Hirosaki Castle refers to not only the castle structure called Tenshu (castle tower), but also to the entire grounds of Hirosaki Park.
The castle construction was planned in 1603 by the lord Tsugaru Tamenobu, who successfully unified the Tsugaru region. The construction began in 1610 during reign of the 2nd lord Nobuhira, and was completed in 1611. Unfortunately, the original impressive five story structure burnt down after being struck by lightning in 1627. The single remaining structure, tenshu, has three stories and was rebuild in 1810. The building is now the Hirosaki Park Historical Archive and exhibits historical material from the period under Tsugaru clan rule.
Within the premises of Hirosaki Castle are three turrets and five castle gates, all designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Additionally, the remaining traces of the castle grounds was designated as a national heritage site in 1952.
The Only Remaining Castle in Tohoku Area
Despite having been rebuilt, Hirosaki Castle Tenshu is the only remaining castle tower build in Edo period in the Tohoku Area. It is considered a symbol of the city of Hirosaki. The castle is also famous for its cherry blossoms with over 2600 trees, the largest scale in Japan. Over 2 million visitors come to enjoy the sight of the castle and cherry blossoms in spring.
The Castle is Moving ~Construction of the Base Structure of Hirosaki
The base structure of the castle tower on the east side has grown weak, thus repairs are set to begin in 2015. Due to construction, the castle tower Tenshu will be moved 70 meters (229 feet) without taking the building apart during the summer of 2015 (August~October). It has been 100 years since the tenshu tower was moved last, and will be slowly carried over a period of three months. The sight of the move will be visible from a temporary observation deck.
The repair of the base structure itself will take 10 years, with the goal to finish by 2026. The castle tower is planned to return to its original location in 2021.
The moving castle will certainly be a rare sight to see in Japan.
Basic Information
| Address | 1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8356 |
|---|---|
| Tel | General Incorporated Foundation Hirosaki City Midori Association 0172-33 -8733 Hirosaki City Park and Green Land Sector 0172-33-8739 |
| Fax | General Incorporated Foundation Hirosaki City Midori Association 0172-33-8799 |
| Open | [Paid Area and Hours] Honmaru/Kita no Kuruwa Area 9:00~17:00 (April 1st~November 23rd) Botanical Garden 9:00~18:00 (Tickets are sold until 17:30) *During the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival the paid hours are extended. |
| Closed | (Winter Closing) November 24th~March 31st |
| Price | [Entrance Fee] Honmaru/Kita no Kuruwa Area Adult 320(¥250) Child 100(¥80) (Honmaru/Kita no Kuruwa Area can be accessed for free during November 24th~March 31st) Botanical Garden Adult 320(¥250) Child 100(¥80) [Common Ticket (Honmaru/Kita no Kuruwa Area, Botanical Garden, Fujita Memorial Garden)] Adult 520(¥470) Child 160(¥130) *Prices in ( ) are discounted prices for groups with 10 people or more. |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| URL | General Incorporated Foundation Hirosaki City Midori Association(Japanese) |
Transportation
JR Hirosaki Station 30-minute Walk Hirosaki Park
