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Hirosaki Castle’s tower (also called a ‘keep’), built 215 years ago, 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

Hirosaki City, a castle town located at the northernmost tip of Honshu in Aomori Prefecture, is home to Hirosaki Park, which houses a castle that has stood since its construction around 400 years ago. The park is renowned for its cherry blossoms. In spring, 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, lords of the Hirosaki domain. The castle’s keep, constructed 215 years ago, still stands today, along with three corner turrets (yagura)¹ and five castle gates, all designated as National Important Cultural Properties. Hirosaki Park, which houses the castle ruins, 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, among other varieties, brought back from Kyoto. Later, after the abolition of the domain in 1871, the castle grounds began to deteriorate³. However, in 1882, former samurai of the Hirosaki domain planted over 1,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in the second bailey, and in 1895, 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, and in 1918, the first ‘Cherry Blossom Viewing Party’ was held during the blooming season. In 1961, the event was officially renamed the ‘Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival’ and continues to this day. During the blooming season, 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, including Somei-Yoshino, Shidare-zakura⁴, and Yae-zakura⁵, bloom in full splendor,” says IZAWA. “The Somei-Yoshino trees, some over 100 years old, are particularly notable for their abundant blossoms, with four to five flowers blooming from each bud. The sight of these trees in full bloom, 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. “Tree doctors, known as sakuramori, or cherry blossom guardians, 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, and in Hirosaki Park, 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. However, KUDO Nagamasa, the first director of the park’s management office, noticed that cherry trees and apple trees belong to the same Rosaceae family. Seeking advice from local apple farmers, he began researching pruning techniques. 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.”

Since then, the Hirosaki Method has been passed down through generations of park staff. As of April 2014, a team of 45 members, 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.

A 45-member team, ‘Team Sakuramori,’ continues to manage a wide range of tasks, including pruning, fertilization, 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. These ancient trees, with their abundant blossoms, 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, along with a guide map. The cherry blossoms are typically at their peak from mid-April to early May, allowing for an extended viewing period. A leisurely walk around the park takes about two hours. We invite you to visit and enjoy the stroll.”

• 1. Buildings constructed within the castle grounds as lookouts.
• 2. A deciduous tree of the Rosaceae family (APG classification: Rosaceae), typically reaching a height of 15 to 20 meters. It is a wild species widely distributed across Japan. Its blooming period occurs later than that of the Somei-Yoshino.
  
• 3. In 1873, the government converted the castle for military use, demolishing most of its structures unless they were required for that purpose.
• 4. This is a deciduous tall tree of the Rosaceae family. It is a cultivated variety of Prunus pendula, commonly known as Edohigan, characterized by its drooping branches. It is also referred to as Ito-zakura (‘Weeping Cherry’). In a broad sense, it refers to all cherry trees with drooping branches.
• 5. This is a horticultural variety of cherry blossom. The flowers are double-flowered, with colors ranging from white and pale pink to red.

By MOROHASHI Kumiko
Photo: Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau; Hirosaki City Parks and Urban Greenery Division; PIXTA

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