Healing Plan for Hirosaki Sightseeing: An Inspiring Journey to Sakura Castle and Tsugaru Soba Noodles

My trip to Hirosaki was a peaceful time to spend with my family. The atmosphere of the castle town, known for its cherry blossoms, the traditional Nebuta culture, the local Tsugaru soba noodles, and the sweet aroma of apples. All of these were moments that gently took me away from my everyday life. Here are some of the things I discovered with my family on this trip that I would recommend for a concentrated tour of Hirosaki’s charms. The graceful scenery of Hirosaki Park, the lively experience of the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, a rest in a comfortable hotel, and the simple taste of Tsugaru soba. This trip will surely leave a deep impression on your heart. Why don’t you enjoy the quiet excitement in Hirosaki with your family or loved ones?

Morning: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Cherry Blossom Castle at Hirosaki Park

On the morning you land at Hirosaki Station, the first place you head for is Hirosaki Park. This park, a 20-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from the station, is famous as one of the three best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, and while spring is the highlight of the year with its approximately 2,600 cherry trees in full bloom, the autumn colors are also beautiful. Walking around the moat surrounding the Hirosaki Castle keep, children have a great time chasing fallen leaves. We gazed at the restored corridor of the Honmaru Goten and pondered the history of the Tsugaru Clan. My husband and I took a family photo of us passing through the castle gate and observed the seasonal flowers in the park’s botanical garden. A leisurely stroll in the gentle breeze reset my mind. Hirosaki Park is a place for everyone, whether you are a family or a history buff.

Admission to the park is a reasonable 310 yen for adults and 150 yen for children. The park opens at 8:00 a.m. (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., depending on the season), so visit early to enjoy the quiet atmosphere. Check the official website ( Hirosaki Park ) for opening hours and event information. The autumn foliage lighting up is especially romantic.

Lunch: A simple taste of Tsugaru soba at Sanchu Shokudo

After enjoying Hirosaki Park to the fullest, head to Sanchu Shokudo, a famous restaurant for Tsugaru soba (buckwheat noodles) for lunch. Located in a back alley in the castle town, about a 10-minute walk from Hirosaki Station, this restaurant is a long-established favorite of the locals. The aroma of soba noodles greeted me as I entered the rustic wooden store. I ordered mori-soba (700 yen). The soba was thick and firm, and the flavor was enhanced when dipped in the cold sauce. The children were delighted with the soba, saying, “It’s so slippery and delicious! My husband added tempura soba and said, “I love the depth of the broth. I, too, was impressed by the refreshing flavor, which is typical of apple-growing regions. The accompanying pickles accentuated the taste, and the time spent sharing with my family and experiencing Hirosaki’s food culture was warm. Tsugaru soba is a dish that symbolizes the everyday life of Hirosaki.

Open from 11:00 to 15:00 (L.O. 14:00). Since it is a popular restaurant, it is recommended to aim for lunch time on weekdays. For more information, check the official website ( San-chu Shokudo ). Hirosaki’s other delicacies, such as apple pie and local sake, are also appealing, but the Tsugaru soba is light and energizing for your trip.

Evening: Rest and Relax at Art Hotel Hirosaki City

After lunch, we checked in at Art Hotel Hirosaki City in the evening. Conveniently located just a minute walk from Hirosaki Station, the hotel offers spacious rooms for families. The modern guest rooms have spacious beds, and it was a relief to see children relaxing while drawing. The night view of the castle town from the window enhanced the afterglow of our trip. For dinner, we enjoyed a course of local ingredients using apples at the hotel restaurant. The apple compote and a mini version of Tsugaru soba (buckwheat noodles) were a hit with the kids, who were especially surprised by the sweetness of the fresh apple juice. At the breakfast buffet, freshly baked bread and salads with local vegetables were impressive. The kindness of the staff was also pleasant, and I was delighted to receive a map of Hirosaki for my children. The hotel is near the station and is a perfect base for sightseeing.

Accommodation plans start at around 10,000 yen per room per night including breakfast. The family plan is a good deal. For details, please check the official website ( Art Hotel Hirosaki City ). While other hotels in Hirosaki are attractive, the convenience and artistic atmosphere of this hotel are exceptional.

Morning: Nebuta Painting Experience at Tsugaru-han Neputa Village

After enjoying breakfast, take a 15-minute bus ride from Hirosaki Station to Tsugaru-han Neputa Village. This facility, where visitors can experience the traditions of the Nebuta Festival, features an impressive display of giant Nebuta floats. The family enjoyed the goldfish nebuta painting workshop (2,000 yen per person, one hour). Under the guidance of professional nebuta masters, participants drew faces on paper-covered nebuta with sumi ink, outlined them with wax, and colored them with dyes. The children were so enthusiastic, saying, “This looks like something we could use at a festival! I also found the time to concentrate on the feel of the brush calming. My husband and I took the completed Nebuta home with us, strengthening our family ties. The Nebuta display in the village is also worth seeing, and you can feel the excitement of Hirosaki’s summer festival all year round.

Workshops are held by reservation only, from 9:00 to 16:00. For details, please check the official website ( Tsugaru-han Neputa-mura ). You can also enjoy the dynamic beauty of the nebuta during an autumn visit.

Tips for enjoying a smooth trip

There are a few things I tried to keep in mind in order to fully enjoy my trip to Hirosaki. First, for transportation, use Hirosaki Station as a base and take the bus or walk. The park and Neputa Village can be visited in a day, but if you are with children, renting a bicycle (about 300 yen per hour) is convenient. If you visit Hirosaki Park first thing in the morning, you can have the quiet atmosphere of Sakura Castle all to yourself. At San-chu Shokudo, you can tell them in advance how much you want your soba noodles boiled to get the texture you prefer. At Art Hotel Hirosaki City, consult with the staff about your sightseeing route before checking in for peace of mind. Don’t forget to make reservations in advance to have your Nebuta painted. Checking the official website for seasonal events (cherry blossom festival in spring, Nebuta festival in summer, apple harvest in fall) will enhance your trip. Bring apple snacks for the kids so they can explore the area in a good mood.

Hirosaki is a city where history and nature merge. Every time I saw the smiling faces of families and the warmth of Tsugaru, I felt the value of my trip. The best part of the trip was when the children held the Nebuta in their hands and said, “I want to paint again!” I was most pleased to hear them say, “I want to paint again!

Private Wisdom’s Summary

The trip to Hirosaki fulfilled the spiritual richness and sensitivity that Private Wisdom values. The graceful castle town atmosphere of Hirosaki Park was calming, and the dynamic experience of the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village provided a joyful family experience of tradition. The Tsugaru soba noodles at Sanchu Restaurant epitomized the simple food culture of Hirosaki, and the comforts of the Art Hotel Hirosaki City gently soothed the fatigue of the journey. The trip left a deep lingering impression. You, too, can experience the peaceful charm of Hirosaki and have a heartwarming trip with your family and loved ones. Let us know your recommended experiences in Hirosaki in the comments!