Hirosaki Castle is well-known for its cherry blossoms in the spring. However, this place is no less stunning at any other time of the year. With the magnificence of the snow-covered castle as its base, the government and the locals annually celebrate a winter festival called “Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival” in February. You can find dozens of ice sculptures, hundreds of snow lanterns, and countless mini Kamakura (Japanese style igloo) here with lit candles inside them, lighting the nights up in a romantic atmosphere.
Introduction to Hirosaki Castle
Before enjoying the festival itself, you can stroll around and get immersed in the beauty of Hirosaki Castle. This castle is one of the most beautiful and historic castles in Japan. In the spring, this park will be packed full of people who come here to see dozens of cherry blossom trees around the castle. The Tsugaru Clans built the castle in 1622, and up until then, due to the demise of feudalism in Japan, this place had been their place to live.
About the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
The Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is held at Hirosaki Park, in which you can find Hirosaki Castle. This festival has been celebrated since 1977 by the locals to entertain people in the harsh of the winter. Since then, this festival has become one of the largest winter festivals in the area. It is held for 4 days, every year in February.
How to Enjoy the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Snow Lanterns
Near the castle, there are hundreds of snow lanterns with a candle inside of them scattered around. If you come earlier, be sure to get a candle locally to set it in a snow lantern by yourself. The candles are distributed freely.
The Kamakura with candles
You can find hundreds of mini Kamakura near the Hasu Pond with candles inside them too. Along with countless candles in the snow lanterns and illumination lights set on the ice sculptures, this place will be romantically flooded with lights at night. The festival usually falls near valentines day. It might be a good idea to spend valentine's night with your loved ones here.
Access to Hirosaki Castle
You can reach this place by train through Hirosaki JR Station, and from there take a bus heading to Shiyakushomae. It takes around 10 minutes from the station by drive.
Spot Information
- Event’s name : Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
- Address : Hirosaki Park, 1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori 036-8356
- Dates : In February (4 days)
- Time: 09:00~21:00 (Snow statue light up: 16:30 - 21:00)
Comments