Best Time to Visit Hirosaki
What Is the Best Time to Visit Hirosaki?
The best time to visit Hirosaki is from April to early November. During this period, the climate is generally mild, with neither extreme heat nor excessive cold. Furthermore, monthly rainfall is low, with very little moderate to heavy rain, and the days are pleasantly long. Last but not least, the outdoor scenery during this time is lush and vibrant. All these ensure you better travel experience.
See more: Hirosaki Weather
Best Time for Sakura: Late April to Early May
Under normal circumstances, the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki begin to bloom gradually in mid-April, reaching their peak bloom from late April to early May, which is the best time for admiration. Hirosaki Park, as one of the most popular sites for beautiful cherry blossom, is definitely worth a visit. Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, Shunyo Bridge, and other locations within the park offer you unique viewing perspectives. Additionally, every year during cherry blossom season, the Sakura Festival is held here, with more than 2,000 cherry trees of over 50 varieties vying for your attention!Tips:
1. For tourists who are allergic to pollen, it is recommended to wear a mask.
2. If you are planning a trip to Hirosaki during the 2026 cherry blossom season, it’s advised to exclude the period from April 29th to May 6th, Japan’s Golden Week. This is because there will be more visitors during this period than usual, and some cherry blossom viewing spots may be a bit crowded. However, if you insist on traveling during this period, you can choose to visit between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM or between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, when there will be fewer people.
Best Time for Autumn Delights: Mid-October to Early November
Autumn delights of Hirosaki reach their peak in mid-October to early November. The Hirosaki Park presents a completely different and beautiful scene from Sakura season, as approximately 1,000 maple trees turn red and orange, over 300-year-old ginkgo trees shimmer with golden leaves, and even the cherry blossom trees change their green outfits into autumn hues. Other than that, there are diversified species of chrysanthemums exhibited in the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden that add a different version of autumn charm to your autumn trip. If you visit Hirosaki in mid-October, you can also experience the joy of picking delicious apples at the Hirosaki Apple Park.Best Time to Experience Hirosaki Folk Culture: Early August
For culture lovers, this is a treat for you: every year in early August, specifically from August 1st to August 7th, there is a grand ancient summer tradition, Nebuta Festival, held in the Tsugaru-han Neputa-mura Village in Hirosaki. Starting at 7 pm, a grand parade pushes enormous lantern-adorned floats through the streets, showcasing their performances. The lanterns on the floats are exquisitely crafted, often featuring themes of historical figures and mythologies. Accompanying the Nebuta floats are hundreds of dancers in traditional Japanese costumes, waving their arms and shouting rhythmic chants that intertwine with the sounds of taiko drums and flutes, creating an exhilarating spectacle.Tip: As one of the grandest festivals in Aomori Prefecture, the Nebuta Festival attracts a large number of tourists every year, which can lead to full capacity on the Tohoku Shinkansen. Therefore, it is recommended that you buy tickets in advance.
Unfavorable Time to Visit Hirosaki: December to March
December to March is not an optimal time to visit Hirosaki due to its unfavorably cold weather. The temperature is so low that it can drop below -10℃ (14℉) in the coldest January.However, if you are a winter and snow fan, it’s a good time to go, especially January and February. Also, in mid-February, the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is held. There are hundreds of handmade snow lanterns and snow sculptures of various shapes that blend traditional and modern elements in the Hirosaki Park, creating a dreamlike snow world. At night, candles and lights are lit, making for a romantic atmosphere.
Tips:
1. Traveling in winter, you’d better pay attention to the traffic conditions since heavy snow may lead to transportation suspension, especially for the train and airplane.
2. You are recommended to wear non-slip, warm shoes, as the ground can be icy, easily making you fall.
