AomoriFood

Savor the landscape of Mount Iwaki and apple orchards at a park bursting with approximately 80 apple varieties

About this spot

A park that epitomizes Hirosaki, Japan's top apple-producing town, bursting with apples. About 80 varieties of apple trees are planted throughout the grounds, and during harvest season you can enjoy picking fruit by variety. Climb to the observation deck on the small Mount Sunraku-yama (suribachi-yama), and you'll take in a quintessentially Hirosaki landscape with Mount Iwaki (Tsugaru Mount Fuji) rising beyond the apple orchards—an unforgettable view for photography lovers. The park facility "Apple House" is lined with a diverse selection of apple products including apple pie, apple juice, and cider, and the signature apple soft-serve ice cream is the perfect companion for a stroll through the grounds. The relocated thatched-roof former Oyamauchi Family Residence and other attractions add to the appeal—it's a spot that, despite free admission, offers outstanding value and is a worthy start to a day of sweets touring.

Tips

About 15 minutes by car from Hirosaki Station; free parking is available. While there are local buses, service is limited, so a car is convenient for groups of friends. Pick-your-own experiences are available during harvest season only and are charged by weight; the varieties available change seasonally, so check the official website. Since you'll be walking through the orchards, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.