Aomori in Bloom: The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

A fireworks display and commemorative parade are among the events planned for this year. (© Hirosaki Parks Division)

Hana-ikada, literally “rafts of flowers,” drift through the moat surrounding the park after scattering from the trees. (© Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau)

Visitors seek out the “Sakura Heart” as a romantic backdrop for their photos. (© Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau)

The inverted sakura reflected in the water’s surface are a must-see. (© Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau)

Learn more about the neputa floats for the full Tsugaru experience. (© Tsugaru-han Neputa Mura)