Hirosaki Park's Winter Cherry Blossom Illumination: Video Introduction

This video, titled "【4K】2022 Hirosaki Park 'Sakura Illumination Blooming in Winter'" (2022年 弘前公園「冬に咲くさくらライトアップ」【4K】 2022 Hirosaki Park 'Sakura Illumination Blooming in Winter), was uploaded by "TheEAGLEBOM."
Did you know that you can see cherry blossoms blooming in the snow? We hope you'll enjoy these winter cherry blossoms filmed at night at Hirosaki Park, located in Hirosaki, Aomori, in Japan's Tohoku region. Snow piles up on the cherry blossoms, which are imbued with a light pink hue. It truly looks as though these cherry blossoms are actually in full bloom. The snow gathering on the river's surface is reminiscent of cherry blossoms floating on the surface of the water, and stretches out like a carpet of petals. Keep thoughts of spring in your mind as you enjoy this supremely breathtaking scenery, dyed in a heart-warming pink.
[Video] 2:39 – Snow Floating on the Water Like Cherry Blossoms

Hirosaki Park and Its Popular Winter Cherry Blossom Illumination

Photo：The winter cherry blossoms illumination at Hirosaki Park

What exactly are these season-defying winter cherry blossoms? Well, in reality, this winter cherry blossom illumination makes use of the fact that snow accumulated on the branches of cherry trees makes it look like the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This illumination event takes place during winter at Hirosaki Park, in Hirosaki, Aomori.

The inspiration for the event came from a single photo taken by a member of the regional development team. The photo caused a stir on social media, with commenters unable to tell whether it was taken in spring or winter. The event carries with it the feelings of Hirosaki citizens who long to see the warming views of cherry blossoms in the cold of winter.

Illuminated in pink in the moat surrounding Hirosaki Park, the subtle coloring almost makes it look as if the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and help onlookers to forget about the cold weather. To see the cherry blossoms, you'll need to arrive the same day the snow settles on the branches. The best days to see the cherry blossoms are on days when it snows heavily and it's not too cold or windy.
[Video] 0:53 – What Inspired the Illuminations?

Dates and Times for the 2022-2023 Winter Cherry Blossom Illumination

Photo：Weeping cherry blossoms of snow at Hirosaki Park

Below is a list of dates and times for the 2022 winter season. Take a friend or loved one, or go with your family and enjoy a heart-warming experience.

[Dates]
Every day between December 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023

[Hours]
12/1–1/10: 4:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
1/11–1: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
2/1–2/13: 5:15 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
2/14–2/21: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
2/21–2/28: 5:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
※In light of current issues surrounding electricity shortages, there will be no "All-Night Illuminations."
※In the case of a sudden increase in the number of cases of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, or other unavoidable occurrences, the event may be shortened or cancelled.

[Parking]
Available at the Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center Underground Parking Lot (entry/exit possible 24 hours a day)
2-1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori (next to Otemon gate and Hirosaki City Hall main building)
※First hour free of charge

Hirosaki City Hall (7:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.) 1-1 Kamishirogane-cho, Hirosaki (next to Otemon gate)
※First hour free of charge
※It is not possible to exit this parking lot after 9:30 p.m., shortly before the illuminations finish

Autoea Motodaikumachi (アウトエア元大工町)(entry/exit possible 24 hours a day)

Springtime at Hirosaki Park – Spectacular Cherry Blossom Illuminations!

Photo：Hirosaki Park cherry blossom illumination, Aomori Prefecture

From the end of April and throughout Golden Week (a period of around one week at the end of April/beginning of May containing a number of Japanese national holidays), Hirosaki Park hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival" (弘前さくらまつり, hirosaki sakura matsuri), timed to coincide with the cherry blossom season. This cherry blossoms festival at Hirosaki Castle has been touted by some as the best in Japan. The rooftop of Hirosaki City Hall - usually inaccessible to the public - is opened up, and the festival receives over 2 million visitors each year.

While the location of the "cherry blossoms heart" popular on Japanese social media is sadly not in the public domain, we hear that there will be heart shaped tree stumps placed to lead you in the right direction. Be sure to keep an eye out for it as you explore the park!

What's more, during the cherry blossoms festival there's a special train linking Hirosaki to other famous cherry blossoms spots around Japan's northern Tohoku region. Why not take a ride and go on a tour to view the cherry blossoms?

[Cherry blossoms Festival Opening Dates]
　Late March–Early May (Generally held to coincide with the blooming of the cherry blossoms)

[Hours]
　Special nighttime lighting (illuminations): Sundown – 8:30 p.m.
　※Subject to change depending on cherry blossom blooming conditions.

The Colorful Autumn Illuminations of Hirosaki Park Are a Must-See as Well!

Photo：Hirosaki Park's autumn illumination

In the fall, the autumn leaves that have for so long added a touch of color to Hirosaki Castle, the symbol of this ancient Japanese city, are brightly illuminated. The elegant lights, which are as beautiful as any other seasonal light up, are sure to impress. While enjoying the various events and stalls, visitors can catch a glimpse of Hirosaki's history by viewing the old castle in its colorful autumn attire and the autumn leaves adorning the castle walls.

[Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival Dates]
　Late October–Early November

[Hours]
　Sundown – 8:00 p.m.

And as the 1000 Japanese maples and 2600 cherry blossom trees take on the colors of fall, make sure you don't forget to check out the giant 300-year-old ginkgo tree, "Neagari Icho" (lit. lifted-root ginkgo, so named for its exposed roots).

Hirosaki Park Illuminations: Roundup

With illumination events in each season, Hirosaki Park, located at Hirosaki Castle, a symbol of the historical Japanese city, adds a layer of excitement to the beauty of its bountiful nature. This place deserves a spot in any travel itinerary, no matter the season, as it's one of the most popular places to visit in Japan's Tohoku region. Take your family, friends, or loved one with you, and breathe in the history in this vast park!

◆Hirosaki Park◆
【Address】1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori
【Admission Fee (for paid areas）】
　[Hirosaki Castle center/northern section]
Adults: ¥320 | Children: ¥100
　[Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden]
　Adults: ¥320 | Children: ¥100
　[Discount bundle tickets for the above areas]
Adults: ¥520 | Children: ¥160
【Hours】Please check the official website for opening times for paid areas.
【Access】
　On foot from Hirosaki Station (弘前駅, hirosaki-eki): Around 30 minutes
　Taxi from Hirosaki Station: Around 10 minutes
　From Hirosaki Station by bus: 4 minutes on foot when disembarking from the City Hall (市役所前, shiyakushomae)

【TripAdvisor】Hirosaki Park