Hirosaki City Park and Greenery Division announced on April 15 that some Yoshino cherry trees in Hirosaki Park (Shimohiragincho, Hirosaki City) have blossomed.

According to the section, flowering is expected to be 7 days earlier than last year and full bloom will be April 21st. It bloomed one day earlier than the 4th forecast announced on April 13.

The garden, which has 52 species and approximately 2,600 cherry trees, is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Many tourists come from all over the country because it is in full bloom during Golden Week. The total area is about 492,000 square meters, which is equivalent to more than 10 Tokyo Domes. The height difference from east to west is about 17 meters, so even in the same Yoshino cherry tree, the best times to see differ. Another feature is that you can enjoy cherry blossoms for a long time, such as the “flower raft” where scattered petals of floating cherry blossoms float in the water of the moat.

This year's cherry blossoms will be in full bloom before the cherry blossom festival period that starts on April 23, and the city will open as a "quasi-sakura festival" from April 18 ahead of schedule. This is the first time in six years since 2009 that the semi-festival system will be implemented.

Hirosaki Castle castle tower and city hall rooftop open hours from 9:00 to 17:00 during the quasi-sakura festival. Light up from sunset to 22:00.