Tsurugajo (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle) is historically famous for its role in the Boshin War and is one of Japan's most distinctive castles, uniquely featuring a red-tiled roof instead of the standard grey. Each spring, approximately 1,000 cherry trees within the castle grounds burst into bloom, creating an extraordinary contrast of pink blossoms against the red tiles and white stone walls. The Aizu region's colder climate means the blooms typically occur later than elsewhere in Honshu, often into Golden Week. Evening illuminations extend viewing into the night, and the surrounding park fills with hanami picnickers.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Cherry Blossom
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- Late April – Early May
- Region
- Tohoku
- Prefecture
- Fukushima
- City
- Aizuwakamatsu
Highlights
- ◆Japan's only castle with distinctive red-tiled roof
- ◆1,000 cherry trees surrounding the castle grounds
- ◆Late-blooming season extends into Golden Week
- ◆Evening illuminations of blossoms and castle tower
- ◆Museum inside the castle covers Aizu's samurai history