Visitor Information

Hirosaki is compact and walkable, but finding your bearings in this ancient castle town can prove difficult, for the streets were designed to disorient invaders before they could get to the battlements. Pick up a map at the Hirosaki City Tourist Information Center before setting out, on the right side of the train station as you exit. South of the castle grounds, the Hirosaki Sightseeing Information Center displays local crafts and regional art and provides tourist information.

Contact

Hirosaki City Tourist Information Center (弘前市観光案内所). 弘前市観光案内所 1-1 Omotemachi, Hirosaki, Aomori-ken, 036-8096. 0172/26–3600; en.hkg.jp/infocenter.html. Daily 8:45–6.

Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (弘前市立観光館). 弘前市立観光館 In addition to a tourist information desk, the building has displays of local folkcrafts, an area with Neputa festival floats, and a souvenir shop. 2-1 Shimo-Shiroganemachi, Hirosaki Koen Mae, Hirosaki, Aomori-ken, 036-8588. 0172/37–5501. Daily 9–6.