- Neputa Festival (ねぷた祭り). Hirosaki's biggest event is this yearly festival, held in the first week of August and quite similar to Aomori 's Nebuta Matsuri (note slight difference in spelling). The festival is famous for its extravagant and colorful illuminated floats and accompanying dancers, and accommodation in the area is booked tight in season. In contrast with Aomori's huge Nebuta festival, Hirosaki's Neputa is known for being more low-key and accessible. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a visitor's opportunities for interaction with the parade activities and local participants is greater at Hirosaki's festival than at Aomori's.
The local cherry blossom festival is also a sight to see. With over 5,000 cherry trees in the park around the castle. The locals and tourists find it an enjoyable festival of laughing, singing, dancing and drinking.
The snow lantern festival is held during early February every year. During the festival, Hirosaki Castle Park is filled with snow lanterns and sculptures which are illuminated during the evenings.
