Hirosaki Castle from Sakura Ha-dai

Hirosaki Castle, viewed from the cherry blossom observation platform known as Sakura Ha-dai, presents one of Japan's most celebrated hanami — flower-viewing — vistas: the castle keep rising above a moat lined with thousands of Somei-yoshino cherry trees in full bloom. Yoshida's 1935 print captures this quintessential Japanese spring spectacle with the layered color technique that was his signature achievement — the pale pink of the blossoms built from multiple printing passes, the castle's white-plastered walls and dark roof tiles providing architectural contrast against the floral abundance. Hirosaki Castle's cherry blossoms were and remain among the most famous in Japan.