Continuing with ourcherry blossom reporting in theTohoku Region, I headed toHirosaki Castle inAomori Prefecture today. The castle is located in Hirosaki Park, and has over 2500 cherry trees of different varieties. The abundance of cherry trees makes Hirosaki Castle one of Japan's bestcherry blossom spots, and a personal favourite as well.

The maincherry blossom season has already ended for most of the country, and for those who are arriving later this week or next week, northernTohoku andHokkaido would offer the best chances to see the seasonal flowers.

I spent the day atHirosaki Castle, checking out thecherry trees in the spacious grounds. I found the mainstreamSomei Yoshino cherry trees to be at full bloom, while the weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura) to be opening. I expect the Somei Yoshino cherry trees to remain at their best till at least the end of the week. Rain and strong winds are forecast for tomorrow but the freshly opened blossoms should still be able to hold on strong. The shidarezakura cherry trees should be at their best by the end of this week, and visitors can expect to see different varieties of sakura at their peak.

The sakura festival atHirosaki Castle will continue until May 7, during which festival food stalls can be found in the northern end of the grounds. The castle park is also illuminated in the evenings from 18:30 to 22:00, offering a different view and opportunities for nighthanami picnics.

Questions? Ask in ourforum.