One of the most famous landmarks in Aomori Prefecture, this castle is set within a large park surrounded by impressive moats, stone walls, and several beautiful bridges, although the castle keep itself is relatively small compared to some of Japan’s other castles.

The area is particularly famous during cherry blossom season, when sakura trees transform the park into one of Japan’s most celebrated spring destinations.

When I visited, the castle was undergoing restoration work, so it’s worth checking the current status before your trip.

The castle grounds also include a botanical garden that requires a separate admission fee. Personally, I would skip it unless you specifically enjoy walking through large gardens or are visiting during a season when the flowers are in bloom. It can also be a useful option during sakura season, as the garden contains many different varieties of cherry trees that bloom at different times, increasing your chances of seeing blossoms even if you’ve missed the main peak bloom period.