Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
For a few days each winter, the grounds of Hirosaki Castle alive with hundreds of shimmering snow lanterns and igloos.
Tomas Kauer - News Moderator 
The Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is an annual event held at Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture. Every year, the festival fills the area with hundreds of beautiful snow lanterns and impressive snow sculptures, turning the castle grounds into a winter wonderland.
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ kudo 150 handmade snow lanterns
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival has been a significant event in the Tohoku region since 1977. Visitors can admire about 150 handmade snow lanterns. These lanterns line the paths of Hirosaki Park, creating a warm and inviting glow against the white snow. Residents carefully create these lanterns during the cold months. They use traditional snow-forming techniques. In addition to lanterns, visitors can enjoy impressive big snow sculptures at the park. This sculpture often depicts historical buildings and characters, showcasing the creativity of local artists. At night, this statue is brought to life with a stunning projection mapping display, adding an extra layer of excitement.
As you wander around the park, be sure to check out the mini igloos, also known as kamakura. 300 small, dome-shaped snow structures are filled with soft candlelight, creating a cozy atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for photos or a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the festival. One of the main features of the festival is the Tsugaru-Nishiki-e Cloister. This area shows colorful traditional artworks that celebrate the Neputa festival in the region, uniquely blending art and culture.
Festival Highlights
Photo by: PIXTA/ KENGO Explore the town as it’s covered in a blanket of snow.
The Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival offers activities for kids of all ages. The children’s playground features big and middle-sized snow slides, providing endless fun for youngsters. Kids can also enjoy inner tubing and sledding down the packed snow slopes. No winter festival is complete without delicious treats. In the Shino Maru area, you’ll find about 20 food stalls serving local specialties. Grab a warm snack as you explore the festival. Locals craft beautiful snow displays, showcasing their artistry and reflecting the warmth of the community during the cold months.
As night falls, Hirosaki Castle really shines. The outer moat glows with a lovely pink hue. For that reason, the snow resting on the cherry blossom branches makes it look like the trees are in full bloom. The lights shining on the pine trees and the castle tower create a beautiful and enchanting scene.
