Hirosaki Park is full of spectacular cherry blossom views!

It is one of Japan's three most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, with around 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties, including weeping and double-flowered cherry trees, blooming in the vast park. The lifespan of Somei-Yoshino cherry trees is said to be 60 to 80 years, but there are over 400 trees here that are over 100 years old. Apparently, they are cared for using apple pruning techniques. Perhaps because of this, I thought the sense of volume of the cherry blossoms was the greatest I'd ever seen. My favorite thing about Hirosaki Park is the flower rafts in the castle moat, which can be seen 3 to 4 days after full bloom! Rather than a river, they look like a carpet of cherry petals. The ducks swimming leisurely on them are incredibly graceful. Another highlight is the Nakabori sightseeing boat, which operates during the cherry blossom season and allows visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing from the moat. I thought the combination of the red bridge leading to the main castle, the falling cherry petals, and the reflection was beautiful (fourth photo). Furthermore, walking through the large park, you can see the heart-shaped cherry blossoms, Hirosaki Castle Tower, the long cherry blossom tunnel, Mt. Iwaki seen through the cherry blossoms, and so much more that you can't see everything in one day. Best time to see cherry blossoms: Late April Admission fee: Free (320 yen for paid areas, business hours 9:00-17:00. Extended hours during the Sakura Festival) Access: 10 minutes by taxi from Hirosaki Station #Sakura2024 #Sakura