Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival

The Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival (弘前城菊と紅葉まつり) runs from October 30 to November 8, 2026, at Hirosaki Park in Aomori. The main venue is Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, where adult admission costs ¥320. Alongside the autumn leaves, you can see floral installations, bamboo lanterns and projection mapping after sunset.

For a visit that takes in the flowers and evening displays, arrive before sunset and stay on after dark. Just check the dates carefully: the harvest market runs on selected days, and the city’s announcement lists the special autumn illumination as starting on October 31.

Check the official festival information before you finalize your plans.

Dates, hours and garden admission

The festival began in 1962. Today, its main attractions include floral art and a citizens’ chrysanthemum exhibition, with autumn foliage throughout the park. Around 1,100 maple trees and 2,600 cherry trees contribute to the seasonal color—the cherry trees here are part of the autumn foliage display.

The following prices are for botanical garden admission, including tax. Boat rides have separate fares.

Flowers, gardens and photo spots

A white tiger made with flowers and traditional craft

This year’s centerpiece is Kinshu Byakko (金秋白虎), a white tiger installation and the fourth work in a series inspired by the four guardian beasts. White, gold and yellow flowers are paired with green branches and touches of red.

The work brings together floral artist Kie Abe, a Neputa float framework maker and Tsugaru bamboo basket-weaving techniques. Look closely at how the woven structure and flowers form the tiger.

Walk through the giant flower ring

In the open square, a large floral ring draws on the tradition of walking through a grass ring to pray for good health. Its decoration has been refreshed, with the four guardian beasts—including the new white tiger—positioned across the top.

Handmade flowers in Sannomaru Garden

The Pom-Pom Mum Garden uses yarn flowers handmade by local residents. Displays incorporate the garden’s snow-support structures, while lighting changes the scene after dark. A participatory program during the festival lets visitors add a pom-pom flower with a wish attached; check the official information for participation details.

Nearby, the apple-and-flower water display pairs chrysanthemums with thinned apples. It is a smaller detail worth stopping for, especially if you enjoy photographing flowers and reflections.

Projection mapping and evening lights

After sunset, projection mapping brings the white tiger installation to life in the open square. Hirosaki-based digital creator Kaoru Kasai handles the video and lighting, using imagery of wind, clouds and changing seasons.

Bamboo lighting by CHIKAKEN, created in collaboration with Hirosaki residents, adds another reason to stay into the evening.

The botanical garden closes at 20:00, with final admission at 19:30. The park illumination’s 21:00 finish does not mean you can enter the garden until that time.

If you expect to spend the evening taking photos, plan how you will keep your phone charged. Our d VALUE PASS and ChargeSPOT guide covers a rental option to check in advance; availability at the festival is not confirmed.

Harvest market and bonfires

The Chillout Days autumn harvest market combines food stalls with outdoor activities such as tree climbing and crafts using natural materials. It runs on selected dates, so choose your day around it if these activities are a priority.

Activities and operating hours may change with the weather. Individual activity fees and booking arrangements are not specified in the announcement; check before making a particular activity the focus of your visit.

Autumn boat rides

Sightseeing boats on the park’s middle moat operate from October 30 to November 8, with separate daytime and evening sessions.

Boats depart throughout operating hours, subject to weather and passenger conditions.

Do not assume the daytime child fares apply at night. The announcement lists a flat night-boat fare without stating a preschool exemption. Families should confirm the night-boat rules before boarding.

Getting there and choosing a day

Hirosaki Park is approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Hirosaki Station, or around 25 minutes by car from Owani-Hirosaki Interchange. Check the bus route, stop and return timetable before setting off; these details are not included in the announcement.

There is no parking at the venue. Nearby paid options include the underground parking at Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center and parking at Hirosaki City Hall.

If you are looking into rail travel, our JRE BANK guide explains its rail-related benefits. Check the relevant conditions separately before relying on a benefit for this trip.

• For flowers and photography: arrive while there is daylight, then stay for the evening displays.
• For the harvest market: choose October 31 or November 1, 3, 7 or 8.
• For an evening boat ride: register before 19:00 and check weather-related changes.
• For illumination after the festival: confirm the final operating date and which areas remain lit.

Planning other cultural outings around Japan? Our Ghibli Park exhibition guide covers a separate exhibition itinerary in Osaka, Yokosuka and Kyoto.

Frequently asked questions

Is the festival free?

Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, the main venue, charges ¥320 for adults of high school age and older, and ¥100 for elementary and junior high school students. Boat rides cost extra.

Does the special autumn illumination start on October 30?

The festival starts on October 30, but Hirosaki City’s press release lists the special autumn illumination from October 31 to mid-November, from 16:00 to 21:00. Confirm the schedule on the official festival page before visiting.

Is the harvest market open every day?

No. The market is scheduled for October 31 and November 1, 3, 7 and 8. Bonfires are scheduled every day during the festival, with different hours on weekdays and on weekends or holidays.

Sources: official festival page and Hirosaki City’s October 16 announcement. Information checked against the supplied announcements as of October 29, 2026. Confirm current schedules before traveling.