The Hirosaki was built between the two rivers of Iwaki and Tsuchibuchi with the first on its west and the latter on its east. This hirayamajiro is on the edge of a plateau of Mount Kudoji. The planning of the building of the castle was done by Tamenobu, but the actual building started two generations later with Nobuhira. After two years, the castle was complete.

This castle was owned by the Tsugarus daimyo family from 1610 to the end of the Edo Period. In 1611, its five level tenshu was finished, but was destroyed by lightning in 1627. In 1810, a three-story tenshu was built in the southeast area of the castle grounds and has remained until today. This tenshu is on top of the inner moat with its stone wall acting as an defensive enclosure.

The Hirosaki is now famous for its thousands of cherry trees spread throughout its castle grounds. During its blooming season, a great number of tourists and people of the city come to see the beautiful trees. At that time of year, the castle displays it greatest treasure for all to see.