The is an annual autumn festival held in late October and early November in Hirosaki Park, surrounding Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The event showcases the areaâÂÂs autumn foliage alongside displays of chrysanthemum flowers and cultural art, celebrating the seasonal beauty of the castle grounds.
It is one of Hirosaki's four major festivals. The others are: the others are the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, Hirosaki Neputa Festival, and the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival. There is also a Hirosaki Apple Blossom festival held in Hirosaki Apple Park each year shortly after the cherry blossom festival.
The festival began in 1962 (originally under the name Kiku to Momiji Matsuri, "Chrysanthemum and Maple (Autumn Leaf) Festival") as a celebration of autumn foliage and chrysanthemum blooms around Hirosaki Castle. It has since become one of the regionâÂÂs most popular autumn attractions, combining traditional flower exhibitions with contemporary installations and illuminated night displays.
The festival is held annually from late October through early November, timed to coincide with the peak of autumn color in the areaâÂÂs approximately 1,100 maple trees and 2,600 cherry trees, which turn vivid shades of red, orange, and gold. Events are centered in the Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden within Hirosaki Park, though autumn foliage and displays can be seen throughout the parkâÂÂs grounds.
During the festival period, the Botanical Garden often extends its hours, with illuminated displays running into the evening.
A highlight of the festival is the array of chrysanthemum displays, including chrysanthemum art, chrysanthemum dolls (kiku ningyà Â), and themed installations that blend traditional flower forms with contemporary creative concepts. Flower art often incorporates local cultural motifs such as apples and Neputa imagery.
Within the botanical garden, there are also workshops, floral arrangements, and community exhibitions organized by local growers and artisans.
The vibrant autumn foliage around Hirosaki Castle is a key attraction, with trees lining the parkâÂÂs moats, paths, and garden spaces. Special night illumination highlights the foliage against the historic castle structures, creating striking visual contrasts. Lanterns and art installations often accompany the illumination events.
Boat rides on the parkâÂÂs moat may also be offered during the festival, allowing visitors to enjoy the colored leaves from the water.
The Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival draws significant numbers of visitors each autumn, both domestic and international, as one of northern JapanâÂÂs premier autumn foliage events. Its combination of natural scenery, floral art, and cultural celebration reflects the seasonal rhythms of Tà Âhoku and the historical significance of Hirosaki Park as a yearâÂÂround venue for festivals.