Held each February within the grounds of the historic Hirosaki Castle Park, this beloved festival features hundreds of snow lanterns and elaborate ice sculptures crafted by local residents and students. Candlelit kamakura mini-huts and illuminated snow slides for children line the park's paths. The silhouette of Hirosaki Castle framed by snow and lantern light makes for an unforgettable photographic scene. The festival is accompanied by warm food stalls serving local Aomori specialties like apple cider and jappa-jiru fish soup.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Snow/Winter
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- February
- Region
- Tohoku
- Prefecture
- Aomori
- City
- Hirosaki
Highlights
- ◆Hundreds of glowing hand-made snow lanterns throughout castle grounds
- ◆Elaborate ice sculptures carved by local craftspeople
- ◆Snow slides and kamakura huts for family-friendly fun
- ◆Hirosaki Castle illuminated against a snowy backdrop
- ◆Local food stalls with Aomori apple cider and hot dishes