All that now remains of this castle, which was completed in 1611 and was the stronghold of the Tsugaru clan for generations up until the Meiji era, are five listed gates, the moat and ramparts. The keep, converted into a small historical museum, dates from 1810. Despite its relative youth, it majestically rises above the 49ha-/120-acre park, famous throughout Japan for the stunning blossom of its 2,600 cherry trees. Come late April, impressive crowds come to picnic by the moat under the watchful gaze of Japan's broadcasting corporations.