When the mountains start to change color, the Tsugaru area is slightly delayed before being dyed in vivid colors, and the autumn foliage in Hirosaki Park also shines beautifully with about 1,100 maple trees and 2,600 cherry blossom trees.
The Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival, held amidst the vivid autumn foliage of the castle, evolved from a viewing party where people enjoyed the autumn leaves and brought the chrysanthemums they had grown to be judged. It began in 1962 under the name "Chrysanthemum and Maple Festival."
Currently, with the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden as the main venue, flower art exhibitions and citizens' chrysanthemum exhibitions staged the autumn of the old castle.
At night, a special autumn foliage illumination offers a different look from the daytime. There are many other spots in Hirosaki Park with beautiful autumn foliage, letting visitors feel the deepening autumn.

INDEX

About

Autumn leaves

Highlights

Event

2026 Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival

Festival Overview

Period

October 30 (Friday) - November 8 (Sunday), 2026 (10 Days)

Venue

Hirosaki Park (Main Venue: Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden)

Admission Fee

【Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden】
■Individual
Adult (High school student and older): ￥320, Child (Elementary/Junior high school student): ￥100
■Group (※10 or more people)
Adult (High school student and older): ￥250, Child (Elementary/Junior high school student): ￥80

【Common Admission Ticket】(Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden / Honmaru・Kita no Kuruwa / Fujita Memorial Garden)
■Individual
Adult (High school student and older): ￥520, Child (Elementary/Junior high school student): ￥160
■Group (※10 or more people)
Adult (High school student and older): ￥470, Child (Elementary/Junior high school student): ￥130
※Common admission tickets are sold at the Botanical Garden ticket office, the ticket office inside Hirosaki Park, and the Fujita Memorial Garden ticket office.

【Hirosaki Marugoto Tourist Coupon】(Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden / Honmaru・Kita no Kuruwa / Fujita Memorial Garden / Tsugaru-han Neputa Village)
■Adult/Child: ￥1,000
※The Hirosaki Marugoto Tourist Coupon is available for online purchase only.
Details and to purchase the Hirosaki Marugoto Tourist Coupon

※Admission is free for the following individuals.
(License, health insurance card, student ID card, name tag, etc., are required to prove eligibility.)
・Kindergarten children and younger
・Hirosaki citizens aged 65 and older
・Children and students attending elementary and junior high schools (including special needs schools) in Hirosaki City
・Individuals attending or admitted to facilities for people with disabilities in Hirosaki City
・International students attending high schools or universities in Hirosaki City
・Holders of the Hirosaki Large Family Support Passport (Hirosaki Tashi Kazoku Ouen Passport)

To all visitors

Please cooperate by taking your trash home with you and sorting it.
Please take any trash generated within the venue to a sorting station.

【Notice of Suspension of Internal Viewing of Hirosaki Castle Keep】
Internal viewing of the Hirosaki Castle Keep will be suspended for the time being (several years) from November 24, 2025.
■Period: From November 24, 2025 (Monday) for the time being (several years)
≫Click here for Q&A regarding the suspension of internal viewing of the keep.

【HIROSAKI Free Wi-Fi】
Free Wi-Fi is available in Hirosaki Park.
■SSID:HIROSAKI_Free_Wi-Fi
■Wi-Fi Availability Hours: 5:00 - 21:00
≫Hirosaki City Public Wireless LAN Information

【Regarding Drone Flights】
Unauthorized drone flights are prohibited within Hirosaki Park.

【To Those Accompanied by Pets】
Please refrain from walking pets. (Excluding assistance dogs)
You can enter by carrying them in a cage, pet cart (buggy), or holding them in your arms.
However, please refrain from entering buildings.

Venue Map

Venue Highlights MAP (Google My Map)

Google My Map

Special Autumn Foliage Illumination

In addition to the regular illumination of the Hirosaki Castle keep, turrets, and castle gates, there will be a special illumination of the autumn foliage of maples and cherry trees.
Also, "Nishiki no Akari" (brocade lights) and "Kagaribi" (bonfires) will be set up to produce the night at Hirosaki Park.
Please enjoy the gorgeous and enchanting shimmering world that can only be experienced at Hirosaki Park on an autumn night.

Period

October 30 (Friday) - Mid-November, 2026
16:00 - 21:00

Special Illumination of "Autumn Cherry Blossoms" in front of Otemon Gate

The cherry trees in Hirosaki Park are also spectacular in autumn. A special illumination will be implemented during the festival.
October 30 (Friday) - Mid-November, 2026
16:00 - 21:00

CHIKAKEN Bamboo Lights

Objects by "CHIKAKEN," the world's first comprehensive "Bamboo Light" production group from Japan, and the illumination of the cherry and maple autumn foliage will fantastically color Hirosaki Park at night.
October 30 (Friday) - Mid-November, 2026
16:00 - 21:00
Click here for details.

Dotemachi Loop Bus Extended Operation

The operation time of the Dotemachi Loop Bus will be extended to coincide with the illumination.
Implementation of Dotemachi Loop Bus Extended Operation

Cherry Blossoms Blooming in Autumn

Jugatsuzakura (October Cherry)

Cerasus×subhirtella‘Autumnalis’
A cultivated variety presumed to be a hybrid of Edohigan and Mamezakura.
Among the Kohigan that bloom from autumn to spring, those with double flowers are classified as Jugatsuzakura.
In Hirosaki, they bloom twice, in spring and autumn, and the best time to see them in autumn is in October.

Accolade

Cerasus‘Accolade’
A cultivated variety developed in the UK by crossing Oyamazakura and Kohigan.
The flowering period in the UK is said to be spring, but perhaps due to environmental conditions in Japan, it blooms in two seasons, spring and autumn.
The flowers are large, with a pale deep color.
In Hirosaki, they bloom twice, in spring and autumn, and the best time to see them in autumn is in October.

Jiyu Hiroba (Free Square) (Main Symbol)

Through the collaboration of Ms. Kie Abe, a flower landscape artist active both domestically and internationally, whose work was selected as the best at a global flower competition, the Neputa assembly masters of Hirosaki, and the citizens, a variety of artworks that can only be seen here will vividly direct the autumn in the park.

Hanawa Kuguri (Flower Ring Walkthrough)

Flower Arch of Hope
With the Tatsumi Yagura as a backdrop, a giant flower ring decorated with artificial flowers will appear.
The highlights are the structural beauty of bamboo by Neputa assembly masters and the head ornament using the Yukitsuri (snow吊) technique featuring the Four Gods.

This work is based on the "Chinowa Kuguri" (passing through a cogon grass ring) told in Japanese mythology. It originates from the ancient custom of passing through a cogon grass ring to ward off evil and pray for sound health and good matches. Because of its auspiciousness and photogenic beauty, it is popular among visitors as a "symbol of love and good luck." Please enjoy a moment of wishing for happiness while passing through the gorgeous ring woven by flowers.

Flower Landscape Artist: Kie Abe

Born in Miyagi Prefecture. Representative of Kagakusha, presides over the flower design classroom and Flower Landscape Artist STUDIO KIE.
Has won numerous awards domestically and internationally, including receiving the Gold Award, given to the best work at the 2016 World Flower Competition (International Flower Contest). Highly evaluated especially for new flower designs using chrysanthemums. After the Great East Japan Earthquake, she has been active throughout the country in activities to prevent the disaster from being forgotten, through artwork exhibitions themed on the earthquake, demonstrations, magazine shoots, and lectures.
As a first-class skilled worker in floral decoration, a vocational training instructor for floral decoration, and an instructor at the headquarters of the Nippon Flower Designers' Association, she also pours her efforts into training the next generation.
Her motto is "Every day is a flower day (Hibi Kore Hanajitsu)."

Sannomaru Garden

Garden of Pom Pom Mums

Pom Pom Mam's Garden
In the Sannomaru Garden, yarn "Pom Pom Mums," modeled after the round chrysanthemum flower "Ping Pong Mum," will bloom in full glory again this year. This year, the number has been further increased, and over 5,000 colorful Pom Pom Mums will vividly color the venue. The yarn flowers are carefully made one by one by the hands of the local people.
The venue also exhibits artworks utilizing "Yukitsuri," a traditional Tsugaru technique born to survive the harsh winters. The sight of Yukitsuri protecting branches while bearing the weight of snow conveys the wisdom and sense of beauty of the region to the present day. That skill breathes in a new form.

Visitors can tie Tanzaku (strips of paper) containing their wishes to the Pom Pom Mums. As everyone's feelings are added, the artwork will gradually change its appearance during the exhibition and grow along with the festival. Please also enjoy the process of that change.

Apple Hanachozu (Floating Flowers)

Floating Flowers of Hirosaki – Apple & Chrysanthemum Water Art
In this year, the 150th anniversary of apple planting in Aomori, a Hanachozu unique to the apple city of Hirosaki will make its appearance.
Incorporating local materials such as thinned apples in addition to a variety of chrysanthemums, the colors of the season are reflected on the water's surface. Citizens have also participated in creating the works, and thoughts are put into each and every Hanachozu.
Enjoy the delicate shades of the flowers swaying in the water during the day, and the illumination at night.

Chrysanthemum Culture Heritage Area

Citizens' Chrysanthemum Exhibition

Chrysanthemums carefully grown by members of the Hirosaki Chrysanthemum Association will be exhibited.

Chill Area

Relaxed Bonfire and Outdoor Play Garden

Slow Fire & Outdoor Lounge
Take it easy and relax by the bonfire.
This is an area where you can spend your time as you please while looking at the flames. With coffee or craft beer in hand, enjoy autumn moments with music. You can savor the luxury of doing nothing while feeling the scent of wood and the warmth of the fire.

Craft experience and learning booths themed on Tsugaru's nature and culture will also appear at the venue.
It is a relaxing area where you can enjoy the autumn of Hirosaki Park with all five senses.

■Bonfire implementation time: During the Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival, 16:30 - 19:30
*Subject to change due to weather conditions, etc.

Otemon / Higashimon Gate Area

Tsugarunrun Zoo ~Sea Monsters of Oura Castle Children~

Tsugaru Zoo – Ocean Monsters Made by Tsugaru Junior High Students
Works created by students of Hirosaki Municipal Tsugaru Junior High School, built on the site of Oura Castle, which is deeply connected to Hirosaki Castle, will appear at the entrances of Otemon and Higashimon gates.
There is no zoo or aquarium in Hirosaki. If so, let's make what we "want to see" ourselves! Born from such a thought, expressive animals such as whales and killer whales swimming gently, adorable flamingos and red pandas, and fluffy alpacas will welcome you. They will welcome you in forms gorgeously decorated with flowers.

■Venue: Entrances of Otemon and Higashimon gates

Bamboo Lights

CHIKAKEN Bamboo Lights

Objects by "CHIKAKEN," the world's first comprehensive "Bamboo Light" production group from Japan, and the illumination of cherry and maple autumn foliage will fantastically color Hirosaki Park at night.
They have handled events domestically and internationally, including directing the dinner venue for the spouses' program at the 2016 Ise-Shima Summit. Bamboo materials received from friendship cities Ota City in Gunma Prefecture and Sendai City are utilized in the bamboo lights produced jointly by them and Hirosaki citizens.
Bamboo lights born from cultural exchange transcending regions will surely fascinate visitors as works where warmth can be felt even in the cold sky.

■Period: October 30 (Friday) - Mid-November, 2026, 16:00 - 21:00

Exhibition, Stalls, and Kids' Shinkansen Area

"Hirosaki Park Photo Contest" Winning Works Exhibition

■October 30 (Friday) - November 8 (Sunday), 2026, 9:00 - 17:00
■Central Rest Area Exhibition Space (Inside Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden)
Click here for the winning works.

"Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden Sketching Contest" Winning Works Exhibition

■October 30 (Friday) - November 8 (Sunday), 2026, 9:00 - 17:00
■Central Rest Area Exhibition Space (Inside Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden)

Kids' Shinkansen Operation

Very popular with children! A mini Shinkansen that adults can also enjoy!!
■Every day during the period, 9:00 - 16:00
■Free

Stalls, etc.

■During the festival period, 9:00 - 20:00
■Inside Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden

Bussankan (Local Products Center)

Come here for Tsugaru souvenirs.
■During the festival period, 9:00 - 17:00 *Opening hours may be extended.
■Sannomaru (near Ushitora Yagura) inside Hirosaki Park

Opening Ceremony

Date & Time

October 30 (Friday), 2026, 10:00 -

Venue

Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden Event Stage

Projection Mapping

As the sun sets, the 《Flower Art》, looking different from the daytime, will appear enveloped in light and sound.
Genbu, modeled after Hirosaki's symbol Mt. Iwaki, will fantastically dye the Jiyu Hiroba at night. Please enjoy the dynamic production where the gradation of light illuminates the mountain's ridges, making you feel the pulse of life.

Date & Time / Venue

■October 30 (Friday) - November 8 (Sunday), 2026, 17:30 - 19:30
■Jiyu Hiroba (Inside Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden)

Dotemachi Loop Bus Extended Operation

The operation time of the Dotemachi Loop Bus will be extended to coincide with the implementation of projection mapping.
Implementation of Dotemachi Loop Bus Extended Operation

Stage Events

■Venue: Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden Special Stage

Related Events

Yukitsuri (Snow Suspensions) Head Ornament Demonstration

During the winter, Yukigakoi (snow fences) and Yukitsuri are applied to protect trees from snow in Hirosaki Park.
You can observe the production of "Head Ornaments" that give a playful feeling.
■Inquiries: Hirosaki City Greenery Association 0172-33-8733

Old and Famous Trees Viewing Tour

A cherry blossom keeper will explain the highlights of old and famous trees.
■Fee: Free
■Inquiries: Hirosaki City Park and Green Space Division 0172-33-8739

Chrysanthemum Sales

Chrysanthemums used in the festival will be sold at low prices.

Hirosaki Park Middle Moat Autumn Foliage Sightseeing Boat [Limited Time]

The highly acclaimed middle moat sightseeing boat during the Cherry Blossom Festival will operate for a limited time.

Autumn Operation

■October 30 (Friday) - November 8 (Sunday), 2026
■9:00 - 17:00 *Last boarding is 16:30
(However, subject to change depending on weather and passenger situation)
*Advance reservations are not possible.

Boarding Fee

・Junior high school student and older: 1,000 yen (tax included)
・Elementary school student and younger: 500 yen (tax included)
・Preschooler: Free (up to 1 child per adult)

Click here for details

Hirosaki Park Middle Moat Sightseeing Boat

Hirosaki Park Sightseeing Rickshaw

Operating every day including weekdays during the Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival!!

Dates & Hours of Operation

Operating days: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from May to October 26 (Sunday), 2025
Operating every day from October 31 (Friday) to 9 (Sunday)
Hours: 9:00 - 16:00
*Business hours and routes are subject to change depending on the weather.

Boarding Course, Capacity, Fee

Course: (Hirosaki Park) Higashimon ⇒ Gejobashi *Ride time is about 15 minutes
*Departure will be from Higashimon during the festival period.
Capacity: Up to 2 people
Fee: 2,000 yen for 1 person, 3,000 yen for 2 people

Contact Information

・Rickshaw puller direct mobile: TEL: 080-6291-3101 (during business hours only)
・Silver Human Resources Center: TEL: 0172-36-8828
Hirosaki Park Sightseeing Rickshaw

Strolling in Hirosaki Park

Sightseeing Volunteer Guides

We will guide you around Hirosaki Park for free during the festival period.
Please come directly to the tent station.
■Activity Period: October 30 (Friday) - November 8 (Sunday), 2026 *Reservations not possible
■Tent Station: Near Otemon Gate, Hirosaki Park
■Guiding Hours: Reception 9:00 - 15:00
■Guiding Fee: Free

Implementation of Dotemachi Loop Bus Extended Operation

The Dotemachi Loop Bus is convenient for the autumn foliage illumination!
The operation hours of the Dotemachi Loop Bus will be extended to coincide with the special illumination at Hirosaki Park.

Operation Period / Hours

■Period: October 30 (Friday) - November 8 (Sunday), 2026
■Hours: 18:30 - 20:00
Please also see here for the Dotemachi Loop Bus.
Dotemachi Loop Bus
For details, please see the Konan Bus HP.

Odate-Noshiro Airport ⇔ Hirosaki Airport Autumn Shuttle

Direct from Odate-Noshiro Airport ⇔ Hirosaki
The drop-off location is "Tsugaru-han Neputa Village," which is close to the festival venue and convenient!
It operates according to the flight arrival and departure times.
No need to deal with the hassle of finding parking!
Day trips and one-way use are also possible.
■Operation Period: October 30 (Friday) - November 8 (Sunday), 2026
■Number of Operations: 2 round trips/day (Connecting with ANA Odate-Noshiro - Tokyo Haneda flights)
■Required Time: Approx. 80 minutes (*estimated)
■Usage Fee: 3,300 yen (One way / Per person / Tax included)

Tours to Hirosaki

Look here for convenient and great value deals on coming to Hirosaki!!

We introduce great value tours and package products to come to Hirosaki by departure region!

Tours to Hirosaki

2022 Theme "Shiki no Hanameki" (The Brilliance of the Four Seasons)

【Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival】FLOWER ART 2022

2021 Theme "Kobokuryougin" (Dragon's Song in the Withered Trees)

The "Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival," which symbolizes autumn in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, continuing since 1962.
A new exhibition project that started in 2020 features flower art that fuses Hirosaki's unique symbols and culture, such as Neputa and apples, with the keywords "flowers" and "art."
The festival was canceled in 2020 due to the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus, but
taking over that desire,
we tackled the production of even larger works this year.

The theme for 2021 is "Kobokuryougin."
It embodies the desire for revival and further development.
The main work, "Shotenkaryu" (Ascending Dragon of Flowers), is over 100 meters long, and
was produced through the collaboration of Hirosaki Neputa assembly masters and flower artists.
Please see the beautiful autumn leaves of Hirosaki and
the group of works co-created by artists from various fields and Hirosaki citizens.

【Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival】FLOWER ART 2021

2020 Theme "Illuminating the Future"

The "Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival," symbolizing autumn in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, continuing since 1962.
On October 19, 2020, four days before the festival was scheduled to start, its cancellation was decided due to the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus infection. This follows the postponement of the spring Cherry Blossom Festival and the summer Neputa Festival, two of Hirosaki's four major festivals.
Preparations for the autumn festival, the Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival, had been progressing with a message depicting a bright future from Hirosaki's history and culture, under the theme "Keioukairai / Illuminating the Future."

Connecting people to people through flowers.

The 2020 Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival was canceled, but there was Hirosaki Park richly colored with flowers and autumn leaves, a new challenge for the future, and the figures of the people involved in it.
We hope that those who watched the video feel a little bit more energized. We hope that cheers from Hirosaki reach as many people as possible.

【Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival】~Illuminating the Future.

Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival Project "Hirosaki Park Photo Contest"

Special Page

We are soliciting photos that show
"The magnificence of Hirosaki Park," such as the beauty of the four seasons in the park and the smiles of visitors.
Photos that make you "want to feel the atmosphere of that place and that time"
Photos that make you "want to go to Hirosaki Park"

Please see here for the winning works and application guidelines.

Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival Project: Hirosaki Park Photo Contest