Experience the Once-in-a-Century Hikimodoshi: Pull Hirosaki Castle’s Keep with Your Own Hands
Every trip leaves behind different memories, whether it’s breathtaking scenery, delicious local cuisine, or meaningful cultural encounters. Very rarely, however, a trip also gives you the opportunity to become part of history. In the summer of 2026, visitors to Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture will have the chance to do exactly that.
After more than a decade, the keep of Hirosaki Castle is finally returning to its original position atop its restored stone walls. During the hikimodoshi, a special event where visitors work together to help pull the castle keep back into place using traditional ropes, you can play a small but memorable role in this remarkable occasion. It is a rare opportunity to take part in an important milestone for one of Japan’s few remaining original castle keeps.
Hirosaki is approximately three and a half hours from Tokyo by train via the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, followed by a local train, or around 40 minutes by car from Aomori Airport.
Through our long-standing partnerships with local tourism organisations across Japan, Japan Navi Journey is able to offer experiences that are rarely available to international travellers. This special itinerary is built around the hikimodoshi while introducing the rich history, culture, and local flavours of the Tsugaru region. Read on to discover what makes this once-in-a-century event so special, along with the best places to explore during your visit to Hirosaki.
What Is the Hikimodoshi? Why Is Hirosaki Castle Moving?
Hirosaki Castle was first planned by Tsugaru Tamenobu, the founding lord of the Hirosaki Domain, and completed in 1611 under the second lord, Nobuhira. The present three-storey keep was rebuilt in 1810 by the ninth lord, Yasuchika, and is one of only twelve original castle keeps still standing in Japan. It is also designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
So why does the castle keep need to be moved?
The answer lies beneath it. Over time, a bulge developed in the stone walls of the Honmaru (main bailey), raising concerns that a major earthquake could cause them to collapse. To protect this important cultural landmark, the stone walls needed to be carefully dismantled and rebuilt. As the keep stands directly on top of them, it first had to be relocated.
Standing 14.4 metres tall and weighing around 400 tonnes, moving the castle keep is no ordinary engineering project.
In fact, this is not the first time Hirosaki Castle’s keep has been relocated. During the Meiji era, after the stone walls collapsed, master carpenter Horie Sakichi, who was born in Hirosaki, moved the keep using the traditional Japanese hikiya, a technique used to relocate entire buildings without dismantling them. The stone walls were eventually restored in 1915, around nineteen years later. The keep’s return in 2026 marks the first time in roughly a century that this remarkable relocation has taken place again.
In 2015, the keep was carefully moved around 70 metres to the centre of the Honmaru to allow restoration work to begin. Over the following decade, the stone walls were dismantled and rebuilt. Now, in 2026, the keep is finally making its way back to its original position.
The castle’s return to its original position will take place gradually from July to mid-November 2026. Throughout this period, the relocation is carried out in the open without protective coverings, allowing visitors to watch the castle slowly make its way back across the castle grounds — a sight that few people will ever have the chance to witness.
One of the highlights of the hikimodoshi is the tug-of-war-style rope-pulling event, held from 21 to 23 August 2026, where participants work together to help pull the 400-tonne castle back to its original position. Few travel experiences allow you to say, “I helped pull an original Japanese castle keep with my own hands.” It is a rare opportunity available only during these few days in Hirosaki.
How to Spend a Day in Tsugaru During the Hikimodoshi (Day Trip)
If you’re visiting Hirosaki to take part in the hikimodoshi, here’s a suggested day trip that lets you discover the region’s history, culture, and local flavours before returning to Aomori in the evening.
After taking part in the morning hikimodoshi at Hirosaki Castle, spend the rest of your day exploring the city and its surrounding attractions.
One option is Tsugaru-han Neputa Mura, where magnificent festival floats are displayed throughout the year. Visitors can also enjoy live Tsugaru shamisen performances, learn about the region’s traditional festivals, and even paint their own goldfish-shaped neputa lantern. It is a great place to experience Tsugaru’s culture and craftsmanship in one visit.
Alternatively, visit Fujita Memorial Garden, built in 1919 as the second residence of industrialist Fujita Kenichi. The beautifully landscaped garden uses Mount Iwaki as its backdrop, while the elegant Western-style residence reflects the charm of the Taisho era. While you’re there, stop by the Taisho Roman Tea Room to enjoy one of Hirosaki’s famous apple pies before having lunch nearby. Choose the attraction that best matches your interests before continuing with the rest of your itinerary.
In the afternoon, discover another local speciality at Rikka Shuzo, a sake brewery loved by locals. Learn about the brewing process before enjoying a sake tasting that reflects the traditions and climate of the Tsugaru region. A souvenir is also included as part of the visit.
Round off your day at Michi-no-Eki Apple Hill, where you can browse seasonal apples, locally made souvenirs, and a wide selection of apple-flavoured treats. Depending on the season, you may even have the opportunity to enjoy apple picking before returning to Aomori Station in the late afternoon.
Suggested Day Trip
Depart Aomori Station (8:00–8:30am) → Hirosaki Castle Hikimodoshi → Tsugaru-han Neputa Mura or Fujita Memorial Garden (visit and lunch) → Rikka Shuzo Brewery Tour & Sake Tasting → Michi-no-Eki Apple Hill → Return to Aomori Station (around 4:00pm)
Extend Your Trip with a Two-Day Tsugaru Getaway
If time allows, staying overnight gives you the opportunity to experience even more of the Tsugaru region at a relaxed pace. This two-day itinerary combines the hikimodoshi with some of the area’s most scenic landscapes and cultural attractions.
Spend the evening unwinding at a traditional hot spring ryokan. You can choose between an inn overlooking the picturesque Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge or Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru, where the region’s traditions are woven into every aspect of the guest experience. From soothing hot springs and seasonal local cuisine to Tsugaru shamisen performances and beautiful kogin embroidery, it is the perfect way to end the day.
The following morning, visit Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge in Tsuruta Town. One of Japan’s longest wooden triple-arched bridges, it stretches gracefully across the lake with Mount Iwaki rising in the background. On calm days, the reflection of both the bridge and the mountain creates one of the region’s most picturesque views.
Before heading home, stop by Inakadate Village to see its famous Tanbo Art (Rice Paddy Art). Using different varieties of coloured rice, local farmers carefully plant enormous artworks across the fields, creating intricate designs that can only be fully appreciated from the observation deck.
From taking part in the hikimodoshi to exploring Tsugaru’s natural scenery, traditional culture, and local craftsmanship, this two-day itinerary offers a rewarding way to experience the region beyond Hirosaki Castle.
Planning Your Trip with Japan Navi Journey
The hikimodoshi is a rare event with limited participation dates, making early planning highly recommended.
Working closely with local tourism organisations and partners, Japan Navi Journey can help you create a personalised itinerary centred around the hikimodoshi while showcasing the best of the Tsugaru region.
As many of the attractions are spread across the region, luxury private transport offers one of the most comfortable and convenient ways to explore. Travel at your own pace without the constraints of public transport, allowing you to make the most of your time while visiting the region’s cultural landmarks, scenic attractions, and local experiences. Foreign-language guides can also be arranged, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of Hirosaki Castle’s history and Tsugaru’s unique culture throughout your trip.
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or as part of a larger group, every itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests, travel style, and schedule.
Summer 2026 marks the only time you can witness Hirosaki Castle’s keep return to its original position. Better still, you can be among those helping to pull it back into place.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t miss this rare opportunity to take part in the hikimodoshi while discovering the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Tsugaru region.
Contact Japan Navi Journey today to start planning your personalised itinerary, complete with luxury private transport, carefully selected accommodation, and unforgettable local experiences.
