Hirosaki

Hirosaki is a city in Aomori prefecture, in the northern Tohoku region of the main Japanese island Honshu. Hirosaki was the capital of the Tsugaru clan that once ruled over much of Tohoku's northern parts. Occasionally called "the Kyoto of the North", this hyperbole is backed up mostly by an abundance of temples, a castle's remains, and a famous version of the Nebuta Festival, called the Neputa Festival in Hirosaki.

Hirosaki's biggest event is the yearly Neputa Matsuri, held in the first week of August and quite similar to Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri. The festival is famous for its extravagant and colouful illuminated floats and accompanying dancers, and accommodation in the area is booked tight in season. In contrast with Aomori's huge Nebuta festival. Hirosaki's Neputa is known for being more low-key and accessible. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a visitor's opportunities for interaction with the parade activities and local participants is greater at Hirosaki's festival than at Aomori's.

The local cherry blossom festival is also a sight to see. With over 5,000 cherry trees in the park around the castle. The locals and tourists find it an enjoyable festival of laughing, singing, dancing and drinking. The snow lantern festival is held during early February every year. During the festival, Hirosaki Castle Park is filled with snow lanterns and sculptures which are illuminated during the evenings.