POINT1

Hirosaki City
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival

The Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival began in 1977. This festival, held in Hirosaki Park, was started by local residents with the desire to "add some fun to the long northern winter." Approximately 150 snow lanterns of various sizes and shapes are set up around the venue, and in the main venue, the Shinomaru, you can see large snow sculptures modeled after historical buildings. Around 300 small snow huts are placed around the lotus pond, which overlooks Mount Iwaki from the Honmaru. At night, each one is lit, enveloping the area in a warm atmosphere. The illuminated Hirosaki Castle tower stands out in particular. Its majestic appearance under the winter night sky is imbued with presence. Enjoy the large snow slide and other snow-related activities.

POINT 2

Hirosaki City
Winter cherry blossom illumination

Since being planned by a group of local residents in 2017, the event has garnered popularity, primarily on social media, and has been continuously improved every year. The approximately 500-meter-long outer moat of Hirosaki Park surrounding the main building of Hirosaki City Hall is lit up, creating the effect of "Cherry Blossoms Blooming in Winter," as the event's name suggests. The snow-covered cherry blossom branches are illuminated with pink light, giving the illusion of full-bloom cherry blossoms. Many tourists can be seen engrossed, holding their cameras and smartphones ready to capture their best shots. The scenery changes depending on how the snow has accumulated, and when there's a flurry of falling snow, it looks like a cherry blossom blizzard. Weather-resistant goldfish neputa floats have been installed in parts of the venue, so be sure to look for them.

POINT3

Inakadate Village
Winter rice field art

Inakadate Village is known for its elaborate rice field art. In an effort to attract tourists year-round, the village is hosting "Winter Rice Field Art," making the most of the snowy scenery under the theme of "Enjoying Winter and Playing with Snow." The main event is snow art, created by compacting the snow with snowshoes to create uneven surfaces. The beautiful contrast of light and shadow is something that can only be created with snow. In addition to light-ups and candlelight nights, the observation deck is decorated with illuminations in the shape of rice ears and miniature lanterns, creating a collaboration between the Yayoi period and snow. There are also experience programs such as snow rafting and snow globe making, as well as gourmet food stalls to warm you up, so you can enjoy the area day and night.

POINT4

Hirakawa City
Hirakawa Illumination Promenade

The event began in 2015, and in 2018, Taiwanese lanterns were added to the decorations as part of exchanges between Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, and Taichung City, Taiwan, which has a friendship city relationship with the city. It has now become a well-established winter tradition that helps create excitement and enhance the area's appeal. During the event, the area in front of Hiraga Station on the Konan Railway and the City Hall Main Building will be decorated with LED lights and illuminations. Looking at the colorful and gorgeous Taiwanese lanterns, you'll feel like you've taken a short trip to Taiwan. Additionally, at Furatto Square, adjacent to Hirakawa City Hall, candles made from bamboo from Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, with which the two cities have a friendship agreement, will be set up. Why not experience a world of light that exudes an exotic atmosphere?

POINT5

Tsugaru Nanayuki Kogin Lantern Train

The Konan Railway Owani Line has planned decorated trains to entertain passengers, such as the "Goldfish Neputa Train" in summer and the "Apple Neputa Train" in autumn. The "Tsugaru Nanayuki Kogin Lantern Train," which operates in winter, was created as a collaboration with Hoshino Resorts' hot spring inn, Kai Tsugaru. Approximately 200 miniature wooden lanterns made from processed apple trees are installed inside the train. Snow patterns created using the traditional Tsugaru region sashiko technique, "Kogin embroidery," emerge and gently illuminate the interior. Special nighttime illuminations will be available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the event. Every other Saturday and Sunday, a photo session will be held when the train stops at Konan Railway Hirosaki Station.

Some of the photographs used were provided with cooperation from the interview subjects.

Information in this article may be subject to change.