This is Nakada from JR Hirosaki Station(弘前駅), in the city of apples. Today, I’d like to introduce the Tsugaru(つがる) area, with Hirosaki(弘前) at its center!
Hirosaki is famous for its cherry blossoms and castle, but there are many other must-visit spots as well. Let me introduce some recommended places to visit in Tsugaru during the winter season.
1. Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art
The Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 2020, having been established in a red brick warehouse originally built as a sake brewery in the Meiji and Taisho periods. The building was renovated with a design by the renowned Japanese architect Tsuyoshi Tane, and its transformation into a modern space was achieved while still honouring its historical atmosphere.
The museum endeavours to offer visitors new perspectives and encounters through artworks and special exhibitions that are rooted in the local climate, history, and culture. It is also home to a café and museum shop, which together create an attractive fusion of art and the local community.
Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art（弘前れんが倉庫美術館）
Address: 2-1 Yoshino, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8188
Access: 9-minute bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station (弘前駅). Get off at the Nakadote-machi Bus Stop and walk 4 minutes to the museum.
2. Handmade Craft Experience Workshop IRODORI
Handmade Craft Experience Workshop IRODORI is located on Nakamachi Komise Street(中町こみせ通り) in Kuroishi(黒石), which is known as one of the “100 Best Roads in Japan” and features traditional buildings from the Edo period. This workshop offers experiences in making and selling lanterns using Neputa paintings that were actually used in the Kuroishi Neputa Festival. They receive Neputa paintings from neighbourhood associations and other groups to create fans and lanterns.
Handmade Workshop IRODORI（雑貨体験工房IRODORI）
Address: 38 Nakamachi, Kuroishi-shi, Aomori 036-0377
Access: 9-minute walk from Kuroishi Station(黒石駅) on the Konan Railway Line.
3. The Illuminated Nyūhogadaki Falls in Nishimeya Village
For winter scenery, we recommend the illuminated Nyūhogadaki Falls(乳穂ヶ滝) in Nishimeya Village(西目屋村). Surrounded by cedar trees over 300 years old, this approximately 33-meter waterfall gradually freezes from top to bottom during winter.
When conditions like temperature and water pressure align, the falls can freeze solid into a single pillar. Every February, it is illuminated in three colours—blue, green, and yellow—creating a fantastical world of ice. Updates on the waterfall’s condition are posted on the village’s website. While the current illumination uses three colours as standard, plans for different colours are currently being considered.
The illuminated Nyūhogadaki Falls in Nishimeya Village（西目屋村の乳穂ヶ滝のライトアップ）
Address: 47-1 Natsubodaira, Nishimeya, Nakatsugaru, Aomori 036-1411
Access: Approximately 30-minute drive from JR Hirosaki Station.
4. Cafe baton
Located within Hirosaki Park, Cafe baton(喫茶室baton) is a cafe where you can enjoy the charm of Hirosaki with all five senses. It offers aromatic coffee, signature Neapolitan pasta, and scallop galettes, providing a satisfying dining experience.
Personally, I find the artistic and flavourful jelly punch “Ao no Jikan” (Blue Hour) to be a standout menu item. Inspired by the works of artist Nui Sano, this visually stunning drink features locally-sourced fruit jelly floating in soda, making it perfect for instagram-worthy photos.
Cafe baton（喫茶室baton)
Address: 1-6 Shimoshioganecho, Hirosaki Shimin Kaikan 2F, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8356
Access: 15-minute bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station. Get off at the Shiyakusho-mae Kōen Iriguchi Bus Stop and walk a short distance.
5. Asobe no Mori Iwakiso
Asobe no Mori Iwakiso is a hot spring inn located at the foot of Mt. Iwaki(岩木山), the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture. In this space where the traditions and nature of Tsugaru intertwine, you can enjoy a blissful time of relaxation. The large public bath and open-air bath, which use the natural hot spring water of Hyakuzawa Onsen(百沢温泉), are made with Aomori cypress and natural rocks, enveloping your body and mind with the scent of the forest and the warmth of the water.
The guest rooms come in various Japanese and Western styles, offering views of Mt. Iwaki and spaces that exude the warmth of wood. Within the inn, you can savour kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from Tsugaru, and every evening, live Tsugaru shamisen performances add colour to your nights. Spend a relaxing time at Asobe no Mori Iwakiso, where you can unwind and feel at ease.
Asobe no Mori Iwakiso (アソベの森いわき荘）
Address: 28-29 Terasawa, Hyakuzawa, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-1343
Access: Approximately 30-minute ride by free shuttle bus from JR Hirosaki Station. Reservations required at least two days in advance.
Getting There
Access from Tokyo to Hirosaki is really easy!
Here’s the Hirosaki Station travel information including connections from Tokyo:
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From Tokyo: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station to JR Shin-Aomori Station — approximately 3 hours.
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From Shin-Aomori Station: Take the JR Ou Main Line to Hirosaki Station — approximately 40 minutes.
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From Aomori Station: Take the JR Ou Main Line to Hirosaki Station — approximately 45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also board the Resort Shirakami train from Shin-Aomori Station and continue on to Hirosaki Station.
Header Image Credit: JR East Hirosaki Station Branch
