Aomori Prefecture is known for some spectacular natural landscapes, and the spring months in the region allow this natural beauty to really shine. For the flower fans, this guide covers five destinations where you can enjoy seasonal blooms in Aomori, including azaleas, sakura, nanohana, and peonies.
Ashino Park
Each year during Golden Week (April 29th through to May 5th), Aomori's Ashino Park hosts a sakura festival that celebrates the beauty of spring. The park grounds are dotted with over 2000 cherry trees and numerous evergreen pines, and it's such a beautiful sight that it has been listed on Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom viewing spots. One popular way to appreciate the blooms is from the lake, and there are usually boats available for rent so visitors can take to the water and enjoy the floral beauty from a unique vantage point.
Goshogawara, Aomori 037-0202
Tenno Shrine
Often referred to as the azalea shrine, Tenno Shrine is home to approximately 500 azalea bushes on its grounds. Each year from the early to mid May timeframe, a festival is held here celebrating the flowers – it also includes evening illuminations so visitors can enjoy the beautiful blooms after dark.
Tenno, Shichinohe-cho, Kamikita-gun, Aomori 039-2521
Hirosaki Castle Park
The grounds of the Hirosaki Castle Park are filled with around 2600 cherry trees in several different varieties, including the likes of Somei Yoshino and Shidarezakura (also known as weeping cherry blossoms). Interestingly, the trees at the park here are said to yield more blossoms than other places in Japan due to a special pruning technique that was derived from apple tree pruning.
1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356
Yokohama Town
Not to be confused with Kanagawa's Yokohama, Aomori's Yokohama Town is home to an annual nanohana festival. Unfortunately, the event is canceled for this year, but typically includes a range of fun activities including a nanohana maze and the ability to take a helicopter ride above the vibrant yellow fields for a fee.
Mameda, Yokohama-machi, Aomori 039-4114
Hase Peony Garden
Regarded as one of the best peony displays in the Tohoku region, the Hase Peony Garden covers a 3.3 hectare space and showcases around 8000 of these beautiful flowers in 130 different varieties. The best time to catch the blooms at their peak is from late May to early June.
3 Omukai Hase, Nambu Town, Sannohe District, Aomori 039-0103
