Hirosaki Castle (弘前城, Hirosaki-jō) is a 17th century Japanese castle located in Hirosaki city, Aomori prefecture, Japan. It was constructed in 1611 by the local Tsugaru clan. A three-storied castle tower, fortified moats, castle gates and some corner turrets (yagura) survive or have been reconstructed.

The surrounding Hirosaki Park is one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom spots. Over a million people enjoy the park's 2600 trees during the sakura matsuri (cherry blossom festival) when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, usually during the Japanese Golden Week holidays in the end of April and beginning of May.

Literature

• Schmorleitz, Morton S. Castles in Japan. Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle Co.. ISBN 0-8084-1102-4.
• Motoo, Hinago Japanese Castles. Tokyo: Kodansha. ISBN 0-87011-766-1.