Hirosaki was one the capital of Aomori Prefecture. Although that title has been relegated to Aomori City, many still see Hirosaki as the cultural and historical hub of the prefecture.
It is the only city in the prefecture with a proper university, and its citizenry is therefore regarded as more educated and cosmopolitan. If you are likely to see another non-Japanese person in the prefecture, it is likely to be in Hirosaki.
Hirosaki was founded in 1603 by Lord Tamenobe. It was the prefecture capital until the Meiki Restoration joined the Nambu and Tsugaru territories (southwest Aomori and Western Aomor, respectively) into a unified prefecture Aomori City was chosen as the new capital, but never attained the more highbrow appeal that Hirosaki still holds.
While Aomori City was almost completely obliterated in World War II, Hirosaki escaped unscathed, preserving its traditional landmarks and architecture. This is not to say that Hirosaki is an entirely pleasant city to spend time in. As was common in feudal times, Lord Tsugaru deliberately designed the city to be as confusing as possible to invaders. The streets are a maze of winding, meandering lanes, rarely leading where one would expect them to. A sense of direction is a detriment in Hirosaki-- a visitor would be better off wandering aimlessly and hoping for the best.
Patience and diligence eventually allows one to reach Hirosaki park, the centerpiece of the city. Within the park are more maze-like footpaths, which lead eventually to the most recognized landmark in Hirosaki, the Castle. Surrounded by the moat and built high upon a stone precipice, the castle appears today much as it did in Dazai's time, and much as it did during Lord Tsugaru's time.
Hirosaki Castle-
Alternate name: Takaoka-jo
Founder: Tsugaru Nobuhira.
Year: 1611
Type: Flatland Mountian
Structure: 3 levels, 3 stories
Artifacts : Donjon( massive inner tower, 5 gates, 3 yagura(watchtower)
Location: Hiroaki, Aomori Prefecture
History: Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 and was home tot he Tsugaru clan of fuedal lords for 260 year. Like most castles in Japan it has been partially reconstructed. However, unlike most of them, it still remains the original layout. The three level donjon of Hirosaki-jo seems disproportionately small when compared to the huge estate encompassed by the castle today. Hirosaki-jo was originally built with a 5 level donjon which was struck by lightening and burned to the ground in 1627. The donjon was not rebuilt until 1810. The new 3 level donjon is built atop the inner moat using the stone wall as the palisade of yagura along the top of the moat. The yagura, however, no longer exists and the donjon stands alone. Hirosaki-jo has the only extant donjon to the east of Matsumoto-jo( Nagano Prefecture) making it a historical treasure of the Tohoku region.
Other Hirosaki Facts:
City Emblem: Manji- Hirosaki's city emblem, the manji or reversed swastika, has a long history. In fuedal times it was used as the family crest of the local Tsugaru clan. It is said to symbolize the rejection of selfish motives and the devotion of the individual to society. It was adopted as the city emblem in June, 1900.
City Flower: Cherry Blossom- Hirosaki's Cherry Blossoms make a spring unequalled throughout Japan. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, some two million visitors flock to Hirosaki from far and wide. The cherry blossom was named the official city flower on April 1, 1993.
City Tree: Apple Tree- Apples are reputed to be good for both health and complection. Hirosaki boasts the greatest apple production in all Japan, with an annual yield of more than 130,000 tons equivalent to 14% of the nations harvest. The apple tree was declared the City tree of Hirosaki on April 1, 1993 .
So, now you know.
