April–MayHirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Tohoku ・ Hirosaki
Usually late April to early May (timed to the cherry blossom season; April 10 – May 5 in 2026)
2027: Apr 16 (Fri) – May 5 (Wed, holiday), 20 days
Winter Scenery · Tohoku
Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle) in Winter
HirosakiCastle❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Feb✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
Hirosaki Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, offers views of snow-wrapped Hirosaki Castle and its outer moat in winter. Every winter, the Winter Sakura illumination lights the snow-laden cherry branches in pink, and the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is held in February.
- Address
- 1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori
- Time needed
- About 30 min to 1 hour to stroll the illuminated outer moat
- Official website
- https://www.hirosakipark.jp/
Area weather
HirosakiWeather and what to wear in Hirosaki →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to Go
Best seasonUsually December to February (Winter Sakura illumination period)
December
January
February
How the snow clings to the branches depends on temperature and snowfall. Check the official announcement for the 2026–27 illumination period
This season’s events & operating dates
2027 Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival February 10–14 (5 days)
Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.
Highlights
Highlights
Along about 500 m of the outer moat, LEDs light the snow-covered cherry branches a soft pink, creating a scene like cherry trees in full bloom on a winter night. The colder the night and the thicker the snow on the branches, the more they are said to look like full bloom. During the Snow Lantern Festival, snow lanterns and mini kamakura (snow huts) made by local residents decorate the park.
📷 Best views
Outer moat (around Otemon Gate and City Hall)
The Winter Sakura illumination, lighting the snowy row of cherry trees in pink
Around Hirosaki Castle (main keep)
The snow-capped keep and the Snow Lantern Festival venue
Illumination
Illumination & winter lights
- Period
- Usually December to February (December 1 – February 28 in 2025–26)
- Admission
- Free
Only about 500 m of the outer moat is lit. Hours are extended over the New Year holidays and during the Snow Lantern Festival. In 2025–26, lit from sunset to 21:30
Admission
Admission & fares
Winter Sakura illuminationFree
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern FestivalFree
2026 example
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Only part of the outer moat is illuminated; other areas of the park are not lit
- ✓Paths in the park ice over easily with snow, so watch your step
Access
Getting there
- From major stations & airports
- Hirosaki Station: Konan Bus loop bus
- Driving & winter roads
- Hirosaki Park has no dedicated parking. Use public transport or nearby parking lots
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Evenings during the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Weather
Temperature & staying warm
- Typical temperatures
- January normals for Hirosaki: high 1.7°C, low -4.6°C; February: high 2.5°C, low -4.6°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- It gets bitterly cold during the evening illumination. Wear a heavy coat, gloves, a hat and non-slip winter boots
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle) in WinterPR
PR8.7ドーミーイン弘前
★★★★Check rates on Agoda2,545 reviews0.9 km from center
PR8.4アートホテル弘前シティ
★★★★Check rates on Agoda1,997 reviews2.0 km from center
PR8.2ホテルルートイン弘前駅前
★★★Check rates on Agoda1,459 reviews1.9 km from center
PR7.8弘前パークホテル
★★★Check rates on Agoda1,814 reviews1.4 km from center
PR8.5東横INN弘前駅前
★★★Check rates on Agoda830 reviews1.9 km from center
PR7.5弘前グランドホテル
★★★Check rates on Agoda1,659 reviews0.7 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Hirosaki
April–MayWinter Scenery
Winter Scenery in Tohoku
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Lake
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Snow corridorSeasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
