1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8551 Aomori Prefecture

1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8356 Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Aomori Prefecture

1 Shimo Shiroganecho Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki 036-8356 Aomori Prefecture

A spring festival at Hirosaki Park, famous for its cherry blossoms and boasting 2,600 cherry trees in about 50 varieties, such as Weeping Cherry and Double-Flowered Cherry. Held every year between April 23rd and May 5th, it delights the eyes of tourists with its cherry tree tunnel and western moat dyed the color of cherry blossoms. The cherry trees illuminated at night seem to float magically and make for a different charm than in the daytime. Don't miss the flowering of such invaluable trees as Japan's oldest Yoshino cherry (planted in 1882) and largest circumference Yoshino cherry (a little over 5m).

27 Haykuzawa, Hirosaki 036-1343 Aomori Prefecture

125 Shimizutomita Terasawa, Hirosaki 036-8262 Aomori Prefecture

2-1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8356 Aomori Prefecture

26 Motonagamachi, Hirosaki 036-8198 Aomori Prefecture

8-1 Kamishiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8207 Aomori Prefecture

2-1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8356 Aomori Prefecture

1-1 Omotemachi, Hirosaki 036-8096 Aomori Prefecture

63 Doyamachi, Hirosaki 036-8196 Aomori Prefecture

20 Hyakkokumachikoji, Hirosaki 036-8351 Aomori Prefecture

1 Shimoshiroganecho Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki 036-8356 Aomori Prefecture

Presented on August 1st-7th, the Hirosaki Neputa festival brings Japanese folk-culture to life. Massive floats are painted with scenes from the country's mythologies and history in a traditional style, then illuminated from the inside so that they glow a brilliant yellow-orange. The floats are then paraded through the city are night, to the sound of taiko drum beats and fluttering notes on the flute. Some areas of the city also dedicate themselves the to past during this time, with tea houses opening their doors and shamisen music on the air.

1-23-8 Nishishigemori, Hirosaki 036-8273 Aomori Prefecture