Hirosaki-Shi, Japan

Behind its modern facade, HIROSAKI, former seat of the Tsugaru clan, still retains a few reminders of its feudal past. Most of its sights lie around Hirosaki-kōen, on the west side of the Tsuchibuchi-gawa, where one picturesque turret marks the site of Hirosaki-jō, the old city castle. Nearby you'll find Fujita Kinen Teien, a well-preserved Japanese garden, and a collection of Meiji-era Western-style buildings, contrasting with a street of traditional samurai houses on the north side of the castle grounds.