I accepted a teaching position with a program sponsored by the Ministry of Education to teach in Japan for one year I was placed in Hirosaki — snow country — situated in the northern most prefecture of Aomori on the main island of Honshu a local 4-year liberal arts university offered me a full-time professorship Since I had taught university classes at Purdue full-time before relocating to Japan I jumped at the chance to remain in Japan in order to teach university classes full-time once again I remained in Aomori for 20 years before being offered a tenured professorship at a national university in Fukuoka where I relocated to the southern part of Japan on the island of Kyushu To continue the theme of introducing interesting places off the beaten track in Japan I decided to introduce my old stomping grounds of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture.   When I first received my teaching assignment I was surprised to learn that Shelbyville had two Japanese ladies who were from Aomori and one who even grew up in Hirosaki it was nice to have that hometown connection to my future place of residence and they both helped to prepare me for my big international move and warned me about the cold and snowy winters I would soon be enduring … and they weren’t wrong Hirosaki receives a huge amount of snowfall each year it was the political and cultural capital of the Tsugaru region which is in the western area of Aomori Prefecture this region is well-known for its Tsugaru dialect of Japanese and it is nearly impossible for people from other parts of Japan to converse in or understand it.  I referred to Hirosaki as the “Jewel of the North” because it truly is one of the most culturally and historically rich places to visit in northern Japan and the various sections of the city refer to it specifically in the written addresses I first lived in “Jyoto” which means “north of the castle” and later I purchased a home in Jyonan or “south of the castle.”  The thing that makes Hirosaki castle so unique and special is that the castle is an original tower of the main castle (photo above) the main castle structure (tenshu) was destroyed by fire caused by a lightning strike in 1627 But the three-story tower was rebuilt in 1811 and was fortunately spared from destruction it has been in the process of being renovated and was moved to its current location while the ancient stone walls of the original castle are preserved and rebuilt It will be moved back to its original location which is much more grandiose and lovely than its temporary location Many famous castles in Japan have been rebuilt (like Osaka or Kokura castles) Hirosaki Castle has a different feel to it because its structure is original Another feature of the castle-area are the thousands of cherry trees that are planted on the grounds making it one of the very best cherry-blossom viewing places in all of Japan Because Hirosaki was built as a castle town with an actual samurai district it is blessed with many historic samurai homes and even a gorgeous five storied pagoda (photo above) western modernization was very much a part of the architectural landscape so Hirosaki also boasts many Meiji-era western-style buildings like the Aomori Bank (photo above) and a lovely industrialist’s home and garden called “Fujita Garden” (photo below) All these things are in easy walking distance of each other so Hirosaki is a perfect place for people who like to explore new places on foot One of Hirosaki’s largest industries is apple production the university where I taught for 18 years — Hirosaki Gakuin University — has a direct Indiana connection The first missionary teacher who came to Hirosaki was John Ing (an alumnus of Asbury College — now DePauw University in Greencastle) He is well-known as the “Johnny Appleseed” of Japan because he was the first to bring apple seeds with him when he lived and taught in Hirosaki He was instrumental in getting the cottage industry of apple farming started which is now one of the most important industries in Aomori.  he arranged for four local Japanese boys to go to Greencastle to study They were all from Samurai families and had professed their Christian faith before being allowed to study at Asbury College They eventually pledged social fraternities there and were largely accepted by the college and local community On the campus of Hirosaki Gakuin University is the preserved missionary house (photo with my Fukuoka colleagues on a recent visit) Hirosaki was spared from being bombed during WWII because it didn’t have any real strategic military targets and the historians at the Pentagon maintained that the cultural and traditional aspects of the city should spare it from any attacks the streets are quite medieval in how they zigzag and snake around the city as opposed to a location that was bombed and was subsequently rebuilt on a very prominent grid-style design Hirosaki also features very well-known and prominent festivals during each season.  In the spring there is the Cherry Blossom Festival on the grounds of the castle which is breathtakingly beautiful Hirosaki hosts the Neputa Festival (photo) that features large fan-shaped floats that are lit from the inside and painted as ogi-neputa (ogi (扇) is the old Japanese term for a folding fan) The front image on the float is called the kagami-e ("mirror" image) or "farewell" image.  These usually depict warring scenes of samurai fighters and are designed to look intimidating but features a maiden in the center which usually depicts her holding a severed head or some other gruesome scene Hirosaki hosts a Chrysanthemum Festival that is enjoyed mostly by elderly people who enjoy walking around viewing the various displays of mums arranged in creative and interesting ways The winter “Snow Lantern” festival features large snow displays of lanterns and a few other things that resemble the snow displays of Sapporo in Hokkaido (the most famous snow-festival in Japan) but not on the scale of the one in Sapporo but very much worth seeing if you happen to be there in the winter when it is taking place If your travel plans include visiting Tohoku in northern Japan then you would remiss if you didn’t include beautiful and traditional Hirosaki in your travel itinerary Click Here for your 5 day Forecast Though spring is in full swing around the Kanto Plain are finally enjoying cherry blossom season took a trip on April 22 to popular cherry blossom-viewing spots Saruga Park and Hirosaki Park to mark the arrival of the blush beauties A 100-minute drive from Misawa AB via a scenic Hakkoda-Towada Goldline Saruga Park is home to over 300 cherry blossom trees and is currently hosting Hirakawa Sakura Matsuri festival Saruga Jinja near the park was a majestic Shinto shrine with a large torii gate Morita said the classical majestic shrine buildings looked even solemn Hirosaki Castle Park is a 30-minute drive from Saruga Park featuring over 2,600 cherry trees Morita said this site was crowded with locals and tourists relishing in the stunning grounds Cherry blossoms around the outer moat have reached peak bloom but the other areas in the castle park will meet their peak this weekend or later “There is a heart-shaped Sakura blossom spot (some trees are stretching and creating a heart shape) in the park and a lot of couples took their photos at the romantic site,” Morita said especially in the evening under the night illuminations.” Saruga Park (Hirakawa Cherry Blossom Festival) Hirosaki Castle Park (Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival) Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan Originally constructed in 1611 and rebuilt in 1810, Hirosaki Castle (also known as Tatsuoka Castle) is one of the 12 surviving feudal castles in Japan and the northernmost of them the castle park is famed for its cherry blossom views but visitors often remark that the castle itself is smaller than they expected The original castle's main keep was lost in a fire after lightning struck it in 1627 but the Tokugawa shogunate did not allow the regional province to rebuild it The castle remained keepless for nearly two centuries afterward the daimyo lord finally got permission to reconstruct a watchtower—the government agreed as the Russian presence grew in the Tsugaru Strait—and had a new keep built instead which could have been a capital offense were it not for the project being cleverly undertaken As a "non-castle," the new de-facto keep was deliberately designed to be small and simple with forced perspective making it look larger than life it was also designed for use as a storehouse rather than a residence so that it could escape persecution from the government in case officials came to inspect it it is said that local ninjas helped conceal the project from the shogunate A historic Puebla estate featuring a striking castle One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world blends in perfectly with a medieval castle This island castle now hosts a world-famous opera festival This centuries-old tree has been a witness to some of the most important events in the history of the Philippines These crumbling ruins are all that's left of the ancestral home of Clan Crawford A place steeped in history that may be best known as the set of a 1960 film This Gothic revival structure has been a family home and is now owned by one of the largest auction houses in Italy The 650 red and white Japanese plum trees of this Tokyo neighborhood blossom each spring Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp  New York – February 7, 2025: One of Japan's most picturesque seasons is on its way: cherry blossoms - or sakura - are preparing to bloom. Starting in mid-March and continuing through mid-May, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has announced 2025's cherry blossom season forecast with dates and locations to help travelers experience the hanami (the custom of flower viewing in Japan) season from city to city For the best places outside of the major cities - allowing for fewer crowds a more tranquil experience and helping to boost the local economy Known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, Hirosaki Park will have 2,600 trees in full bloom, with more than 50 varieties of cherry blossoms among them. Some of the trees date back more than a century, framing the Edo-era Hirosaki Castle that sits in the center of the park the park holds the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival annually between late April and early May food stands and illuminations to make the flowers shine at night Spanning the Nishiki River in Iwakuni City, the Kintaikyo Bridge is a famous location for cherry blossom viewing. The five-arch wooden bridge, originally constructed in 1673, is surrounded by thousands of cherry trees and allows you to view the blooms at canopy level. Across Kintaikyo Bridge is the nearby Iwakuni Castle which holds exhibitions of samurai armor and artifacts and offers observatory views of the cherry blossoms on the top floor ABOUT JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION (JNTO) JNTO seeks to inspire international travelers to visit Japan diversity and preservation of its history and culture JNTO encourages travelers to explore the country while supporting local businesses Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo With its massive fan-shaped paper floats depicting heroic images of legendary warriors, the annual Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri is among the most popular traditional festivals in Japan. If you missed the real thing in Hirosaki this past August, check out this smaller, wonderfully local version in the lively streets of Asakusa near Senso-ji Temple.  Spelt ‘Neputa’ to reflect the regional dialect in Hirosaki this offshoot festival is now in its 12th year with illuminated night parades scheduled on November 23 and 24 from 5pm There will be five types of Neputa lantern floats made by artisans from Aomori and accompanied by musicians playing traditional Neputa bayashi a centuries-old marching song filled with chants While you’re there, don’t miss the outdoor market selling farm-fresh apples and confectionery from Aomori. This is held daily at the square in front of Uniqlo Asakusa. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us The Hatsune Miku Official Blog announced on March 12 that Mobile Suit Gundam character designer and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin creator Yoshikazu Yasuhiko had drawn Vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku as Sakura Miku for the HiroHako Spring Sightseeing Campaign The piece depicts Sakura Miku carrying sweets by Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki Yasuhiko's piece is on display at the Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center from April 12 to June 30 The HiroHako Spring Sightseeing Campaign is a joint tourism campaign between Aomori Prefectures Hirosaki and Hokaido's Hakodate. The campaign began in 2022 in collaboration with the Hatsune Miku alternate character Sakura Miku. For 2025 Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len, Megurine Luka, MEIKO, and KAITO join Sakura Miku. The Hirosaki Tourism website has more information regarding the 2025 sightseeing campaign Sources: Hatsune Miku Official Blog's website, Hirosaki Tourism's website, Mainichi Shimbun's Mantan Web An annual cherry blossom festival has begun at a park in Japan's northeastern city of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture Hirosaki Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Japan It is home to about 2,600 cherry trees of around 50 varieties The festival was initially set to begin on Friday But the event was moved up to Wednesday since forecasters predicted the Somei-yoshino variety would start blooming on the day Hirosaki Mayor Sakurada Hiroshi spoke at the opening ceremony He said Hirosaki City had the highest snow accumulation in recorded history but he appreciates the arrival of spring even more after the severe winter He said he wants visitors to enjoy what he believes is the country's most beautiful cherry blossoms Park staff checked the benchmark tree in the afternoon but could not announce the start of cherry blossoms as the buds had not opened yet said it rained a bit during the day and temperatures did not rise She said they are likely to bloom very soon A woman from Aichi Prefecture who came with her friend said the cherry trees had not blossomed yet but she enjoyed the festive mood of the food stalls at the park She said she wants to visit the park again on Thursday Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Please upgrade to a more modern version to fully experience JapanToday site and for security reasons The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a summer festival celebrated in Aomori and shouldn’t be confused with the Aomori Nebuta Festival They each honor different parts of wartime while the Hirosaki Neputa Festival commemorates the return of troops It has a 300-year deeply rooted history and cultural significance That makes it a cherished event for locals and a fascinating experience for visitors Rural villagers initiated the Neputa Festival to counteract the drowsiness that sets in during the hot summer and busy farming season It was recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan The Hirosaki Neputa Festival occurs annually from August 1 to 7 featuring a captivating procession of intricately designed floats These 70 fan-shaped floats are adorned with brilliant and colorful warrior paintings They are accompanied by lively music from flutes and taiko (Japanese drums) as they gracefully maneuver through the downtown area The dedicated hikite (pullers) tirelessly guide these massive leaving a lasting impression on the spectators Additionally, the festival showcases an impressive two-ton gigantic Tsugaru Joppari Oodaiko drum. Visitors can easily access them from Hirosaki station or Hirosaki Castle There are dedicated seats along the route for spectators to enjoy the floats and performances you can even be part of this joyous parade and make new friends The seventh day of the festival culminates in nanukabi okuri This event involves burning the nepeta floats paraded through the city for seven days along the Iwaki River These fiery farewells mark the grand finale of the festival Click here to read more Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts Join the leading Asian tourist attraction to assist our diverse range of customers A mix of what's trending on our other sites cherry blossom trees lining the moat surrounding Hirosaki Castle in northern Japan lend a warm glow Aomori — Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki Areas of the park will be illuminated every evening through May 5 please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent which is known as one of the best places in the country for viewing cherry blossoms has about 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties the Someiyoshino specimen tree was confirmed to be blooming on April 18 a crowd of tourists gathered on Shunyo Bridge over the Nishibori western moat to take pictures of the illuminated cherry blossoms and their reflections on the water “It’s so beautiful to see the cherry blossoms reflected on the water in the evening,” said a 25-year-old company employee from Ichinoseki Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version A trip to Aomori prefecture is not all about sightseeing with the region home to many local dishes well-known across Japan – and we're not just talking apples Seafood dominates Aomori's regional cuisine Read on to find out about Aomori's food visitors will have the chance to try Nokke-don at Furukawa Fish Market After buying your tickets and getting your rice get your preferred toppings and craft the perfect seafood rice bowl as you see fit Try the traditional Tsugaru cuisine of Matagi-meshi (lit originally using wild mountain vegetables and game meats (bear It is considered the earliest example of the kamameshi style of cooking – in a small pot you can try their own Matagi-meshi comprising chicken Try sea urchin and abalone simmered in dashi Iga-menchi refers to minced squid fishcake a local izakaya favourite in the Hirosaki region of Aomori Curry milk ramen has a popular following thanks to a local Aomori City shop — it's derived from the Hokkaido style over the water It's hardly an Aomori classic but sneaks into this list for being something a little different Japanese version Hirosaki Castle’s tower (also called a ‘keep’) alongside fully bloomed Yaebenishidare cherry blossoms It is one of only twelve existing castle towers in Japan that were built before the Edo period (early 17th century to mid-late 19th century) and have been preserved through restoration  Photo: Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau a castle town located at the northernmost tip of Honshu in Aomori Prefecture which houses a castle that has stood since its construction around 400 years ago The park is renowned for its cherry blossoms approximately 2,600 cherry trees of 52 different varieties bloom creating a stunning sight and making it a famous cherry blossom viewing spot where visitors can enjoy the blossoms for an extended period as they reach their peak at different times Hirosaki Castle was built 400 years ago in 1611 as the residence of the Tsugaru clan along with three corner turrets (yagura)1 and five castle gates all designated as National Important Cultural Properties is also famous as one of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing spots We spoke with IZAWA Chieko of the Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau to learn about the history of Hirosaki Castle’s cherry blossoms “It is said that cherry trees were first planted in Hirosaki Park in 1715 beginning with the introduction of Kasumi-zakura2 former samurai of the Hirosaki domain planted over 1,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in the second bailey the Hirosaki Castle ruins were opened to the public as a park,” explains IZAWA Another 1,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees were planted in 1903 the first ‘Cherry Blossom Viewing Party’ was held during the blooming season the event was officially renamed the ‘Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival’ and continues to this day it has become one of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing spots attracting many citizens as well as tourists from both within Japan and abroad “During the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival approximately 2,600 cherry trees of 52 different varieties are particularly notable for their abundant blossoms with four to five flowers blooming from each bud with branches so densely covered in flowers that the sky is nearly hidden creates an awe-inspiring and beautiful landscape.” IZAWA shares the secret behind maintaining the stunning beauty of these cherry blossoms are dedicated to preserving the historic cherry trees in Hirosaki Park through careful management.” The lifespan of Somei-Yoshino cherry trees is said to be around 60 years many trees planted in the 1880s began to decline by the 1950s “In Japan there is a saying: ‘The fools who cut cherry trees the fools who don't cut plum trees'’ reflecting the belief that pruning (cutting off excess branches)cherry trees increases their risk of disease the first director of the park’s management office noticed that cherry trees and apple trees belong to the same Rosaceae family By applying what became known as the ‘Hirosaki Method,’ a pruning technique unique to Hirosaki—one of Japan’s top apple-producing regions—the cherry trees gradually regained their health.” the Hirosaki Method has been passed down through generations of park staff including three certified tree doctors and on-site staff operates as ‘Team Sakuramori.’ They not only manage the cherry trees in Hirosaki Park but also oversee the care of other trees and plants throughout the park ‘Team Sakuramori,’ continues to manage a wide range of tasks and removing snow from the branches.Photo: Hirosaki City Parks and Urban Greenery Division “Thanks to the dedication of those who have carefully preserved them Hirosaki Park is home to over 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees that are more than 100 years old contribute to the breathtaking floral scenery that makes Hirosaki Park one of Japan’s premier cherry blossom destinations,” comments IZAWA “In addition to these magnificent trees the park features several unique cherry blossom highlights including a selection of seven scenic spots recommended by the park’s sakuramori and a collection of seven exquisite Yae-zakura double-flowered cherry tree varieties Another remarkable sight is the trees where seven flowers bloom from a single bud contributing to the many captivating spots that feature cherry trees related to the number seven “The blooming periods and highlights of each variety are available on the official Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau website The cherry blossoms are typically at their peak from mid-April to early May A leisurely walk around the park takes about two hours We invite you to visit and enjoy the stroll.” By MOROHASHI KumikoPhoto: Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau; Hirosaki City Parks and Urban Greenery Division; PIXTA If you have any feedback or comments on this content please enter them in the space provided below Your valuable feedback and commnents will be referenced for our future operations Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter for receiving monthly updates You will be redirected to an external website Would you like to proceed?If you wish to continue Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. AOMORI — Heavy snow has killed four people and caused much other damage in Aomori Prefecture due to a strong cold front that hit Japan at the year-end and New Year holiday According to the Aomori prefectural police there were four snow-related deaths in 2025 as of Monday evening in four municipalities The victims apparently died while removing snow from the roof the prefecture applied the Disaster Relief Law to 10 municipalities that the prefecture has applied the law to cope with a snow disaster According to the Japan Meteorological Agency on Sunday the snow was measured to be 139 centimeters deep in Aomori part of Hirosaki Castle’s Hitsuji-Saru Yagura tower an important cultural property of the country was damaged by a tree that fell under the weight of snow The prefecture set up a task force to deal with the heavy snow on Saturday and decided to apply the law to stop the spread of further damage municipalities removing snow from houses feared to collapse or be isolated will have the expenses paid for by the central government and the prefecture which could cause heavy snow on the Sea of Japan side of the country from Wednesday to Friday which may grow into blizzards and warning-level snowfalls There is concern that snow will increasingly accumulate in a short period of time particularly on the Sea of Japan side in northern and eastern Japan The agency is calling for vigilance against snow-caused traffic hazards Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information Aomori Prefecture--The Owani Line operated by Konan Railway Co is famed for its route through a landscape dotted with apple orchards where the fruit at this time of year is ripe for picking going beyond the expectations of passengers Konan Railway is operating a special two-car train whose interior is  decked out with around 300 apple-shaped “neputa” lanterns until November The Owani Line connecting Owani and Chuo-Hirosaki stations is affectionately known as the “Apple Orchard Train” for obvious reasons According to the company based in Hirakawa one of the three trains running on the line is operated as the Apple Neputa Train Made with Japanese traditional “washi” paper the lanterns are 15 centimeters in diameter They were handmade by neputa artisans in the region which is famous for festivals featuring gigantic neputa floats The interior is lit up only with the lanterns from the evening on weekends and holidays Konan Railway started the special service in 2022 with an eye to making the Owani Line a tourism resource The company also offers a Spring Apple Neputa Train to coincide with the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival as well as the Kingyo Neputa Train decorated with “kingyo” goldfish-shaped lanterns from July through August “We want to attract tourists from home and abroad with the Neputa Train,” said Masashi Nakata chief of the operation department at the company Pink Art Train splashes color through Aomori countryside ‘Bento full of fish’ from Tsugaru wins best boxed meal Sightseeing train remodeled like a traditional hunter’s cabin Milky Way and wind chime trains reach end of line in Shikoku Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission AOMORI — A Hirosaki University student is developing a toothbrush made of plastic mixed with scallop shell powder in an effort to make effective use of the large amount of shells from Aomori Prefecture’s specialty scallop farming a sophomore at the university’s Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science has been raising money for production costs through crowdfunding and plans to start selling the product around March she has been working with the Aomori municipal government and companies outside of the prefecture to develop prototypes of the toothbrush The head and handle of the toothbrush are made of plastic resin containing 51% seashell powder The shells are said to have antibacterial and deodorizing effects using shells is an attractive way to help reduce such waste The crowdfunding site Campfire is accepting donations for the project this month and the items being returned include a toothbrush “I want to share a new kind of value of scallops in Aomori with the toothbrushes,” she said The apple harvest is at its peak and brightly colored apples are lined up in rows at a market in Hirosaki where the largest amount of apples in Japan is produced arrived at the fruit and vegetable market on Monday and middlemen bid on the crates one after another The harvest was small this year due to poor spring weather but the size and taste of the apples were said to be as good as previous years National Report AOMORI—Heavy snow has blanketed the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Honshu disrupting public transportation and leading to the deaths of two men Aomori Governor Soichiro Miyashita has described the snowfall since the end of last year as a “disaster.” the accumulated snow was more than three times as deep as in the average year at many locations the depth of snow was 111 centimeters in the central part of Aomori and 374 cm in the city’s mountainous Sukayu district according to the Japan Meteorological Agency died and 12 others were injured while removing snow from rooftops and other places between late December and early January Snow continued to affect train operations on Jan the first business day of the year at many local governments and companies The JR Tsugaru Line was closed between Aomori and Kanita stations on Jan while services were partially suspended on the JR Ou Line the JR Ominato Line and the Aoimori Railway Line Twenty-seven flights have also recently been scrapped due to snow Hirosaki city closed off a large part of Hirosaki Park after snow brought down pine and cherry trees City officials warned that more trees could fall Miyashita called on residents to prepare for more snow in the coming weeks “Snow falls most from the end of January to the middle and latter parts of February,” he said “We want people to take substantive safety measures.” the amount of snowfall has recently increased due to the formation of local snow clouds The daily high fell to minus 1.9 degrees on Jan a cold air mass of minus 6 degrees is expected to cover the Japanese archipelago at an altitude of 1,500 meters until around Jan It could bring heavy snow not only to the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions but also to the Shikoku and Kyushu regions in western Japan snow could fall where it normally does not,” an agency official said (This article was compiled from reports by Ryoji Koko and Shoko Rikimaru.) Heavy snow to hit eastern and western Japan through Dec Deadly risks lie beneath beauty of backcountry skiing areas Snow disrupts transportation; more forecast for Kanto-Koshin Aomori — Fourteen workers of Starbucks Coffee Japan in Aomori Prefecture recently tried their hand at pruning apple tree branches at a farm in the Tomisakae district of Hirosaki The farming event was part of a project organized by the city and others for Starbucks workers to learn more about apple cultivation throughout the year The coffee chain has been working to promote locally grown apples at its shops the 14 workers tried to prune apple tree branches while wearing kanjiki (traditional Japanese snowshoes) to make it easier to move around on the snow following advice to put some muscle into it when pulling on the saw “I didn’t know it would take so much effort to care for an apple tree,” said Mei Fukuzawa assistant manager of the Hirosaki Koen-mae Starbucks shop “I want to share the appeal of local apples.” Sign up for our daily Newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest news You are receiving this pop-up because this is the first time you are visiting our site You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker) we are relying on revenues from our banners So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site.Thanks record-breaking snowfall wasobserved from late December 2024 to January 2025 The total snowfallexceeded three times the average level reaching 314 cm during Decemberand January.Particularly during the New Year period heavy snowfalls were recorded,with the snow depth reaching 114 cm on January 4 the snow depth remained at approximately 107 cm,as the heavy snow continues The record-breaking snowfallthis winter has caused significant damage to apple orchards in theTsugaru region Damage to trees "Wet and heavy snow accumulated on apple trees causing widespreadbranch breakage and trunk splitting The damage was particularly severein trees aged 40 to 50 years," said one apple grower in the region about 20% of trees in an 80-are orchard suffereddamage The Aomori Apple Association has received dozens of reportsregarding such damage Lower branches buried under snow raise concerns about delayed flower bud development and adverse effects on fruit growth." Securing access to farm roads has become a challenge Local governmentsare focusing on clearing not only main farm roads but also secondaryfarm roads Copyright: Apple University"A new cultivation method known as high-density planting has shownreduced branch breakage drawing attention as an effective measureagainst snow damage." The Aomori Prefecture government has established a Heavy SnowCountermeasures Headquarters for the first time in 12 years to tackleroad clearing and provide support to farmers HirosakiThe city has expanded its support measures by increasing subsidies for farmroad snow removal costs.Efforts are also underway to provide technical assistance such asexperimenting with agricultural drones to spread snow-melting agentssuch as charcoal powder FreshPublishers © 2005-2025 FreshPlaza.com HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival Hirosaki Park encompasses the majestic Hirosaki Castle and is one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots a part of the outer moat of Hirosaki Park is lit up in pink color The snow piled up on the branches of the cherry trees is illuminated and the scenery spreads out like cherry blossoms in full bloom The magic continues in early February with the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival when the park grounds turn into a winter wonderland and the park is set up with about 150 snow lanterns and 300 miniature igloos lit by candles creating a beautiful scenery of snow and light Large snow sculptures in the shape of historical buildings and large slides are also built in the park and visitors can enjoy the snow through a wide range of fun events western-style buildings and cultural property facilities in Hirosaki City are also lit up and beautiful illuminations change the city into a fantastic world which exhibits colorful kagami-e (front) and miokuri-e (back) pictures from the Hirosaki Neputa Festival floats Come enjoy this special event that colors the winter of Hirosaki and take a photo of your very own lovely snowscape The magic of Japan's winter is waiting for you take the Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station (about 3 hours and 40 minutes) then change trains to get to JR Hirosaki Station (about 40 minutes) Hirosaki Park is 15 minutes by bus from JR Hirosaki Station Hirosaki Tourist Information Tohoku Region | JNTO Official Website Aomori Prefecture | JNTO Official Website the festival blends spectacular natural beauty with rich cultural experiences The stunning contrast of the ancient castle with the soft blooms offers a magical experience This experience offers not only stunning views but also the serenity of gliding on water enveloped by the breathtaking beauty of nature's display It's an ideal way to end a day spent exploring Hirosaki's natural splendor These snacks not only provide sustenance but also an opportunity to engage with local culture through taste The Neputa Matsuri is the highlight of summer in the ancient castle town of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture dates from the Edo period (1603–1868) the popular event drew the interest of the heads of the Tsugaru domain and today crowds from around Japan and further afield flock to the festival The centerpiece of the Neputa are 10-meter-tall floats decorated with intricate hand-painted pictures and other designs The Neputa, not to be confused with the similarly named Nebuta Festival in the prefectural capital of Aomori, celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2022. The Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, a tourist facility next to Hirosaki Park recreates the excitement of the event with displays of floats and shares the culture of Tsugaru through exhibits of the traditional crafts of the region There are also performances of the distinctive sounding Tsugaru-jamisen and other attractions for visitors to enjoy The Tsugaru-han Neputa Village includes free- and paid-admission areas a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase locally grown agricultural products A display of floats from the Neputa Matsuri The large structures are designed to look like a folding fan that is open Tours of the facility start in the Hirosaki Neputa Hall, where a presenter shares the history and characteristics of the festival, and visitors are treated to a performance of the hayashi music accompanying floats that feature bamboo flutes and taiko The origins of the Neputa and its cousin the Nebuta are uncertain, although the festivals are thought to be rooted in the Tanabata tradition of tōrō nagashi in which lanterns are set afloat on rivers and other bodies of water to celebrate the star festival They are also linked to a similar ancient practice called nemuri nagashi historically observed in the Tōhoku region for “sweeping away drowsiness” that befalls farmers during the sweltering summer months The custom was considered of particular importance on the northern tip of Honshū The festivals over time developed distinct regional characteristics Both Neputa and Nebuta are thought to be corruptions of nemuta and other areas of Tsugaru’s interior is said to have transformed the word into the soft-sounding Neputa whereas the lively dialect spoken in the fishing communities along the coast where the city of Aomori is resulted in Nebuta The entrance of the Hirosaki Neputa Hall Floats on display inside the Hirosaki Neputa Hall Visitors can listen to a brief lecture on the history and characteristics of the festival while enjoying the intricate designs of the structures The floats are the main draw of the two festivals and here too there are obvious regional distinctions square-shaped Tanabata lanterns common early on gradually gave way to more elaborate designs massive doll-like floats called ningyō-nebuta or kumi-neputa had become the norm These were followed by fan-shaped ōgi-neputa that emerged during the middle of the Meiji era (1868–1912) The city of Aomori has become synonymous with the broad ningyō-nebuta Hirosaki’s ōgi-neputa have fronts decorated with elaborate pictures called kagami-e depicting famous characters or scenes from Chinese and Japanese lore The backs of the floats feature portraits of beautiful women painted in the traditional style The central sections of floats are designed to swivel a spectacular feature that adds to the impact of neputa A display of different neputa lanterns from the early Edo period shows their development A float in mid turn reveals the okuri-e of a classical beauty painted on the reverse side Hirosaki’s festival features doll-like floats alongside the more common ōgi-neputa The ōgi-neputa took hold in Hirosaki in large part because their standard design makes them relatively inexpensive and easy to build Compared to the more elaborate ningyō-nebuta characteristic of Aomori which are crafted from the ground up by dedicated artisans and can take up to three months to construct at a cost of around ¥20 million—corporate and other sponsors typically foot the bill—building neputa is chiefly a volunteer endeavor Groups like neighborhood associations provide much of the labor and the images adorning floats are painted by part-time artisans rather than full-time professionals This do-it-yourself approach has helped keep the local feel of the festival alive A float seen from the inside The frame is made from a locally grown variety of native cypress A model of the wooden frame of a float A display of pictures by different neputa-e artists and most of the painters have regular day jobs visitors continue on to the Neputa Gallery where there are exhibits introducing two other integral aspects of the festival: the chant of processioners and balloon-like paper goldfish called kingyo-neputa Participants at Aomori’s Nebuta repeatedly cry out “Rasse ra” as they jump and dance whereas Hirosaki’s chant is the more subdued-sounding “Ya yado.” One theory is that the call derives from an old neputa song with the line ”Iya iya iya yo,” while another attributes it to the angry shouts of “Ya ya!” used to taunt an opponent during a fight “Yattemare,” that also has a goading ring giving credence to the idea that the call was originally used to provoke rival groups as they towed neputa through the streets Kingyo-neputa are said to be modeled on the Tsugaru-nishiki a variety of decorative carp treasured by the daimyō of Tsugaru heads of the domain hoped the fish would become an important trade item The carp live on today as colorful lanterns that are carried by children Drafts of neputa-e and other items are on display inside the Neputa Gallery A diorama of a neputa procession An array of kingyo-neputa Along with goldfish are models based on eto visitors can experience firsthand regional variations of traditional crafts like lacquerware The adjacent Sangendō has displays on another regional hallmark and the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village offers daily performances of the iconic instrument Traditional craft items on display at the Tsugaru Craft Center An artisan works on a piece of Tsugaru lacquerware Yamada Sachimi a two-time winner of the women’s division at the all-Japan Tsugaru-jamisen championship a Japanese garden that incorporates elements like Mount Iwaki and the hoary pines of adjacent Hirosaki Park into its design visitors will want to stop by the well-stocked souvenir shop which includes a branch of the Aomori Prefecture antenna shop or try local cuisine at the restaurant Umaiya The Yōkien is designed in the Ōishi-bugaku style that is distinct to the Tsugaru region The teahouse Yōki-an on the grounds of the Japanese garden Aomori prefecture's renowned Hirosaki Neputa Festival is held annually between August 1st and 7th The parade features about 80 neputas of various sizes – large fan-shaped floats depicting epic images of warriors – that parade through the town This year marks the 300th anniversary of the Hirosaki Neputa’s first recorded appearance in literature The neputas' procession is accompanied by flute and locals shouting "Yah-ya-do" throughout the parade Muhammad Fria Fachrama Sumitro CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta - Japan has become one of the favorite holiday destinations today witnessing the blooming sakura becomes one of the main attractions for many travelers in Japan The beautiful pink sakura blossoms are a sight not to be missed The Japanese themselves have a tradition of enjoying the beauty of sakura through hanami If you're planning to enjoy the beauty of sakura blossoms on your upcoming vacation here are eight recommended locations from Lonely Planet and Live Japan tourists have the opportunity to see sakura trees against the background of Mount Fuji and the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine pagoda it is the Himeji Castle that enhances the view there are more than 1,000 sakura trees around the castle area there are usually boat tours that can take visitors along the moats around the castle while enjoying the soft pink color of the sakura trees Goryokaku Park can be a destination to admire the beauty of sakura the French-style star-shaped fortress is another attraction of this place climb the Goryokaku Tower to enjoy the view of the park Another recommended place to see sakura blossoms in Japan is Hirosaki Park in Tohoku there are more than 2,500 sakura trees growing in this park tourists can rent rowboats to paddle along the moats covered with sakura petals Ueno Park is actually the most popular spot to witness sakura blossoms this tourist destination attracts nearly 2 million visitors consisting of both local and foreign tourists don't expect to see Ueno Park devoid of visitors during the hanami season Aesthetic photo hunters must visit Arakurayama Sengen Park located in Fujiyoshida Tourists can capture beautiful sakura blossoms with the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji While spring is the best time to admire sakura in this park this place is crowded with visitors who want to see the red leaves typical of autumn blending perfectly with the colors of the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine pagoda as mentioned by the Japan National Tourism Organization site tourists can visit and have a picnic at Yoyogi Park This location is also suitable for those who want to bring the whole family because of its large area Don't forget to capture the beauty of sakura petals clinging to each branch of the trees to upload on social media there are also many visitors who barbecue or sing through portable karaoke machines Mount Yoshino closes the list of the best places to see sakura blossoms in Japan Yoshinoyama is actually a mountainside that has become the most famous spot in the East Asian country to admire sakura The mountain area is divided into four parts each of which is at least populated by around 1,000 trees you will always be greeted by sakura trees on your journey along Mount Yoshino There are many favorite places to see sakura blossoms in Kyoto but Maruyama Park is said to be the best place for hanami there About 680 sakura trees grow in the park area but the most iconic is the weeping sakura tree or Gion Shidare-zakura The tree towers about 10 meters high and is very easy to find because it is right in the middle of Maruyama Park Editor's Choice: Japan Cherry Blossom Season 2025: When and Where to See It Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News 6 Birth Control Methods Covered by BPJS Health: Injections, Vasectomy, IUDs, and More Jennie, Lisa, and Rose BLACKPINK Gather at the Met Gala 2025 List of Baeksang Arts Awards 2025 Winners KOSTCON 2025, the First 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Cyber Law Expert Warns of Worldcoin's Biometric Dangers Samsung to Open Galaxy AI-Driven Pop-Up Restaurant in Portugal BMKG Reports M5.4 Earthquake Striking Tomini Bay; No Tsunami Threats Israel Approves Plan to Expand Gaza Onslaught, Occupy Territories Aomori Prefecture is Japan’s top apple producer farmers harvested nearly 420,000 tons of the fruit equal to 60% of Japan’s annual production with its cool summers and rapid temperature drops in the fall juicy fruit that have just a hint of tartness The western city of Hirosaki is the prefecture’s leading producer by volume A red banner advertising apple pies flutters outside Japanese confectioner Kashitsukasa Mishima Kashitsukasa Mishima has been selling its apple pies alongside traditional confectionery like dorayaki for nearly 50 years The filling is house-made jam using only the Kōgyoku variety of apples The confection is popular among visitors for its fluffy pastry and gentle sweetness Helping visitors navigate the city’s many vendors of sweets is the Hirosaki Apple Pie Guide Map Available for free at train stations and the tourist information center the pamphlet lists 43 varieties of apple pies made with Aomori apples that are sold in Hirosaki It also describes their different flavors and what makes each one of them special the map has become a popular item for visitors to the city and has helped make the quest for apple pies a staple of Aomori tourism The Hirosaki Apple Pie Guide Map is a must for any sweet-toothed visitor to the city who works at the Hirosaki’s Sightseeing Information Center is in charge of periodically revising the Apple Pie Guide Map’s contents and coming up with ideas for associated merchandise The map was launched in 2010 in response to tourist inquiries “Visitors often asked where to find apple pies or where the best shops were,” Nomura explains “This prompted staff to take a proper survey of what the city offered The first edition of the guide map was based on the information they collected.” The Hirosaki City Sightseeing Information Center Nomura Izumi holds a copy of the Hirosaki Apple Pie Guide Map Later editions have built on this early version and Japanese-style confectioners around town in search of new information She has discovered that there are far more places selling apple pies than she had initially anticipated She was particularly surprised at the number of wagashi shops offering apple pies which are considered Western-style desserts she was admonished for her ignorance by a worker who huffily declared “We’ve been selling apple pies for decades.” Nomura and other staff at the sightseeing information center continue to uncover a wealth of apple pie riches in their community Hirosaki’s profusion of apple pie creations with wagashi shops and even senbei rice cracker makers hopping on the bandwagon Angelique is one of Hirosaki’s most sought out purveyors of apple pastries Angelique’s Instagram-worthy apple pie features sliced apples and apple jam atop a caramelized pastry base Apple pies stacked atop a showcase displaying other mouth-watering treats await hungry customers Although freshly picked apples are only available for a short time Sightseeing Information Center staff organized a tasting session where they compared the flavors and textures of 34 different pies an noted their special features Nomura was employed elsewhere when the first map was released in 2010 but she recalls being impressed when she received a copy “I liked the cute design,” she recalls “I had no idea so many shops in the city sold apple pies.” With map in hand she started going down the list to try the pies for herself.” is often featured on television shows and in women’s magazines when new information is added including a plastic document folder and a logbook and an English-language version of the map has been produced There is even a sister version of the Apple Pie Guide Map the Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau oversaw publication of the Hirosaki Apple Pie Recipe Book Sightseeing Information Center staff have been core to building Hirosaki’s “apple city” brand The popularity of apple pies has been a boon to both pie sellers and apple growers Clockwise from top: Map-related goods on display at the Sightseeing Information Center; the cover of the Hirosaki Apple Pie Recipe Book; and the Hirosaki Tarte Tatin Guide Map In her logbook Nomura faithfully records her impressions of the apple confections she has sampled the Hirosaki Apple Pie Guide Map brims with authoritative information For visitors pressed for time and befuddled by all the different apple pie options The tea room is in a picturesque Western-style building on the grounds of the Fujita Memorial Garden the tea room was serving nine varieties of apple pies a wagashi confectioner that was the first in Hirosaki to sell apple pies made from Kōgyoku apples grown in its own orchards The Taishō Roman Tea Room occupies a Western-style building at the Fujita Memorial Garden An apple pie from Futamian The Japanese-style confectioner has been offering its apple pies The Eau Clair Tea Lounge’s apple pie features a thickly sliced Fuji apple on a crisp pastry bed Customers to the Taishō Roman Tea Room a can tuck into a few pastries on the spot as well as buy different ones to take home and enjoy later Station kiosks and tourist shops also sell a wide assortment of apple pies for takeout allowing visitors to savor the taste of Aomori just a little longer Five varieties of apple pies available for takeout at the Taishō Roman Tea Room Tamura Farm products made from the farm’s own Kōgyoku apples The appetizing fruit is visible through the lattice-top crust Kasai Seika’s Ringo Kaidō dessert consists of a layer of apples atop a spongy castella it is sold at the Sakura House shop at the Sightseeing Information Center and other locations The first Western apples appeared in Aomori in 1875 an American teacher at the Tō-ō Gijuku school who distributed them to his students at Christmas on the first floor of the former school’s residence for foreign teachers is renowned for its crisp pies made using Eikōga It is fitting that the place responsible for introducing Japan to apples is today a venue where anyone can enjoy all sorts of delicious apple pies This former residence for foreign teachers at the Tō-ō Gijuku school an education institution originally set up and operated by the Hirosaki domain An apple pie served at Salon de café Ange containing nuts and raisins Hirosaki sushi restaurant on Nesconset Highway in Stony Brook on Friday The former manager of Kumo Sushi  & Steakhouse  in Stony Brook has opened a new restaurant at the site with a new kitchen manager after 54 people were sickened with food poisoning reopened and rebranded the new restaurant as Hirosaki It is in the same building at 2548 Nesconset  Hwy  where Kumo stood for more than a decade before it closed in late September The Suffolk County Department of Health Services issued 15 violations including eight for at-risk factors for foodborne illness against Kumo when 54 diners were sickened after eating at the restaurant Sept most of whom were attending a 30th birthday party and baby shower 9 by mishandled and improperly stored rice About a dozen people were taken to hospitals for emergency treatment of digestive illnesses The restaurant voluntarily closed about two weeks later Diners have filed 16 lawsuits against the former owners of Kumo for pain and suffering resulting from severe illness An attorney for several of the plaintiffs declined to comment Friday said the founders of Kumo “left to focus on other projects,” while Lin assembled a new management team without the original Kumo founders He said she is not related to the prior owner of Kumo Hirosaki opened this week after passing a pre-operational inspection Dec The restaurant was granted a liquor license Dec Attorneys for the restaurant filed incorporation documents with the state to open a new business Sept less than a week before Kumo voluntarily closed Elaine Lin and her team then approached the landlord with “Restaurant Hirosaki,” which the landlord granted after “extensive questioning,” Ruggiero said “The new management team is committed to providing all customers with a safe and pleasurable dining experience,” Ruggiero said in a statement Elaine Lin’s cousin and a kitchen veteran of several decades “Ping has hired his own kitchen staff and is implementing a new procedure for cooked rice,” Ruggiero said the cooked rice will no longer be cooled and reheated as was Kumo’s procedure it is now being kept above 140 degrees at all times in specialized rice warmers from the time it finishes cooking to the time it arrives at the hibachi table for further seasoning and theatrics This important change effectively eliminates the risk of a repeat incident since there is no cooling and reheating steps when the rice is kept hot throughout.” A recent trip to the restaurant found that the menus are virtually identical from the categories to the wording of specific items as well as many of the same special sushi rolls The dining room has been lightened and brightened with new white chairs and upholstery The restaurant launched its Instagram page Tuesday politics and crime stories in Suffolk County By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy Trump's influence on NY's future .. Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months and it is the apple in the eye of a university in northern Japan eager to crack the international market for fruit The apple variety developed by Hirosaki University in Aomori Prefecture is to be cultivated in far-flung South Africa under a deal reached with a Tokyo-based trading company a subsidiary of Tokyo-based food trading house Nishimoto Co. is intended to generate royalty fees for the university based on intellectual property rights it holds Officials said the goal is to ensure year-round availability of the fruit and create a strong market for exports The deal gives breeder rights to Wismettac Foods in South Africa which is blessed with sunshine when the Northern Hemisphere is in the grip of winter This means Kimito apples will be available throughout the year for export to Asia and elsewhere Breeder rights refer to intellectual property rights that are granted to the developer of any new plant variety Wismettac Foods will team up with a South Africa-based business to have the apple variety registered in the country in the coming months It will then start growing the apple variety there on a trial basis was developed by the Hirosaki University Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science’s Fujisaki Farm in Fujisaki and registered as a Japanese apple variety in 2016 the yellow-skinned Kimito has white flesh and a refreshing sweetness The apple’s core is more watery than other more typical yellow-skinned apple varieties Countless farm product varieties developed in Japan ended up outside the country’s borders without permission The farm ministry has estimated the outflow of the Shine Muscat grape variety to China alone is causing at least 10 billion yen ($64 million) in annual royalty fee losses that could otherwise have been earned Wismettac Foods is adopting what is known as the “club variety” system which ensures the intellectual property rights over a plant variety remain protected Members of the “club” are then entitled to receive licenses to produce and market the variety The system has been introduced across much of the apple-growing world--Oceania South Africa is signatory to the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants Takahiro Masuda of Wismettac Foods said the company is planning to cultivate apples in South Africa partly because doing so will allow it to develop sales channels in Europe and the Middle East which South Africa is located closer to than Japan “With the seasons being the opposite to what they are in Japan apples from South Africa could be marketed in the off-crop season when shipments from Japan drop,” Masuda explained which are as good in quality as those produced in Japan at prices that befit the market will also help us develop new sales channels.” Wismettac Foods is also weighing the option of exporting the Kimito apples from South Africa to Asia to cater to the expanding vast mid-income class Japan has a reputation for producing outstanding apple varieties but the breeding work has mostly been left for individuals and prefectural governments to figure out not enough has been done to ensure breeders profit from their work While Wismettac Foods is banking on turning a healthy profit from the venture it is also eager to build strong ties with plant variety developers that allow the latter to have access to funding for reinvestment “I hope this project will serve as a foothold for ‘aggressive agriculture,’” said Taishi Hayashida an assistant professor of pomology with the Hirosaki University Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science Aomori farmers create apple wine from Osamu Dazai's ‘Tsugaru’ First genome edited tomato variety gets nod from ministry Competition among salmon farms intensifies in north Japan New buckwheat variety resolves sticky problem in ‘soba’ production Headrest cover made of Aomori apples proves appealing to ANA 【Partners Information】Hirosaki Park, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms and Hirosaki Castle which was built by the Tsugaru feudal lords in 1611 there are over 50 different types of cherry trees among the approximately 2,600 cherry trees in the park The cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park produce even more flowers than usual thanks to a special pruning technique adopted from apple tree pruning The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually from the end of April to the beginning of May Learn more about Hirosaki at https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/en/ Located in present-day Aomori Prefecture at the northernmost end of Japan’s largest island Hirosaki was a flourishing castle town during the Edo period (1603–1868) the former site of Hirosaki Castle (built in 1611) has become Hirosaki Park home to around 2,600 sakura trees of 52 different varieties The trees in the park flower from late April to early May and the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival held during that period is famed across Japan Visitors from all over the country and even overseas gather to admire the views of the surviving castle tower—designated a national important cultural property—rising above the riot of cherry blossoms with Mount Iwaki still snow-capped in the distance A fireworks display and commemorative parade are among the events planned for this year The first Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival was held in 1918 under the name “First Cherry Blossom Viewing Party.” A full slate of special events are planned to make the centennial festival in 2018 one for the ages images of the sakura will be shown on the castle walls using projection mapping and attendees will be able to tour the grounds in rickshaws or sail the moat in sightseeing boats designated “Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Day,” a fireworks display and commemorative parade are planned Hana-ikada literally “rafts of flowers,” drift through the moat surrounding the park after scattering from the trees (© Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau) Each year the festival sees hundreds of stalls go up in the park takoyaki (octopus fried in balls of batter) and other festival foods for visitors to enjoy as they stroll below the blooming trees There are also traditional Japanese attractions like kingyo-sukui (goldfish scooping) and even a motorcycle circus—something for everyone virtually every view within the park is picturesque but the hana-ikada (flower rafts) created by sakura petals falling into the moat surrounding the park are particularly popular social media shares these waterborne formations shift with the winds into an ever-changing array of patterns Visitors seek out the “Sakura Heart” as a romantic backdrop for their photos Popular among young women and couples is the “Sakura Heart” quietly tucked away on the grounds When viewed from a certain spot when the blossoms are in full bloom two boughs arching together overhead create a heart-shaped patch of sky above but the heart-shaped plate on a nearby stump reveals the secret to observant explorers The inverted sakura reflected in the water’s surface are a must-see Locals are particularly fond of the 360-meter “sakura tunnel” along the western moat where the boughs are carefully trimmed to dip just low enough for the flowers to bloom at eye level Boats can be hired from 9 AM to 5 PM during the festival period Viewing the sakura as reflected in the water’s surface is a strongly recommended experience giving it a dreamy atmosphere quite different from the day Learn more about the neputa floats for the full Tsugaru experience The facility hosts performances of Tsugaru-jamisen and workshops where visitors can try their hand at local crafts like kingyo-neputa (goldfish neputa) and Tsugaru kites There is also a gift shop well-stocked with souvenirs © Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau.) The Cherry Blossom festival at Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori Prefecture is held annually between April 23 ~ May 3rd and is one of the biggest and best in Japan Over 2,600 cherry trees of over 50 different varieties bloom throughout the park creating an expansive canopy of pink petals creating enchanting mirror-like reflections in the surrounding castle moat it is tradition to enjoy a 'hanami' (flower-viewing) picnic underneath the cherry blossoms friends or colleagues come together to share good food and drink while taking in the scenery This plan enables guests to experience the ultimate 'hanami' style picnic without any of the hassle – leave everything in the capable hands of the team of English-speaking Ninja guides The best spot in the park will be reserved for guests and set-up with a delicious picnic of local Tsugaru cuisine guests will also enjoy a private musical performance by traditional ‘Hayashi’ musicians from Hirosaki City's Neputa festival Website: https://sakura.hirosakipark.jp/en) Tour pick-up point: Hirosaki Park East Entrance around a 10 minute drive from JR Hirosaki Station Each packet depicts a ghost or monster haunting different parts of the city The single-serving drip coffee sachets are carefully packed by hand by Tsugaru Net a “B-corporation” social enterprise in central Hirosaki that provides employment opportunities for people with physical says they knew they wanted to make a coffee product but had no idea about the design or branding Then he was introduced to Yoshimaru Sasaki Sasaki’s series reimagines the city as one teeming with ghosts and spirits: crying in abandoned houses, wandering the parks, dancing in the streets, stalking the red light district, wreaking plague, and causing trouble. The spirits are both mischievous and malevolent—some are content to play tricks while others threaten to bring misfortune or pull you underwater. Together, the more than 50 tales form a ghost map of the city attaching an eerie shade to familiar sights and reminding people of a half-forgotten oral history passed down in hushed tones and ominous warnings Oni Hitokuchi (The One-bite Demon)Station embankment promenade the One-bite Demon’s name derives from its reputation to kill and devour humans in one bite It can devour a large (concrete) apple from the row of apple posts along the train station embankment in one bite “I’ve liked yokai [supernatural creatures] since I was little,” says Sasaki “And I’ve liked drawing since I was young Then I wanted to add something to the scenery and that something was yokai.” Kitaoka saw Sasaki’s work and was impressed with the level of detail Kitaoka says that it’s important that disabled people be integrated and equal members of the community Many of Tsugaru Net’s projects are community oriented or have an aspect of hometown pride—other jobs include picking Hirosaki’s famous apples and doing Tsugaru-nuri So with Sasaki’s work as inspiration they hit upon combining local ghosts and spirits with Hirosaki settings Futakuchi Onna (Two Mouth Woman)Hiroka Fruit Market Amid the long hair on the back of her head she has another insatiable mouth The freshly harvested apples look so good that she can’t help herself and greedily munches them “I used Aomori’s folklore as background,” says Sasaki I found that there were stories that I didn’t know about.” Many of the illustrations depict a legend tied to a certain place while others are regional spirits that Sasaki matches to a likely location “Aomori seems to have a dark image,” says Kitaoka the prefecture was remote and sparsely populated the isolation exacerbated by bitter winters and there’s the area with a cluster of temples of all different denominations on one road There is a spooky quality to being in the hinterlands of Japan There’s a place called Osorezan in Shimokita Peninsula where deceased souls reside.” Ozorezan is actually an active volcano with a Buddhist temple in the caldera This giant is so big he can climb over mountains He is a kind-hearted farming god who created a waterway from the base of the mountain for the farmers He’s celebrated at Onizawa’s Oni Shrine Since Sasaki’s creations are drawn from a survey of Tsugaru and Aomori supernatural folklore the ghost map also serves as a reflection of local concerns It’s easy to imagine that Amazake Baba came about in times of plague or pandemic when people shut themselves in the house in fear and performed superstitious rituals to ward off evil vibes or that the subsistence farmers struggling to survive in a remote and lonely landscape prayed for an assist from a gentle giant and you can buy it in the prefecture’s capital There have been numerous local blog articles and an exhibition of the drawings at the prefectural tourist information center Sasaki is surprised the series has attracted so much attention and I’d like people to know that.” But the series is popular perhaps because it doesn’t sugar coat the spirits’ darker and savage in ways that humans don’t often allow ourselves Amazake Baba (Sweet Sake Hag)Ekimae 1-chome She’s an old phantom who peddles to farmhouses on cold nights “Would you like some amazake?” “How about some amazake?” Well so people hang cedar leaves or heavenly bamboo branches to repel her visits The “cedar ball” that’s hung in the front of the sake cellar changes color notifying you of the maturation of the sake and also serves as a talisman against evil spirits Sasaki draws inspiration from not only lore research but walking the city and imagining what may lurk in its corners Kitaoka hopes that the coffee series will encourage people to have a second look at Hirosaki “Hirosaki is a castle town with a quiet That’s what gives it the ghostly feeling,” says Kitaoka “A ghost is something that we don’t really know if it exists or not it feels like they are quietly existing among us We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world’s hidden wonders Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders A heart-shaped opening cut in the branches of two blooming cherry blossom trees has become a major tourist attraction at Hirosaki Park in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Aomori has become widely known through social media prompting many people to seek directions to the undisclosed location from Hirosaki city officials and volunteers working for the ongoing Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival "It is much-talked about in my school," said Nao Igarashi a 17-year-old high school student in the city of Kuroishi who took many photos of the sight and intends to share them via Instagram A city official first discovered a naturally heart-shaped opening in the summer of 2015 and started cutting around it to give it a more 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