Retro Meets Modern in Hirosaki: Architecture Cafés & Kogin Sashi Craft Experience

– Western-style Buildings × Japanese Sweets × Apple Delights × Traditional Crafts –

Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture is the ultimate destination for travelers looking for retro charm, apple sweets, and hands-on cultural experiences. This day-trip plan combines Western-style architecture, cozy cafés, and kogin sashi embroidery workshops — perfect for a girls’ trip or cultural getaway.

🏛️ 1. Explore Hirosaki’s Western-style Architecture

📍 Former Hirosaki City Library

A photogenic wooden Western-style building completed in 1906, now used as a community space and cultural site.
Address: 3-3 Kamishiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday)
Admission: Free

📍 Fujita Memorial Garden & Taisho Roman Tea Room

A beautiful Japanese-Western garden and villa built in the Taisho era. Inside the Western house, the “Taisho Roman Tea Room” serves seasonal sweets.
Address: 8-1 Kamishiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori
Opening Hours:

• Garden: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Apr–Nov)

• Tea Room: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (L.O. 4:00 PM)
  Closed: Winter (Dec–Mar)
  Admission: ¥320 (garden entry)
  Try: Apple mille-feuille with whipped cream and caramel sauce

🍎 2. Apple Sweets Galore – Aomori’s Signature Treat

🍰 Taisho Roman Tea Room – Apple Tart

A tart made with local Kougyoku apples. Slightly tart and fragrant.
Location: Inside Fujita Memorial Garden
Recommended For: Apple tart + matcha tea set

🍎 Sweets Garden Hirosaki

A chic sweets shop known for its apple mille-feuille, cakes, and gelato.
Address: 2-1-3 Joto Chuo, Hirosaki, Aomori
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Must-Try: Apple Mille-Feuille & Apple Mont Blanc
Website: https://www.sweetsgarden-hirosaki.com

🍎 Patisserie Le Chocolat

Elegant patisserie offering apple sweets, Tsugaru apple jam, and handmade chocolate.
Address: 5-3-1 Matsubara, Hirosaki, Aomori
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Closed: Mondays
Popular Item: Tsugaru Apple Tarte Tatin
Instagram: @lechocolat_hirosaki

🍵 3. Japanese-Modern Style Cafés for a Relaxing Break

☕ Jikabaisen Coffee Kura

A renovated 100-year-old warehouse café serving pour-over coffee and homemade sweets.
Address: 4-2 Kamishiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Highlights: Apple cheesecake, hand-drip coffee

☕ Hoshi to Tsuki no Coffee-ten (星と月の珈琲店)

Located in a renovated machiya (traditional house). Their dorayaki with stewed apple filling is a must-try.
Address: 3-3-4 Ekimae, Hirosaki, Aomori
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Irregular
Menu Favorite: Apple Dorayaki & Matcha Latte in Tsugaru lacquerware

🧵 4. Kogin Sashi Craft Experience – Embroidery with History

🧶 Hirosaki Kogin Institute (弘前こぎん研究所)

Founded in 1942, this is the heart of kogin sashi. Offers beginner workshops for creating small accessories.
Address: 33-1 Kamishiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Sundays & Holidays
Workshop Fee: ~¥1,500–¥2,000 (depending on the item)
Website: http://kogin.net

🧶 Tsugaru Kobo-sha (つがる工房社)

A lovely little workshop and shop offering kogin embroidery kits and crafts.
Address: 2-7-2 Kamishiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Workshop Options: Keychain, coaster, mini pouch (~¥1,000–¥2,500)

📍 Suggested Itinerary (Day Trip)

💡 Perfect For:

• Architecture and cultural history lovers

• Café and dessert enthusiasts

• Girls’ trips and solo travelers

• Travelers looking to try authentic local crafts

• Apple lovers seeking unique, delicious experiences 🍎