The Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is a beloved winter event held in Hirosaki Park, where snow lanterns and small snow huts illuminate the grounds with a gentle, atmospheric glow. The combination of deep winter snow and warm candlelight creates one of the most iconic seasonal scenes in Hirosaki.
For the 2026 edition, approximately 150 snow lanterns are planned throughout the park, along with around 300 mini snow huts near the lotus pond in the Nishi-no-Kuruwa area. These installations may be adjusted depending on snow conditions, but once lit in the late afternoon, the park transforms into a calm and enchanting winter landscape.
About 20 food stalls will be set up in the Shikunomaru area, offering local dishes and warm drinks. The Hirosaki Park Product Pavilion, located nearby, will feature specialty items from Hirosaki as well as products from Hirosaki’s partner cities, Ota in Gunma Prefecture and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture.
Snow lanterns and snow sculptures will be illuminated from around 4:30 pm, and candles will be placed inside the mini snow huts, creating a serene nighttime view across the park.
As the festival celebrates its 50th edition in 2026, several special programs are planned. Enhanced nighttime attractions include the Ringo Neputa Street and projection mapping on the large slide in the Shikunomaru area. A variety of participatory activities is also expected, such as outdoor winter sports, stage performances, snowman-making, and a park-wide word-search featuring decorative elements.
