Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle, located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is a historic Japanese castle and one of the few remaining original tenshu (main keeps) in the Tohoku region. Also known as Takaoka Castle or Takashiro, it was originally constructed by the Tsugaru clan in the early Edo period as the political and military center of the Hirosaki Domain. Covering over 380,000 square meters, the castle is a typical hirayama-style castle, featuring six major enclosures including the honmaru (main bailey), ninomaru (second bailey), and sannomaru (third bailey).

The original five-story tenshu was completed in 1609 and was second in size only to Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle at the time. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1627. The current three-story tenshu, built in 1810 under the guise of repairing a turret, stands at the southeastern corner of the honmaru and has remained unchanged since then. Although modest in scale at approximately 14.4 meters tall, it is admired for its simple elegance and balanced proportions. It is also the northernmost existing tenshu in Japan.

Hirosaki Castle showcases architectural features unique to the Tohoku region. The walls are coated in white plaster, and the roofs are covered with copper tiles—a durable choice suited to the region’s harsh winters. The eastern and southern facades are more decorative, featuring raised ridges and narrow windows that enhance the castle’s grandeur. In contrast, the western and northern sides, facing the interior, are more restrained in design.

In addition to the tenshu, several yagura (turrets) and gates from the Edo period still remain, including the Tatsumi Yagura, Ushitora Yagura, Hirakumade Yagura, as well as the Otemon, Higashimon, and Kikkomon Gates. These structures are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan and retain their historical defensive functions. Some of these gates were relocated from older nearby castles such as Daikōji Castle and Ōura Castle.

Today, Hirosaki Castle and the surrounding Hirosaki Park form a prominent tourist attraction. Each spring, over 2,600 cherry trees bloom in the park, creating a spectacular scene as they frame the historic castle keep. The setting draws countless visitors and perfectly embodies Hirosaki's identity as “The City of Cherry Blossoms and Apples.”