmosphere!
Gappo Park
  • URLhttps://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00000099.html
  • 住所2-17-50, Gouura, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 8 minutes by car from JR Aomori Station
  • バスアクセスFrom JR Aomori Station, take the Aomori City Bus Tobu Line bound for "Tobu Eigyosho" or similar for about 15 minutes, get off at "Gouho Koen-mae" and walk for about 2 minutes
  • TEL017-741-6634
  • 駐車場Free (fees apply between 9:00 and 18:00 during the festival)

More than 50 varieties of cherry blossoms attract visitors

Kuroishi City is located right in the center of Aomori Prefecture. Higashi Park Sakurayama, a place of relaxation for local residents, is a cherry blossom viewing spot where you can see about 700 cherry trees of 52 varieties from late April to early May. The main varieties are Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and wild cherry.
Other rare varieties include Gyoikou, which has pale green flowers, and Youkihi, whose flowers are likened to a beautiful woman. Among them, Banrikou, a type of Yaezakura, is stylish in appearance. Only the edges of the white petals are dyed a deep pink color.
On a clear day, we recommend viewing the cherry blossoms with the dynamic backdrop of Mt. Iwaki, also known as "Tsugaru Fuji." The Kuroishi Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place over nearly two weeks from late April, is also popular and offers a variety of events.

[Blooming season] Usually late April
[Best time to see] Late April every year
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, weeping cherry, wild cherry, Gyoiko, Youkihi, etc.

Kuroishi Cherry Blossom Festival
Events such as a cherry tree planting ceremony and Yosakoi dance performances are planned. There will also be stalls selling Kuroishi Yakisoba noodles.
Period: April 18th (Fri) to April 27th (Sun), 2025, 9:00-16:00 *No nighttime illumination
Location: Higashi Park Sakurayama (The main venue is on the riverbed at the bottom of Higashi Park Sakurayama)
remarks: https://kuroishi.or.jp/event/spring/sakuramaturi

Comments Local Guide
We also recommend taking your time enjoying cherry blossom viewing while strolling along the promenade.
Azuma Park Sakurayama
  • URLhttps://aomori-tourism.com/spot/detail_8712.html
  • 住所Aomori Prefecture, Kuroishi City, Sakanoki 2-chome MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 7 minutes by car from Kuroishi Station on the Konan Railway
  • バスアクセスFrom Kuroishi Station on the Konan Railway, take the Konan Bus on the Okawahara Line or Nurukawa Line for approximately 8 minutes, get off at "Kuroishi Junior High School" and walk for approximately 1 minute
  • TEL0172-52-3488(黒石観光協会)
  • 駐車場free

Enjoy a relaxing cherry blossom viewing experience in a vast park

A vast 37-hectare comprehensive leisure park representing Hachinohe City. It is one of the prefecture's leading cherry blossom viewing spots, and from late April to early May, the park is colored with approximately 2,000 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino.
The park is divided into nine zones, and the one we recommend the most in spring is the "Sakura no Mori Zone." There are six box seats (free of charge, no reservations required) under the cherry blossoms that can accommodate 5 to 10 people, allowing you to enjoy a premium cherry blossom viewing experience.
During Golden Week, the Hachinohe Park Spring Festival is also held. A variety of events are held every day, including jazz performances, cheerleading, and song shows, delighting the many visitors from inside and outside the city.

[Blooming season] Usually late April
[Best time to see] Late April every year
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, Yamazakura, Yaezakura, etc.

Hachinohe Park Spring Festival
Date and time: April 29, 2025 (Tuesday) - May 6, 2025 (Tuesday) 9:00-17:00
Location: Grass Square Zone
https://aomori-tourism.com/event/detail_8706.html

Comments Local Guide
The large park also has an amusement park, botanical garden, and mini zoo, so you can have fun all day long.
Hachinohe Park
  • URLhttps://www.city.hachinohe.aomori.jp/shisetsuannai/toshikoen/8118.html
  • 住所33-2 Tenma, Tokaichi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 16 minutes by car from JR Hachinohe Station
  • バスアクセスFrom JR Hon-Hachinohe Station, take the Hachinohe City Bus bound for Korekawadanchi for about 21 minutes, get off at Kodomo-no-Kuni-dori and walk for about 6 minutes, or get off at Kodomo-no-Kuni Iriguchi (limited time service)
  • 営業時間Botanical garden 9:00-17:00, amusement park-16:45
  • 定休日Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday or substitute holiday), and the amusement park is closed from mid-November to March 31st
  • 入場料Admission is free, but there is a fee for rides and other Property at the amusement park.
  • TEL0178-96-2932
  • 駐車場free

A popular cherry blossom viewing spot within walking distance from the station

This 1.6-hectare public park was built on the ruins of Hachinohe Castle. It is an oasis for the people of Hachinohe, and is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring. Approximately 50 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees can be seen in the park, and during the flowering season from late April to early May, it is crowded with cherry blossom viewers, especially on weekends.
The recommended viewing spot is the grass plaza. Surrounded by cherry blossoms, it's the perfect place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing. On sunny days, you'll see groups spreading out picnic sheets and having parties, or people taking a walk while admiring the cherry blossoms, creating a relaxed atmosphere. There are also playground equipment within the park, making it a great place for families.

[Blooming season] Usually late April
[Best time to see] Late April every year
[Type of cherry blossom] Somei Yoshino

Comments Local Guide
The park is located on a hill, so you can get a panoramic view of the city of Hachinohe.
Miyagi Park

A beautiful collaboration between cherry blossoms, pine trees, and art objects

Known locally as "Koma Kaido," this road has been selected as one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan." The 1.1km road is lined with cherry blossoms and pine trees, and in spring the contrast between the gorgeous cherry blossoms and the green pine trees is vivid. In addition to seeing 156 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino, Kanzan, Takanezakura, Yaebenisidare, and other varieties, you can also enjoy the collaboration with the 26 art objects scattered along the road.
To coincide with the cherry blossoms blooming, Towada City Hall opens its 5th floor lobby to the public, offering a panoramic view of the government office street bathed in a soft pink hue.

[Blooming season] Mid to late April
[Best time to see] Late April to early May
[Types of cherry blossoms] Somei-yoshino, Kanzan, Takanezakura, Yaebenishidar

Comments Local Guide
The town is filled with art! This is a popular spot where you can enjoy cherry blossoms, art, and the history of horses.

Enjoy the Towada City Spring Festival with cherry blossoms in full bloom

One of the highlights of the "Sakura Yabusame" is the combination of the gorgeous costumes and the cherry blossoms.
One of the highlights of the "Sakura Yabusame" is the combination of the gorgeous costumes and the cherry blossoms.

This big event takes place in the city's cherry blossom season, with Towada City Kanchogai Street as its main venue. There are plenty of fun events, including street performances such as the "Yosakoi Genki Festival" and "Sakura Yabusame" by female knights. During the festival, the observation lobby of Towada City Hall, which overlooks the cherry blossoms of Kanchogai Street, is open to the public (9:00-20:00). It is lit up at night, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night.

▼Towada City Spring Festival
A variety of events are held mainly on Saturdays and Sundays, including parades and concerts. There is also a product exhibition selling Towada City's specialty products.
Date: Saturday, April 19th to Monday, May 5th, 2025
*The illumination will be held in conjunction with the cherry blossoms (18:00-21:00)
Location: Towada City Kanchogai Street, Towada City Central Park Green Space, Central Parking
remarks: https://towada-harumatsuri.info/

▼The 22nd Sakura Yabusame
Yabusame by female knights from all over the country. They also drive the carriages.
Date and time: April 19th (Sat) and 20th (Sun) 2025 10:00-14:00
Location: Towada City Central Park Green Space
remarks: http://towada-joba.com/sakurayabusame/

Towada City Government Office Street
  • URLhttps://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00000039.html
  • 住所Aomori Prefecture Towada City Nishi-Junibancho Area MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 24 minutes by car from JR Shichinohe-Towada Station
  • バスアクセスFrom JR Shichinohe-Towada Station, take the Towada Electric Railway Kankosha Bus bound for Towada City for about 35 minutes and get off at "Kanchogai-dori" (runs once every 1-2 hours)
  • TEL0176-51-6772(十和田市観光推進課)
  • 駐車場Paid
  • メモ*Opening hours, holidays, and admission fees are as per the observation lobby on the 5th floor of the new Towada City Hall building.
*The contents listed are current as of the date of article update. They may be subject to change, so please check before using.