【英文版】
|
There is natural beauty in all of the four seasons in Hirosaki, Japan. I still remember the wonder and awe I felt while visiting this tranquil city.
In spring, the snow melting season coincides with the start of spring outing season in Hirosaki. Cherry blossoms and flowers of apples break into buds all at once as snow melts away after April in Hirosaki. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is recognized as the most breathtaking sight in the world by visitors.
Although summer in Hirosaki is cooler than Tokyo, it is still pleasant. Many events are scheduled during the summer season. Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a historical and traditional festival that features the large fan-shaped Neputa lanterns with the paintings designed after the scenes from ancient warrior legends.
Autumn in Hirosaki has a huge bounty of tasty apples to harvest. Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival is held at the Hirosaki Castle Arboretum. The colorful and fragrant flowers create a gorgeous autumn atmosphere in the old castle.
Winter in Hirosaki is usually covered with white snow. During the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival, over 50 snow lanterns and about 300 snow statues beckon visitors into this fantasy winter wonderland.
Like cities of Kyoto, Nara, and Kanazawa, Hirosaki did not suffer war damage in the past. Now, the tranquil city of Hirosaki has 2,600 of the most beautiful cherry blossom trees in Japan.
A group of traditional buildings including old samurai residences and merchants’ residents from the feudal age are preserved. Hedges of cherry trees and board fences preserve a characteristic landscape. With sake breweries and warehouses still lined up along the street, visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period around these Samurai and Merchant residences.
The famous five-tier pagoda in Saisho-in Temple in Hirosaki was built in 1667 in order to hold a service for the war deaths of friends and enemies alike at the time of unifying Tsugaru. It stands at 31.2 meters. It is one of Japan’s important national cultural assets.
Located in the production center of apples in Hirosaki, the Hirosaki Apple Park provides a place for relaxation. On the site of about 40,000 square meters, there are over 1,000 apple trees of about 60 different kinds.
Hirosaki City is Japan’s leading producer of apples. Many pastry shops sell the freshly baked apple pie. My local tour guide recommended that I had to try a piece of apple pie just because it is made with the best Hirosaki apples. And I did just that in the Apple City of Hirosaki and it did not disappoint.
My unforgettable trip to Hirosaki, Japan, was a feast to my eyes and to my taste buds. I will always cherish the tranquility I felt in the natural beauty of this remarkable city.
回上一頁