Known as the “Apple Capital of Japan”, Hirosaki is a charming castle town in Aomori Prefecture where apple orchards stretch as far as the eye can see. Every autumn, the trees become heavy with bright red fruit, creating one of the region’s most recognisable autumn landscapes. But Hirosaki offers far more than just apples. From the vibrant autumn colours of Mount Iwaki and locally crafted cider to contemporary art housed in a former brick warehouse, there are plenty of reasons to visit during the harvest season.

Getting here is easier than you might think. From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori before transferring to a local train to Hirosaki, a journey of around three and a half hours. Alternatively, fly from Haneda Airport to Aomori Airport in approximately 75 minutes, followed by a 40-minute drive into the city.

Hirosaki is best known for Hirosaki Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castle keeps, and Mount Iwaki, Aomori Prefecture’s highest peak, standing at 1,624 metres. Affectionately known as the “Tsugaru Fuji” for its resemblance to Japan’s most famous mountain, it forms a striking backdrop to the city. While the city attracts many visitors during cherry blossom season, locals will tell you that autumn is just as rewarding, with colourful foliage, apple harvests, and crisp mountain scenery.

Through our close partnerships with local communities across Japan, Japan Navi Journey is able to introduce experiences that are rarely found in a typical itinerary. Read on to discover the best places to enjoy Hirosaki’s autumn harvest, local cider, stunning landscapes, and vibrant arts scene.

Discover the Many Flavours of Hirosaki’s Apples

No visit to Hirosaki would be complete without trying its apples. Orchards stretch across the city, and autumn is the best time to see the trees filled with fruit ready for harvest. From apple picking and freshly baked apple pie to locally produced cider, here are some of the best ways to experience Japan’s leading apple-producing region.

Apple Picking at Hirosaki Apple Park

At Hirosaki Apple Park, you can do more than simply admire the orchards—you can pick the apples yourself. Around 65 varieties are grown here, with autumn offering the widest selection as different apples come into season.

One of the most memorable parts of the experience is tasting an apple straight from the tree. Freshly picked, the apples are crisp, juicy, and full of flavour, offering a completely different experience from those found in supermarkets.

The park also features shops selling apple sweets, souvenirs, and locally made products, making it an enjoyable stop for families, couples, and groups. With Mount Iwaki rising behind the orchards, it is also one of Hirosaki’s most picturesque locations and an ideal place to begin your autumn adventure.

A Tasting Tour of Hirosaki’s Apple Pies

Hirosaki is often referred to as the town of apple pie, with more than 40 cafés and confectioneries serving their own unique versions of this local favourite.

To help visitors decide where to go, the Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau produces the Hirosaki Apple Pie Guide Map, which rates each pie according to sweetness, acidity, and cinnamon flavour. The guide is available free of charge at the tourist information centre outside Hirosaki Station and other locations throughout the city.

Part of the fun is enjoying these apple pies in Hirosaki’s historic buildings. At the Taisho Roman Tea Room, located within Fujita Memorial Garden, you can choose from seven different apple pies made by some of the city’s best bakeries.

Another favourite can be found at the café inside the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art, where a crisp apple pie is baked in an apple-shaped Nambu ironware mould and filled with caramelised Aomori Kogyoku apples and custard. Meanwhile, the café inside the Former Foreign Teachers’ Residence of Toou Gijuku serves an apple pie made using Eikoga, a rare variety grown by just one farmer in Hirosaki.

As you sample different apple pies around the city, you will quickly discover that every café has its own style, from buttery pastry to varying levels of sweetness and tartness.

If you’re not sure where to begin, the Apple Pie Taxi offers a unique way to explore Hirosaki’s apple pie scene. Based on your taste preferences, a knowledgeable driver recommends and takes you to the cafés best suited to you. Many visitors also enjoy visiting several cafés with family or friends to compare different apple pies. Japan Navi Journey can also help arrange these apple pie tours as part of your itinerary.

Discover Hirosaki’s Cider and Apple-Making Heritage

Beyond eating apples, another local speciality worth discovering is cider. Hirosaki is recognised as the birthplace of cider (sparkling apple wine) in Japan, and its long history of apple cultivation has helped shape a thriving local cider culture that continues to attract enthusiasts from across Japan and overseas.

One of the easiest places to experience this is Hirosaki Apple Park. Located within the park, Kimori Cider Brewery produces cider using locally grown apples, allowing visitors to enjoy a freshly made glass after their apple-picking experience.

Depending on the apple varieties used and the harvest season, each cider has its own distinctive flavour profile, ranging from dry to sweet. Sampling different varieties is a great way to appreciate how diverse cider can be, even when made from the same fruit.

Tastings can be arranged for both small groups and larger parties, with English-speaking guidance available.

Experience Autumn in Hirosaki: Mount Iwaki, Art and Historic Streets

After enjoying Hirosaki’s apples, it’s time to experience another side of the city. From the colourful autumn landscapes of Mount Iwaki to contemporary art housed in historic buildings, Hirosaki offers plenty to explore beyond its orchards.

Take in the Views from Mount Iwaki and the Tsugaru-Iwaki Skyline (Best time to visit: Late September to Mid-October)

If you want to experience Hirosaki’s autumn scenery at its best, head to Mount Iwaki, affectionately known as the “Tsugaru Fuji” for its resemblance to Japan’s famous Mount Fuji. Standing at 1,624 metres, it is the highest peak in Aomori Prefecture and offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the best ways to enjoy the mountain is by driving along the Tsugaru-Iwaki Skyline, a scenic road featuring 69 consecutive hairpin bends that gradually climb towards the summit. As you ascend, the scenery changes with every turn, revealing increasingly expansive views across the Tsugaru Plain.

From the eighth station, transfer to the chairlift for a short ride to the ninth station in around 10 minutes. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tsugaru Plain, apple orchards, and even the Sea of Japan on clear days.

If you’re feeling adventurous, continue to the summit on foot. The hike takes around 40 to 50 minutes one way from the ninth station. As the final section includes rocky terrain where you may need to use your hands, sturdy hiking shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended. At the summit, you will be rewarded with uninterrupted 360-degree views from Aomori Prefecture’s highest peak.

Autumn colours appear at different times depending on the elevation. Around the eighth and ninth stations, they are typically at their best from late September to early October, while the lower sections of the Tsugaru-Iwaki Skyline usually reach their peak around mid-October. During this period, the mountainsides are transformed into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a striking contrast against the clear autumn sky.

As temperatures near the summit are considerably cooler than in the city, it is advisable to bring an extra layer, even on sunny days.

Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art – Where History and Contemporary Art Meet

Another highlight of Hirosaki is the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in a former brick warehouse that played an important role in Japan’s early cider production.

Originally built as a brick warehouse, the building is recognised as the birthplace of authentic cider production in Japan before being carefully renovated into a contemporary art museum in 2020. Today, visitors can appreciate both its historical significance and its impressive collection of contemporary artworks under one roof.

Hirosaki is also the hometown of internationally renowned contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara, and exhibitions held here over the years have strengthened the connection between the city and contemporary art. Today, the museum brings together the city’s industrial heritage and contemporary art, offering a cultural experience unlike anywhere else in the region.

Take a Stroll Through Hirosaki’s Historic Streets

Beyond its museums, Hirosaki is also known for its well-preserved collection of Western-style buildings dating back to the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. As you explore the city, you will come across landmarks such as the Former Hirosaki City Library, Catholic Hirosaki Church, and several buildings designed by renowned modernist architect Kunio Maekawa.

Autumn is one of the best times to explore these streets on foot. Wander beneath colourful tree-lined avenues, browse shops selling traditional crafts such as Tsugaru-nuri lacquerware and Tsugaru Kogin embroidery, and stop by one of the city’s cosy cafés along the way.

Rather than simply ticking off attractions, take some time to explore the city’s historic streets, architecture, and local crafts at your own pace. For those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the city, Japan Navi Journey can also arrange local guides to accompany your walk.

Explore More of the Tsugaru Region

With Hirosaki as your starting point, many of the Tsugaru region’s attractions are just a short drive away. If you have extra time, consider adding some of these nearby destinations to your itinerary.

Around 30 minutes by car, Kuroishi City lets you step back in time to the Edo period. Stroll along Nakamachi Komise-dori, a historic street lined with traditional merchant houses, sake breweries, and the town’s distinctive covered wooden arcades. While you’re there, you can also visit an apple brandy distillery or try painting your own Tsugaru kokeshi doll, a traditional craft unique to the region. During autumn, Nakano Momijiyama is one of Aomori Prefecture’s most popular spots for autumn foliage.

Another worthwhile stop is Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge in Tsuruta Town, one of Japan’s longest wooden triple-arched bridges. Set against the backdrop of Mount Iwaki, the bridge is especially beautiful during autumn when the colourful foliage is reflected in the lake, making it a favourite location for photography.

If you continue west to Fukaura Town, you can visit the Great Ginkgo of Kitakanegasawa, nicknamed “Big Yellow.” Believed to be more than 1,000 years old and standing approximately 31 metres tall, it is the largest ginkgo tree in Japan. From mid to late November, its leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow, while evening illuminations make this majestic tree even more impressive.

As these attractions are spread across the Tsugaru region, travelling by private car offers one of the most convenient ways to explore them comfortably and make the most of your time.

Plan Your Trip with Japan Navi Journey

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Hirosaki, with apple orchards in harvest, colourful mountain landscapes, and seasonal experiences available throughout the Tsugaru region. As many of the attractions are spread across different locations, planning your itinerary in advance will help you make the most of your visit.

Working closely with local tourism organisations and partners, Japan Navi Journey can help you create a personalised itinerary that showcases the very best of Hirosaki and the surrounding Tsugaru region.

Travelling by luxury private transport offers one of the most comfortable and convenient ways to explore, allowing you to travel at your own pace without the constraints of public transport. Whether you’re visiting apple orchards, exploring Mount Iwaki, discovering the local art scene, or venturing into nearby towns, private transport allows you to enjoy a seamless and stress-free experience. Foreign-language guides can also be arranged, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history, culture, and local traditions 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.

If you’re planning an autumn trip to Japan, Hirosaki offers much more than its famous apple orchards. From seasonal flavours and colourful mountain scenery to traditional streets, local craftsmanship, and contemporary art, it is a destination that showcases a different side of Japan.

Contact Japan Navi Journey today to start planning your personalised itinerary, complete with luxury private transport, carefully selected accommodation, and unforgettable local experiences.