Apr 26, 2024: We went to the bustling Hakodate Morning Market near our hotel for breakfast again. This time, we chose another cozy small restaurant and enjoyed a delightful sashimi set and a crispy tempura set, both incredibly satisfying.

After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel, stored our luggage there, and headed out to catch the first shuttle to the picturesque Goryokaku Park. We didn't go up the tower yesterday, but today was brilliantly sunny, since the weather was perfect, we felt it was worth another visit. The 90-meter high observation tower adjacent to the park offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the star-shaped Goryokaku blanketed in vibrant cherry blossoms. When we arrived, there was already a long queue, but buying tickets and getting on the elevator was quick, and soon we were on the observation deck. From the large floor-to-ceiling windows, we could clearly see the pentagonal walls surrounded by the shimmering moat, with the blooming cherry blossoms spreading like a pale pink carpet across the park. We didn't stay long on the observation deck and quickly returned to the lively city.

Another culinary highlight of Hakodate is the famous fried chicken burger at Lucky Pierrot. Besides the delicious food, the quirky decor of the restaurant is also unique. Since we had to catch a train, we got takeout: a mouthwatering fried chicken burger and a flavorful curry fried pork cutlet. We rushed to the train station and devoured our takeout once on the train. The fried chicken burger was delectable, but the curry fried pork cutlet was even better.

To travel from Hakodate to Aomori, we passed through the impressive 53-kilometer Seikan Tunnel, the longest undersea railway tunnel in the world and the second longest railway tunnel overall (the longest being Switzerland's Gotthard Base Tunnel). After just over an hour, we arrived in Aomori. After checking into our comfortable hotel, we headed back to the station to take a train to the renowned Hirosaki Park. Since it was cherry blossom season, there was a dedicated bus line to Hirosaki Park right outside the Hirosaki station.

Hirosaki Park is renowned as one of Japan’s most cherished cherry blossom viewing destinations. When we arrived, we began our visit at the enchanting botanical garden, where we admired the various cherry trees still in full bloom, capturing vibrant photos and strolling leisurely through the picturesque setting. However, much to our disappointment, the cherry blossoms surrounding Hirosaki Castle and the scenic moat had mostly fallen. Although the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing, this year’s blossoms bloomed eight days earlier than usual, meaning we missed the peak display—a small letdown in an otherwise beautiful experience.

As night fell, the cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park became a little more magical under the twinkling lights. Strolling along the cherry blossom-lined paths by the river, we admired the mesmerizing night view of the cherry blossoms, making the trip worthwhile. We then hurried back to the station to catch the train back to Aomori.

By the time we returned to Aomori, it was past nine in the evening, and the shops near the station and our hotel were all closed. We ended up buying rice balls and instant noodles at a Lawson convenience store to satisfy our hunger.

Hopefully, tomorrow will be another beautiful sunny day.

五稜郭观光塔，弘前公园

四月二十六日：今天阳光明媚，我们还是去酒店附近的函馆朝市解决早餐。这次选了另外一家小饭店，一份生鱼片套餐，一份天妇罗套餐，吃得心满意足。回酒店退房把行李暂存在那里，就出门赶第一班专车再次去五稜郭公园。昨天没上塔，今天因为是个好天气，觉得有必要再去一次。在紧邻公园边90米高观光塔上可以俯瞰整个樱花铺盖的五角星形的五稜郭。到那里时已排着长队。不过买票，上电梯速度很快，不一会儿就登上观光层。从大片的落地玻璃窗望去，可以清楚看到被护城河环绕的五角形城墙，盛开的樱花🌸像淡粉红色的地毯铺满公园。在观光层没待太久就离开景区匆匆赶回城中。函馆另一美食是幸运小丑店里的炸鸡块汉堡，，除了美食，这家店铺的装潢也很别致。因为要赶火车，我们买了外卖，一份炸鸡汉堡，一份咖喱炸猪排。匆匆赶往火车站，上了火车后就狼吞虎咽地把外卖一扫而光。炸鸡汉堡好吃，但觉得咖喱炸猪排更胜一筹。

从函馆到青森要穿过53公里青函隧道，世界上最长的海底铁路隧道和第二长的铁路隧道（最长的是瑞典的圣哥达隧道），一个多小时后就到了青森。入住酒店后转身又上车站去弘前公园。因为是樱花季节，一出车站后就有公交专线去弘前公园。

弘前公园是日本最受欢迎的赏樱名胜之一。到公园后我们先去了植物园，在不同种类百棵樱花树盛开的樱花园里赏樱踏青照相。虽然弘前的樱花节正当时，可惜今年的樱花🌸却比常年早开了一个多星期，弘前城楼和护城河边的樱花都已是掉得所剩无几了。我们完全错过了，有点失望。

夜幕降临时，慢走在小河边的樱花大道欣赏樱花夜景。在灯光的照耀下，弘前公园的夜樱到是格外迷人，也算不负此行。

匆匆赶回车站坐火车回到青森。到青森时已是晚上九点多，车站和酒店附近的商店都已关闭，最后只能在劳森便利店里买个饭团🍙和方便面充饥。

希望明天又是个好天气。