Hirosaki Castle: Where Samurai Meets Cherry Blossom Chaos (And You Get the Perfect Pic)"** 🏯🌸

#summervacay Forget Kyoto—Japan’s *real* castle magic happens in **Aomori Prefecture**, where this 400-year-old fortress becomes a **pink explosion** every spring. Here’s how to conquer it like a time-traveling ninja: --- ### **Why Hirosaki?** ✅ **Last Original Castle**: Only 12 authentic feudal castles remain—this is one! ✅ **Sakura Overload**: 2,600 trees + **blossom tunnels** (late April peak). ✅ **Affordable**: ¥320 entry (vs. ¥800+ at bigger castles). --- ### **📍 Getting There (Budget Hacks)** - **From Tokyo**: - *Shinkansen* to Shin-Aomori (3.5hrs, ¥17,000), then **local train** to Hirosaki (40mins, ¥540). - **Cheaper**: Overnight bus (10hrs, ¥6,000-8,000). - **From Aomori City**: Local train (45mins, ¥540) or bus (¥700). --- ### **🌸 Must-Do Highlights** 1. **Rent a Rowboat** (¥500/30min): Paddle through **floating sakura petals** in the moat. 2. **Three-Story Keep**: Climb to the top for **360° views** of Mt. Iwaki. 3. **Night Illuminations**: April only—castle glows like a **pink UFO**. --- ### **🍎 Local Eats (Aomori = Apple Kingdom)** - **Apple Curry**: Yes, really—try it at **Junko Kitchen** near the station. - **Sakura Soft Serve**: ¥450 at castle stalls (instagrammable AF). --- ### **⏰ Pro Tips** - **Golden Week Warning**: Avoid late April-early May (unless you love human traffic jams). - **Winter Secret**: February’s **Snow Lantern Festival** turns the castle into a fairy tale. - **Souvenir Hack**: Buy **apple jam** at the station—Aomori’s #1 edible gift. **Verdict:** Kyoto’s crowds + Osaka’s prices *wish* they had Hirosaki’s charm.