Hirosaki Park is home to the famous Hirosaki Castle, constructed in 1611 and featuring a rebuilt castle tower from 1811 and many buildings designated Important Cultural Properties. Somei yoshino ring the castle moat, where boat rentals are available. The fallen sakura petals covering the water’s surface is an exquisitely beautiful sight. The park features some 2,600 sakura in 52 varieties including shidarezakura. Be sure not to miss the castle and its red bridge framed by sakura, the sakura tunnel in the west moat area and the night-time illuminations.