As spring approaches, the cherry blossoms in Japan begin to bloom peacefully. Aomori is one of the best destinations to view cherry blossoms in Japan.
From the moats of ancient castles to vast parks, each location radiates the unique charm of cherry blossoms.
Here are the five best must-visit spots to see cherry blossoms in Aomori in 2025.
1. Hirosaki Park
Expected Blooming Period: Mid-April to Early May
Hirosaki Park is one of the top three places to view cherry blossoms in Japan.
The park is famous for its spectacular view of Hirosaki Castle, combined with cherry blossoms, often considered the most beautiful sight in Japan.
The Somei Yoshino cherry trees in this park were reportedly planted in 1882, making them some of the oldest cherry trees still existing.
Although the Somei Yoshino trees typically live for only 60–80 years, Hirosaki Park has over 400 trees that are more than 100 years old.
Therefore, Hirosaki Park is listed in the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan” (日本さくら名所100選).
The park also features 52 varieties of cherry blossoms, including weeping cherry and double-flowered cherry trees, with a total of about 2,600 trees.
During the cherry blossom season, a special illumination event is held, creating a stunning night view of Hirosaki Castle illuminated against the glowing cherry blossoms.
One of the iconic views at Hirosaki Park is the “flower raft” or Hanaikada (花筏).
Hanaikada is a phenomenon where cherry blossom petals fall and cover the surface of the outer moat, creating the appearance of a pink carpet.
This view then merges with the slowly falling petals, creating a romantic and dreamy scene.
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (弘前さくらまつり)
📅 Date: April 18 (Friday) – May 5 (Monday), 2025
📍 Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
🚉 Access: 30-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station, or 3-minute walk from the “Shiyakusho-mae Koen Iriguchi” bus stop on the loop bus line
2. Ashino Park
Expected Blooming Period: Late April to Early May
With an area of approximately 80 hectares, Ashino Park features about 1,500 cherry trees and 1,800 black pine trees, creating a stunning contrast in the landscape.
This location is considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Tsugaru Peninsula and is also listed in the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”
Ashino Park has a close connection with the famous Japanese author, Osamu Dazai, who played here as a child.
The park has a literary monument, a statue of Dazai, and a Tsugaru shamisen memorial, adding a rich cultural touch.
At Ashino Park Station, the Tsugaru Railway Line offers a rare view where the train tracks pass through the park, as well as the charm of a cherry blossom tunnel near the station.
The sight of the train passing through the blooming cherry blossoms is a unique attraction, especially when the Hashire Melos-gō train from the Tsugaru Line passes through the beautiful cherry blossom tunnel.
This beauty attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad, who come specifically to capture this dreamy moment.
During the cherry blossom season, in addition to the night illuminations, visitors can also enjoy a unique experience of barbecuing in a camping area surrounded by cherry trees, creating a memorable hanami party.
Kanagi Cherry Blossom Festival (金木桜まつり)
📅 Date: To be announced. Last year, it was held from April 19 (Friday) – May 5 (Sunday).
📍 Address: 33-2 Amama, Tokaichi, Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture
🚉 Access: Directly from Ashino Park Station on the Tsugaru Railway Line
Read:
Cherry Blossom Season in Hiroshima 2025! Recommended Hanami Spots and Estimated Blooming Time
3. Hachinohe Park
Expected Blooming Period: Late April to Early May
Another great place to see cherry blossoms in Aomori is Hachinohe Park.
Hachinohe Park is a 37-hectare park with nine areas, including a botanical garden, amusement park, and zoo.
Inside the park, there are about 2,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Yaezakura.
When cherry blossom season arrives, the entire park transforms into a sea of beautiful pink blossoms.
Visitors can ride the Ferris wheel in the park to enjoy a spectacular view from above, seeing the expansive cherry blossoms with a magical atmosphere.
During the festival, in addition to various food stalls and snacks, the park also hosts jazz music performances and traditional song concerts on stage.
Hachinohe Park Spring Festival (はちのへ公園春まつり)
📅 Date: April 29 (Tuesday) – May 6 (Tuesday), 2025
📍 Address: Kanagi, Ashino, Goshogawara City, Aomori Prefecture
🚉 Access: From JR Hon-Hachinohe Station, take a bus to the “Kodomo no Kuni Iriguchi” stop, then walk 2 minutes
4. Towada City Government Street & Horse-drawn Carriage Street
Expected Blooming Period: Mid April to Early May
This 1.1 km long street, 36 meters wide, is adorned with 157 cherry trees and 168 pine trees.
In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, and in winter, the street is illuminated, making it a popular walking spot.
This street was designated as one of the “100 Best Streets in Japan” (1986), one of the “100 Best New Sceneries in Japan” (1992), and one of the “Beautiful Historic Landscapes in Japan” (2007).
Because this location was once the headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Army’s horse supply unit, both sides of the sidewalk feature designs symbolizing the flow of water from Oirase Gorge and Inaoigawa.
There are also various horse statues that create an outdoor art gallery-like atmosphere.
Visitors can also enjoy a spectacular view of the cherry blossoms from the observation deck at the city hall.
Towada Spring Festival (十和田市春まつり)
📅 Date: To be announced. Last year, it was held from April 6 (Saturday) – May 5 (Sunday), 2024.
📍 Address: Nibancho, Sanbancho, Junibancho, and Juusanbancho, Towada City, Aomori Prefecture
🚉 Access: From Shinkansen Tohoku Shichinohe-Towada Station, take the “Towada Kanko Dentetsu” bus to the “Kanchogai-dori” stop
5. Higashi Park
Expected Blooming Period: Mid April to Late April
Higashi Park is one of the most beloved cherry blossom spots by the people of Kuroishi City.
Within the park, about 700 cherry trees are planted along a hilly walking path, making it a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms while taking a leisurely walk.
During the Kuroishi Cherry Blossom Festival, various food stalls will be available, offering traditional hot stews as well as Kuroishi Yakisoba, a local dish made with extra-thick noodles.
At night, the park will be illuminated with traditional red lanterns, creating a distinctive and charming atmosphere.
Kuroishi Cherry Blossom Festival (黒石さくらまつり)
📅 Date: April 18 (Friday) – April 27 (Sunday), 2025, from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
📍 Address: 2 Sakunoki, Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture
🚉 Access: From Kuroishi Station, take the Konan Bus Oogawara Line to the “Kuroishi Junior High School” stop, then walk 3 minutes
Aomori offers many wonderful spots to enjoy cherry blossoms. Each place has its own unique charm that is worth visiting.
Because the weather this year is unpredictable, the cherry blossom blooming period may change at any time.
Be sure to check the blooming status at each location before you go to avoid disappointment upon arrival!
