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Illuminated Winter “Cherry Blossoms”

©Hirosaki Winter Cherry Blossom Executive Committee　　

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Illuminated Winter “Cherry Blossoms”

Spectacular night hanami scenes of snow-covered cherry trees glowing pink

Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture

©Hirosaki Winter Cherry Blossom Executive Committee

With Hirosaki Castle as backdrop, Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture is considered one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. The park is home to more than 2,600 cherry trees of over 50 different types, including somei yoshino, shidarezakura (weeping cherry), and yaezakura (double layer cherry). The flowers typically bloom from mid-April to early May each year. However, did you know that the cherry blossoms here can be seen in “full bloom” even in winter?

The winter cherry blossom light up event is held annually from December to February. During the event, the snow on the branches of the cherry trees around Hirosaki Park is illuminated by pink lights, creating a beautiful and moving scene as if the cherry trees were in full bloom in winter. Many people, both local residents and visitors, come to enjoy these gleaming pink cherry trees while walking along the edge of the frozen castle moat.

This special event provides a way to experience Japan’s tradition of hanami (flower viewing) even in the coldest months of winter. The illuminations can be seen from sunset until 10 PM. Brighten up your snowy winter holiday in Japan with a visit to Hirosaki.

How to get there

From Haneda Airport, take a flight to Aomori Airport (about 1 hour and 20 minutes), then take a limousine bus to JR Hirosaki Station (about 55 minutes). Hirosaki Park is about 15 minutes by bus from JR Hirosaki Station.

1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori-ken