Hirosaki City, located in one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas, hosts the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival every year in early February, taking advantage of its abundant snowfall. Despite temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing even during the day, more than 200,000 visitors from both inside and outside the prefecture attend this major winter event.
The festival, which runs for about four days, is packed with attractions such as two-story snow sculptures, candle art, snow play experiences, and evening light-ups. This section provides a thorough introduction to the basic information, highlights, and tips on what to wear for the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival.
Dates: Every year, in early February
Venue:
Hirosaki Park
Illuminations are also held at nearby public facilities.
Access:
Festival Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Parking near the Venue:
Numerous coin-operated parking lots are located to the southeast of Hirosaki Park.
There are no parking spaces inside Hirosaki Park.
Held in February, the festival makes the most of the abundant snow that blankets Hirosaki City during this time. At the main venue, Hirosaki Park, snow covers the ground, buildings, and trees, creating a sparkling winter wonderland. The park features many works of art that capture the natural whiteness of snow and its beautiful reflection of sunlight. Below are four highlights of the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival:
Every year, Hirosaki City receives a large amount of snowfall. At the festival, this heavy snow is used to create snow sculptures of buildings taller than two stories. In 2021, the festival recreated the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporry Art, which became a popular photo spot on social media. Although it was canceled in 2022, the festival planned to recreate the old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward that year. The sight of such large structures standing proudly against the blue sky gives the impression that the buildings have been moved to Hirosaki Park. As you visit the festival, look forward to seeing what kind of building will be recreated in snow this year.
On the southern side of Hirosaki Park, near the Citizen’s Square, approximately 150 snow lanterns are displayed during the festival. The sight of these sturdy snow lanterns lined up neatly is truly breathtaking! Each lantern is carefully molded from packed snow, giving them a handcrafted, warm atmosphere when viewed up close. The lanterns feature Neputa paintings, a traditional artwork used in the Aomori Neputa Festival. Each lantern showcases a different Neputa design, so take time to stroll and enjoy the paintings. When the light-up begins at night, the lanterns glow softly, casting a gentle light that makes the paintings appear to float in the darkness.
The Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival also offers snow play areas for children. There are various fun activities such as large snow slides, medium-sized sledding slopes, and snow workshops. Especially exciting is the snow slide, which provides a rare opportunity to slide down snow while feeling the cold wind. It’s an experience children won’t soon forget. Close to the slides, there’s also a snow soccer experience, where players from Blancdieu Hirosaki FC, based in Hirosaki, will participate. Families with soccer-loving children won’t want to miss it.
Food stalls are set up around the Yoshita Bridge on the north side of Hirosaki Park. After exploring the park or playing on the attractions, warm yourself up with freshly made food. Past festivals have featured hearty dishes like ramen and oden, perfect for a cold winter day. The stalls operate throughout the day and night, so whether you’re visiting during the day or planning to enjoy the evening light-up, you can indulge in some delicious, warming food.
The festival also features a beautiful light-up in the evening. The soft lighting that gently glows against the pure white snow creates a romantic atmosphere. As you visit areas filled with Kamakura (snow huts) and lanterns, you’ll be surrounded by an enchanting, dreamlike world. Here are some key light-up highlights:
According to data from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the average temperature in Hirosaki City in February is -1.0°C, with a maximum temperature of 2.5°C and a minimum temperature of -4.6°C. For those unaccustomed to the cold of snowy regions, the sensation of the cold air on exposed skin, such as the face or lips, can be quite intense. Snowfall of more than 5 cm is common, and on heavier days, it can accumulate to 20 cm or more, so be sure to prepare for snowy conditions. Here are some tips on what to wear to stay comfortable at the festival:
The Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is full of highlights, including snow lanterns where you can feel the weight of the snow, candle art that soothes with its soft light, and a cherry blossom illumination that lets you experience spring a little early. There’s so much to see that you’ll find yourself asking, “What’s over there?” as you wander among the snow sculptures. It’s such an enchanting event that you might end up staying longer than planned! With experience corners and snow slides set up, it’s guaranteed fun for kids, too. Be sure to dress warmly and fully immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind winter festival!
Hirosaki City hosts a variety of captivating festivals throughout the year, offering new discoveries with each visit. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms; in summer, the lively Neputa Festival; in autumn, festivals set against the backdrop of stunning fall foliage; and in winter, a magical world of snow and lights. These festivals, blending local traditions with the beauty of nature, allow visitors to engage all five senses, creating unforgettable memories. Experience the changing seasons and fully enjoy the festivals of Hirosaki!
