We are on a 31 Day Transpacific Repositioning cruise on the Carnival Luminosa. And one of our ports of call is Aomori, Japan. Aomori is the northernmost prefecture on the main island of Japan and is blessed with both diverse culture and magnificent nature, including the famous cherry blossom viewing spot Hirosaki Park.

We were lucky enough to be visiting Aomori during the height of the cherry blossom blooming season. It was a drizzly day but that didn't stop us. We hired a taxi guide and he took us to Hirosaki Park, with over 2,600 cherry blossom trees in FULL BLOOM and home to Hirosaki Castle. Hirosaki Castle was built in 1611 by the Tsugaru Clan. The original five-story keep burnt down in 1627 after being struck by lightning. Rebuilt in 1810, the present three-story keep is the only one in the Tohoku Region that was not rebuilt in the modern era, amongst only a handful in all of Japan. Not only was the castle a perfect example of Japanese architecture and design, but the landscape of millions of blossoms in shades of pink were amazing to see, including the view of the majestic and snow-covered Mt. Iwaki. As the day pushed on the rain stopped and we were blessed with a beautiful day. We even got to take a drive over to the Choshoji Temple. This Buddhist temple has a long history as the family temple of the Tsugaru clan, and many feudal lords from the past are buried in the mausoleum built within the temple grounds.

So come along with us as we explore a port day in Aomori, Japan.

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