Known for its spectacular cherry blossoms, historic castle, and breathtaking scenery that changes drastically with the seasons, Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture is the perfect getaway to Japan’s northern region.

Four hours north of Tokyo by bullet train, Hirosaki offers accommodations for every traveler, from traditional Japanese inns to Western-style options - many offering soothing natural hot springs as well!

We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best places to stay in Hirosaki, so you can spend less time looking for hotels and more time planning your next adventure to the north.

The easiest way to get to Hirosaki from Tokyo is by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen “Hayabusa” bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station, then transferring to the JR Ou Line for Hirosaki Station. (See complete directions here.) The journey takes around 4 hours, and costs 18,200 yen and is covered by the JR East Tohoku Area Pass and Japan Rail Pass.

By far the most famous area of Hirosaki is Hirosaki Castle and the surrounding Hirosaki Park.

Home to a variety of seasonal events, including the vibrant Sakura Festival in spring, the Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival in autumn, and the Snow Lantern Festival in winter, the park exudes a different beauty with every change of the season.

Hirosaki Castle, built in 1611, stands as a testament to history as one of the rare Japanese castles to remain preserved in its original form.

The closest hotel in Hirosaki to Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki Grand Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel featuring plenty of freebies. While a hotel shuttle bus is not provided, Hirosaki Grand Hotel is just a 5-minute taxi ride from JR Hirosaki Station, and a 12-minute walk from the castle.

Rooms are Western-style and come in single, semi-double, double, twin, and triple. Prices start at 4,400 yen per night. Every room features free WI-FI, air conditioning, a private bath and shower, a refrigerator, and a TV.

Guests can enjoy free breakfast, a manga library, shampoo bar, and free use of the hotel's rental bikes between April and November.

English-speaking staff not guaranteed.

Just a 6-minute walk from JR Chuohirosaki Station and a 13-minute walk to Hirosaki Castle, Dormy Inn Hirosaki is a budget-friendly hotel featuring natural onsen (hot springs) and a sauna to help you relax after a day of enjoying the Hirosaki sights.

Western-style rooms are available in single, double, twin, and queen sizes, while Japanese-style rooms can accommodate up to three guests. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are also available. Prices start at 9,000 yen per night. Every room features free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a private bath and shower, a refrigerator, and a TV.

As an added treat, guests can enjoy free ice cream from 3 PM to 1 AM and ramen as a midnight snack from 9:30 PM to 11 PM every day.

English-speaking staff available.

Just an 8-minute taxi or 15-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station, guests can easily walk from Smile HOTEL Hirosaki to popular sightseeing locations such as Hirosaki Castle (15 minutes) or the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art (5 minutes).

Guest rooms are available in single, twin, deluxe twin, Japanese-style, double, and a suite. All Western-style rooms feature comfortable TEMPUR® mattresses for a restful night’s sleep, and solo female travelers and female-only groups can book rooms on the “Ladies-Only” floor, which requires a special key card to access, for added peace of mind. Prices start at 7,390 yen per night.

Every room features free WI-FI, air conditioning, a private bath and shower, a refrigerator, and a TV. Female guests can pick up free amenities such as leave-in conditioner, toner, milky lotion, and cleanser.

English-speaking staff not guaranteed.

Just a 5-minute taxi or 12-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station, this charming hotel is home to a small wedding chapel, a sushi restaurant, a Japanese pub, an Italian Cafe, a hair salon, and more. While it would take about 20 minutes to walk to Hirosaki Castle, guests don’t have to worry about going back out in the evening to find a restaurant with all of the opinions that Hirosaki Park Hotel provides.

Guest rooms are available in single, twin, deluxe twin, double, and Japanese-style. All rooms feature free WI-FI, air conditioning, a private bath and shower, a refrigerator, and a TV, as well as a view of the surrounding mountains. Prices start at 7,362 yen per night.

English-speaking staff not guaranteed.

Another great option for places to stay in Hirosaki is near the main train station, where travelers will enjoy quick and convenient access to public transportation and the rest of the city.

Toyoko Inn is a popular hotel chain in Japan, often found near train stations. The hotels offer simple and comfortable rooms in a convenient location, and Toyoko Inn Hirosaki Ekimae is no different.

Just a 5-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station, the main train station in Hirosaki, guests will enjoy the quick access to public transportation. As an added perk, free breakfast is served buffet-style every day from 6:30-9 AM.

Rooms are available in single, double, and twin sizes. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a private bath and shower, a refrigerator, and a TV. Prices start at 6,200 yen per night.

English-speaking staff available.

Just a minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station’s Central Exit, guests would be hard-pressed to find a more conveniently-located hotel in Hirosaki, and with an interior design that combines the essence of the natural and traditional beauty of the region, Art Hotel Hirosaki truly lives up to its name.

With several different room types to choose from, there is a plan to fit every budget and travel style. Room are available in double, twin, triple, king, and wheelchair-accessible, and there are even special themed suite rooms. All rooms are equipped with comfortable Simmons beds, free WI-FI, air conditioning, a private bath and shower, a refrigerator, and a TV. In-room massage service is available as well, and guests can enjoy relaxing in the hotel lounge or bar. Prices start at 8,700 yen per night.

English-speaking staff available.

Just a 2-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station lies Hotel Route-Inn Hirosaki Ekimae - a comfortable and budget-friendly hotel with plenty of perks, including a large bathing area on the top floor, free WOWWOW TV streaming service, and free breakfast.

Rooms are available in single, semi-double, and twin sizes. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a private bath and shower, a refrigerator, and a TV. The large bathing area is fed by an artificial radium hot spring and stays open until 2 AM - perfect for soothing tired muscles after a long day of travel. Prices start at 7,300 yen per night.

English-speaking staff not guaranteed.

Just a 2-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station, this simple yet charming hostel is a great option for guests looking to cut down on their accommodation budget while not cutting corners on comfort.

Among the facilities at this hostel, guests can enjoy using the shared kitchen, a shared lounge, washing machines and dryers, along with free WI-FI throughout the property. Rooms are mixed-dormitory style, but all beds feature privacy shades reminiscent of a capsule hotel. Prices start at 6,000 yen per night.

English-speaking staff not guaranteed.