Local Guide
Check out the temperature and clothing for each season in Hirosaki

Hirosaki City is surrounded by Mt. Iwaki in the northwest and the Shirakami and Owani mountain ranges in the south. In the plateaus and hills surrounding each mountain range, apple orchards, which account for 40% of Aomori Prefecture's apple production, are spread out amidst the rich natural surroundings.
The average annual temperature is 10.5°C. It has a cool climate throughout the year, 5.3°C lower than Tokyo's average annual temperature of 15.8°C.
The Tsugaru region, where Hirosaki City is located, is less affected by the rainy season, and tends to have high temperatures and dry days in early summer. On the other hand, in winter, the cold, humid air of the seasonal winds hits the Ou Mountains, causing snowfall, resulting in heavy snowfall that is unique to the Sea of Japan coast. Although it is in the same Aomori Prefecture, the climate is very different from Towada City and Hachinohe City, which are located on the Pacific coast.

Hirosaki's annual temperature

Cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle
Cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle

The snow-white world still spreads in March. The average temperature is 1.7°C, and the bitter cold continues, so it is essential to take measures to protect yourself from the cold. The snow starts to melt from mid- to late March, when the maximum temperature rises to 8°C, and the trees and flowers begin to sprout.
The average temperature in April is 8.0°C. From late April to early May, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the temperature difference is large, with the maximum temperature being around 15°C and the minimum temperature being around 5°C. We recommend carrying a coat when visiting famous cherry blossom spots such as Hirosaki Castle and Mt. Iwaki.
After the apple blossoms reach full bloom in mid-May, the average maximum temperature will exceed 20°C, and the season will be refreshing. During this time, light clothing such as thick cut-and-sew tops will be sufficient during the day, but it is a good idea to carry a windbreaker or knitted cardigan with you for extra security.

Hirosaki Neputa Festival
Hirosaki Neputa Festival

June is the perfect month for going out, as it is the month with the least amount of precipitation in the year and is less affected by the rainy season. The average temperature is a comfortable 18.9°C, making it the perfect season for strolling through the nostalgic streets of Hirosaki.
The average temperature in July is 23.1°C and in August is 24.4°C, which is 3 to 4°C lower than in Tokyo, making it a cool summer.
The Hirosaki Neputa Festival, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, is held in early August. Once the festival, wrapped in a whirlwind of excitement, is over, midsummer is almost over. Short sleeves and sleeveless clothing are only allowed during the day. At night, the temperature drops below 20°C, making it cool. It's a good idea to keep a cardigan or long-sleeved shirt on hand.

Autumn leaves at Hirosaki Castle
Autumn leaves at Hirosaki Castle

The average temperature in September is 20.0°C. The heat subsides, and mornings and evenings become chilly in the middle of the month. The summit of Mt. Iwaki, also known as Tsugaru Fuji, changes color, and by the end of the month the entire mountain is bathed in a brilliant autumn glow. The best time to see the autumn foliage at Hirosaki Castle, with its 1,000 maple trees and 2,600 cherry trees, is from mid-October to early November. Apple picking can also be enjoyed from October to late November.
During this time, temperatures will be around 15°C during the day and 10°C at night, so it's a good idea to bring a coat to wear over your shirt or knitwear.
In mid-November, the average temperature drops below 5°C on many days, and the temperature drops sharply. The first snow falls, heralding the arrival of winter.
The average temperature in November is similar to that in Tokyo in January, so be sure to dress warmly when heading out.

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival "Tsugaru Nishikie Grand Corridor"
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival "Tsugaru Nishikie Grand Corridor"

The average temperature in Hirosaki from December to February is -1.1°C. There are days when the minimum temperature drops to -8°C, making it bone-chillingly cold. There are many snowy days, and the amount of snow gradually increases from December, exceeding 80cm in January and February. Be sure to take precautions against the cold by bringing down coats, lined long pants, as well as accessories such as scarves, gloves, and hand warmers. It is also a good idea to wear snow boots to prepare for the snow.
There is a lot to see in winter in Hirosaki. Illuminations that light up the city's Western-style buildings and the "Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival," which features about 200 different snow sculptures and snow lanterns, have become a seasonal feature of winter in Hirosaki. There are also many folk religious events unique to the Tsugaru region that take place during the Lunar New Year, such as the "Hard-Eyed Shrine Naked Visit with Shimenawa Offerings."

The excitement of Nebuta is 365 days a year! Aomori's theme park-like lodging

In addition to the "floating bath" (see photo) with its fantastic scenery, you can enjoy a variety of hot spring such as the refreshingly fragrant "hiba-yu" (hiba) bath.
In addition to the "floating bath" (see photo) with its fantastic scenery, you can enjoy a variety of hot spring such as the refreshingly fragrant "hiba-yu" (hiba) bath.

About 40 minutes by free shuttle bus from Hachinohe Station. This hot spring inn allows you to fully enjoy Aomori's culture, including festivals and dialects. Every corner of the inn is decorated with festival decorations, and just walking around will make your heart leap. Every night, a show featuring music from the four major Aomori festivals is held. You can enjoy Aomori's unique culture, such as Activity horse-drawn carriage ride around the park that spreads across the 77,000m2 site, and the soothing hot spring "Ukiyu" with its high-quality spring water.

Hoshino Resorts　Aomoriya by Hoshino Resorts

A lodging where you can enjoy the beauty of nature all year round, with fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and frozen waterfalls.

French Restaurant "Sonore". Enjoy a special time on the terrace overlooking the mountain stream.
French Restaurant "Sonore". Enjoy a special time on the terrace overlooking the mountain stream.

This resort hotel is located along the Oirase Gorge that flows through Towada-Hachimantai National Park. With Restaurant overlooking the stream, hot spring, and Guest room, you can enjoy a stay that captures the beauty of nature. Another feature of the hotel is that it offers seasonal Activity such as "moss walks" and "frozen waterfall light-up tours," so you can enjoy the nature of the national park all year round. Nature guides who are well acquainted with the surrounding nature will show you the most beautiful scenery of the season, such as fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowscapes.

Hoshino Resorts　Oirase Keiryu Hotel by Hoshino Resorts

Relax in a bathtub made from Aomori hiba and be overwhelmed by the sounds of the Tsugaru shamisen

At the Tsugaru Four Seasons Water Garden, you can spend some time relaxing in the cool waters while enjoying the traditional crafts of Tsugaru.
At the Tsugaru Four Seasons Water Garden, you can spend some time relaxing in the cool waters while enjoying the traditional crafts of Tsugaru.

Hot spring ryokan is located in hot spring, the inner sanctum of Tsugaru, about 800 years old, about 10 minutes by train from Hirosaki. You can soak in the soft, thick waters of the Aomori hiba baths and enjoy the seasonal garden views from the large windows. For meals, we offer KAI Local Flavors cuisine that allows you to taste the bounty of Aomori's mountains and seas. Enjoy luxurious dishes such as cherry blossom crab in spring, abalone in summer, and Oma tuna from autumn to winter. All Guest room rooms are "Tsugaru Kogin Rooms" that incorporate traditional crafts. You can spend a relaxing time in a modern Japanese space.
In front of the mural "Spring and Autumn Waves" by the master of Japanese painting, Matazo Kayama, a national champion of the Tsugaru shamisen and Staff/staff member have trained him perform live every night. Enjoy the powerful sounds that shake the air.

Hoshino Resorts　Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru
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