Guide
Fujita Memorial Garden is a historic Japanese garden created in 1919 by master gardeners invited from Tokyo. Developed by Kenichi Fujita of Hirosaki, the garden spans a vast area of approximately 21,800 square meters, making it one of the most significant gardens in the Tohoku region. The landscape is divided into two distinct areas by a 13-meter-high cliff: an upper plateau and a lower area. From the upper plateau, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Iwaki, while the lower area features a serene landscape with a pond, waterfalls, and a striking red bridge.
The garden's history dates back to the early 20th century. Originally the property of Kenichi Fujita, it was later owned by Michinoku Bank before being developed and opened to the public by Hirosaki City in July 1991. The grounds are dotted with buildings of diverse cultural origins, including Japanese-style houses, Western-style villas, and the Takumi-kan (Archaeological Museum), all of which serve to preserve and communicate the local history and culture. The design follows the Japanese philosophy of respecting natural topography, utilizing the existing terrain and water features.
The most striking feature of the garden is its use of elevation changes. The upper area offers a majestic view of Mt. Iwaki, while the lower area invites visitors to stroll around the pond, enjoying the reflections on the water, the waterfalls, and the iconic red bridge. Visitors can also explore the interior of the Japanese-style and Western-style buildings. Notably, the first floor of the Western-style building is open to the public for free, allowing guests to appreciate the intricate architectural details.
Fujita Memorial Garden offers a different charm in every season. A popular time to visit is during the cherry blossom season (late April to early May) as it is located near the famous Hirosaki Park. Another beautiful time is around November during the Chrysanthemum and Autumn Colors Festival, when the foliage is at its peak. During the summer, some night openings may be held. Standard operating hours are from 9:00 to 17:00, but please check in advance as schedules may change depending on the season or special events.
The garden offers several ways to touch upon traditional Japanese culture. A signature experience is the "Matcha Making Experience" at the Japanese-style building. This program allows you to learn about the history of the tea ceremony while practicing how to whisk your own matcha. After the experience, you can relax on the veranda (engawa) and enjoy the view with seasonal Japanese sweets. Depending on the season, other workshops such as herbarium making or wood crafting may also be available.
Located near Hirosaki Park, the garden is surrounded by the historic atmosphere of the former castle town. We recommend visiting the nearby Hirosaki Castle and exploring the surrounding historical sites to fully immerse yourself in the culture of Hirosaki.
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for exploring the garden paths. If you wish to participate in cultural programs like the matcha experience, it is highly recommended to book in advance. To protect the historic buildings and natural environment, please follow all posted rules. While most garden areas are accessible, please note that some sections have elevation changes. For cultural experiences, please check in advance if cash or credit cards are required.