What it is
Hirosaki, in western Aomori, is a castle town famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. In February the same park lies under deep snow, and for a few days it becomes the stage for the Snow Lantern Festival.
The festival began in 1977 to brighten the long, hard northern winter, and it is still made by hand by the people of Hirosaki. They build lanterns out of snow, carve sculptures of historic buildings, and fill the paths with candles. After dark, the white keep of Hirosaki Castle glows above it all.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Daily, 10:00–21:00 | Festival grounds open: Snow sculptures, slides and food stalls in the park; the last day closes at 20:00 |
| From sunset (about 16:30) | Lights on: Snow lanterns and sculptures are lit, candles glow in the mini snow huts, and the castle keep is lit up |
Which day should you go?
Any evening, from 16:30
Arrive before sunset, see the snow sculptures in daylight, then stay as the candles and the castle are lit.
Daytime
The big snow slide and sledding slopes are open from 10:00.
What to look for
Snow lanterns
About 150 lanterns and sculptures of snow, large and small, are placed around the park, made by local people.
Mini kamakura
About 300 tiny snow huts, each with a candle inside, line the Lotus Pond. The view from the castle's inner bailey looks across them toward Mount Iwaki.
The big snow sculpture
At the main venue, Yonnomaru, a giant sculpture of a historic building becomes a screen for projection mapping after dark.
The castle at night
The snow-covered keep and old pine trees are lit up on winter nights.
Winter cherry blossoms
Along the outer moat, snow-covered cherry branches are lit in pink to look like blossoms in spring.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Tōhoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, then JR Ōu Line to Hirosaki | about 4 h |
| Aomori | JR Ōu Line from Aomori Station to Hirosaki | about 45 min |
On the day. Hirosaki Park is in the old town, about 2 km from Hirosaki Station. Take a city bus or a taxi, or walk in about 30 minutes.
Crowds. Evenings are the busiest, especially the weekend. Paths near the Lotus Pond get crowded right after sunset.
Where to stay
Hirosaki
Stay in town to see the lights on more than one evening and walk back afterwards.
Aomori
More hotels, 45 minutes away by train. Check the last train back.
When to book. Hotels in Hirosaki are limited. Book 1–2 months ahead.
Book ahead
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Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Make a day of it
Cherry trees of the outer moat 外濠の冬に咲くさくら
Along the outer moat of Hirosaki Park, snow-covered cherry branches are lit in pink to look like blossoms in spring, from sunset to 21:30. Walk the moat on your way to or from the festival.
Opening hours change by season. Check before you go.
Practical tips
- Slippery paths. The paths are packed snow and ice. Wear boots with a good grip.
- No parking. Hirosaki Park has no parking. Walk, take a bus or a taxi from the station.
- Snow conditions. Sculptures and lanterns may change or be cancelled if there is too little snow.
Glossary
Kamakuraかまくら
A domed snow hut built in the snow country of northern Japan, with a small altar to the water god inside.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Association: Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (2026 programme, 2027 dates), https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/web/edit.html?id=cat02_winter_yuki (in Japanese)
Last checked 2026-10-21.