A 10-minute walk southwest of Hirosaki-jō ruins brings you to an atmospheric temple district redolent of feudal times. At the top of the hill, Chōshō-ji comprises the oldest wooden building in Aomori-ken and rows of mausoleums built for the rulers of the Tsugaru clan. Views of Iwaki-san from the imposing stupa to the right of the main temple building are inspiring.
The former home and garden of the wealthy Fujita family, this beautiful example of a manicured Japanese garden is the second largest in T?hoku. It features a wonderful tea-house and Western-styled Meiji-era mansion, which now serves as a cafe, replete with grand piano.
Perfect for picnicking, this enormous public park has been shaped over the centuries by three castle moats, and landscaped with overhanging cherry trees (more than 5000 in total!) that bloom in late April or early May. The remains of Hirosaki-jō lie at the heart of the park; the castle burnt to the ground just 16 years after it was built in 1611.
