Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival: Highlights, Dates, Access
Discover the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival in Aomori, featuring snow sculptures, lanterns, projection mapping, dates, highlights, and access.
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After working as a wedding planner for wedding halls and hotels and supporting many weddings, she became a web writer when she got married. She moved to Okinawa in 2012 and is currently raising her child. She currently writes about tourism information, weddings, beauty treatments, and more in Okinawa.
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Overview of the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Held every February in Hirosaki Park, the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is a winter tradition that has drawn over 200,000 annual visitors since its debut in 1977.
Recognized as one of the Five Great Snow Festivals of Northern Japan, the event transforms the historic castle grounds into an enchanting winter landscape with hundreds of handmade snow lanterns, candlelit mini kamakura (snow huts), and large snow sculptures built by local residents.
In 2026, the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival was held from February 6 to February 11.
Visitors of all ages can explore illuminated grounds, dynamic projection mapping against the castle keep, local food stalls, and a large snow slide.
Highlights of the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Here are the top highlights of the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival.
1. Projection Mapping
Photo by Hirosaki City Tourism Information Website
In the Shimonaru area, dynamic projection mapping themed around Hirosaki's four seasons and festivals lights up a massive snow sculpture.
Shows run daily every 30 minutes starting at 17:30 (18:30 on Sunday, February 9). The final screening takes place at 20:30, except on the last day, when the event concludes with a 19:30 showing.
2. Large Snow Sculpture
As one of the festival’s signature attractions, the large snow sculpture features a different theme each year. For instance, the 2025 sculpture recreates the original Hirosaki Station building, which opened in 1894 and marked its 130th anniversary on December 1, 2024.
Long serving as the city’s historic gateway and central gathering place, this impressive centerpiece offers visitors a unique way to connect with Hirosaki's rich heritage.
3. Children's Play Area and Recreation Area
Photo by Hirosaki City Tourism Information Website
The children's play area features two snow slides:
Large slide: 10:00–21:00 (until 20:00 on the final day)
Medium slide: 10:00–16:00
The slides aren't just for children—adults are welcome to enjoy them too.
At the recreation area, visitors can also borrow sleds and snow-play equipment, making it a great place for parents and children to enjoy the snow together. A snow soccer festival is also held in the same area, featuring activities such as target-kicking and dribbling challenges. With plenty of soccer-themed activities to try, it's an especially fun attraction for soccer fans.
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival: Basic Information
Photo by Pixta
2026 Dates: February 6 – 11
2027 Dates: TBA
Hours: 10:00–21:00 (until 20:00 on the final day, February 11)
Venue: Hirosaki Park (National Historic Site: Hirosaki Castle Ruins)
Illumination: 16:30 (sunset)–21:00 (until 20:00 on the final day)
Mini Kamakura: Approximately 300 (around the West Bailey and Lotus Pond)
Snow Lanterns: Approximately 150
Official Website: Hirosaki Tourism and Convention Bureau
Important Notes:
- Unauthorized drone photography is prohibited within Hirosaki Park.
- Pets are permitted if kept in a cage or pet stroller, or carried by their owner. Pets are not permitted inside buildings.
- The Hirosaki Park parking lot is not available for use.
Access to the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival and Traffic Restrictions
Photo by Pixta
From JR Hirosaki Station (Ou Main Line), take the Dotemachi Loop Bus to the Shiyakusho-mae (City Hall) bus stop. The ride takes about 15 minutes and costs 100 yen. From the bus stop, it is a 4-minute walk to Hirosaki Park.
Traffic and Transportation Note: The official website does not list specific traffic restrictions, so please confirm your transit route in advance. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation.
Hirosaki Castle
1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture 036-8356
After working as a wedding planner for wedding halls and hotels and supporting many weddings, she became a web writer when she got married. She moved to Okinawa in 2012 and is currently raising her child. She currently writes about tourism information, weddings, beauty treatments, and more in Okinawa.
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