Guida
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 high ground, visitors can enjoy a majestic view of Mt. Iwaki, while the lower area features a serene landscape with a pond, waterfalls, and a striking red bridge that creates a beautiful reflection on the water.
The history of this garden dates back to the early 20th century. Originally the property of Kenichi Fujita, it later passed through the ownership of Michinoku Bank before being developed and opened to the public by Hirosaki City in July 1991. The garden is dotted with buildings of diverse cultural backgrounds, including Japanese-style houses, Western-style buildings, and the Archaeological Museum (Takumukan), all of which serve to preserve and communicate the local history and culture. The design follows the Japanese philosophy of respecting natural forms, utilizing the existing topography and water features to create a harmonious landscape.
The most striking feature of the garden is its use of elevation to create varied vistas. In the upper area, you can gaze upon the grand silhouette of Mt. Iwaki. In the lower area, you can stroll around the pond to enjoy the scenery of the waterfalls and the red bridge. Additionally, the site features several structures such as the Japanese-style house, the Western-style building, and the Archaeological Museum. Visitors are encouraged to step inside these buildings to appreciate the architecture itself. Notably, the first floor of the Western-style building is open to the public free of charge, allowing you to examine the exquisite architectural details up close.
Fujita Memorial Garden offers a different face with 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 area. Another wonderful time is around November during the Chrysanthemum and Autumn Colors Festival, when the landscape is filled with vibrant colors. During the summer, occasional night openings may be held. While the standard operating hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, these may vary depending on the season or specific events, so please check in advance.
The garden offers several opportunities to touch upon traditional Japanese culture. A signature experience is the "Matcha Making Experience" at the Japanese-style house. This program allows you to learn about the history of the tea ceremony while actually whisking your own matcha. After the experience, you can enjoy a moment of tranquility watching the scenery from the veranda while sipping tea and enjoying seasonal Japanese sweets. Depending on the season, other workshops such as herbarium making or wood crafting may also be available.
The garden is located near Hirosaki Park, making it easy to visit alongside Hirosaki Castle and the surrounding historic castle town. Combining a visit to the garden with the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival or other local historical sites will provide a much deeper understanding of the culture of Hirosaki.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for strolling through the garden. If you wish to participate in programs like the matcha experience, advanced reservations are recommended. To protect the historical buildings and the natural environment, please follow all posted rules and maintain a respectful demeanor. Regarding payments, please note that while some facilities may accept cards, cash is often recommended for specific cultural experiences and small fees.