Hirosaki Castle Park, Neputa Festival Floats & Garden

The city of Hirosaki came into formal existence in the early 17th century when a Tsugaru clan warlord began constructing a five-story castle. Destroyed by fire in 1627, the castle you see today was built in 1810 but still retains an aura of its ancient past. Tucked away in the lush and peaceful Castle Park, it's a stunning backdrop to the 2,500 cherry trees that explode with color every spring. More hand-made beauty is on display at NeputaMura, a village dedicated to the extravagant floats called neputa that parade through the streets the first week of August. Each float is elaborately painted with gods, mythical creatures or historical figures. Another must-see sight is Seibi-en Garden, one of Japan's most famous gardens offering an idyllic landscape of fountains, Japanese garden and rare architecture which mixed Japanese and Westren. A buffet lunch will be served during the day.