Free tour of a Meiji-era Western building; enjoy Hirosaki apple pie at the first-floor café
About this spot
A Western-style building constructed during the Meiji period by Tōa Academy, Aomori Prefecture's first private school, as a residence for foreign teachers they invited. The charming structure with wooden clapboard exterior walls and wraparound veranda is an iconic symbol of Oote-mon Plaza. The interior is furnished with period reproductions showing how people lived at the time and is open to visitors for free. The first-floor café, "Salon de Café Ange," is known as a standard stop in Hirosaki, where numerous apple pie establishments compete, and offers an elegant tea time with apple pie made from Hirosaki apples and tea. In the plaza outside the windows stands a collection of miniature reproductions of Meiji and Taisho-era Western buildings remaining in the city—allowing you to enjoy photo walks with the feeling of touring Western buildings all at once, making this a truly rewarding spot.
Tips
Located just a few minutes' walk from Starbucks, within Oote-mon Plaza where the Hirosaki City Tourism Center stands. Building tours are free. The café has limited seating, and you may have to wait during snack time, so allow extra time. Be sure to photograph the miniature buildings and Western structure together.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour. Aim to enter around 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., before the café gets too crowded.
Access & map
〒036-8356 Oote-mon Plaza, Shimo-shiragin-cho 2-1, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
Model course featuring this spot
Hirosaki Apple Park and Apple Pie Tour
Aomori
Explore features & model courses
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