Hirosaki Castle Autumn Festival 2013

Spent today with a couple friends driving through the Hakkoda Mountains to Hirosaki to the Autumn Festival/Chrysanthemum Festival. Gorgeous views and saw the first snows up on the mountains. 

Driving route, took the southern route through the mountains on the way there and the faster north route with tolls (~1600¥) on the way home. Each way was about 100km (62mi) but going through the mountains took about 2.5 hours, with the toll roads it took 1.5 hours.

Quick stop at Suriennuma Pond, no more leaves, but now there's snow!

Hirosaki Castle Autumn Festival is held in the park and botanical garden around the castle. Getting into the park is free but going up into the castle cost 300¥ (I think?) and getting into the botanical gardens was 300¥. I believe there was also the option of a combo ticket for 500¥. We didn't do the castle but did go into the gardens.

Castle moat.

Trying a corn dog...eh...not that good.

Small boat display with figures made of flowers.

 Up next: First snows and some yummy foods