Check out these articles
-
Video article 2:04
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival – Enjoy Illuminated Miniature Igloos in Tochigi Prefecture via Video! Winter Sightseeing and Fantastic Views in Japan's Snow Country!
Festivals & EventsTravel- 26 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:07
A Winter Illumination Event at Shirahige Falls in Biei, Hokkaido! The Beautiful Waterfall Illuminated in the Silvery White Snow Is Sure to Captivate!
Festivals & EventsTravel- 14 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:42
A Cherry Blossom Tunnel and Photogenic Trains at Ashino Park, Aomori! Guided Cherry Blossom Tours & Cherry Blossom Festivals Where Osamu Dazai Once Played!
NatureVehiclesTravel- 18 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:57
Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom at the Popular Tourist Spots Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto and Shinjuku Gyoen in Shinjuku, Tokyo! The Spectacular View of Pink Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom Is a Stunning Sight Unique To Japan!
NatureTravel- 31 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:56
There's So Much Nature in Shinjuku, Tokyo, a City Filled With Skyscrapers! The Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Are Magical!
Nature- 52 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:34
A Spectacular View of Japan That Amazes People Around the World! Mt. Fuji, Cherry Blossoms, and the Five-Story Pagoda at Arakurayama Sengen Park, Yamanashi!
TravelArt & ArchitectureHistory- 26 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:01
Yu Akari – Experience the Stunning Winter Illumination at Kurokawa Onsen via Video! Discover the Fantastical Atmosphere That Warmly Embraces Visitors to Kumamoto Prefecture, and the Passion of the People of Kurokawa!
Festivals & EventsTravelHotel & Japanese Inn- 54 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:03
You've Never Seen a View Quite Like This! The Beautiful Tulip Fields Covering Alps Azumino National Government Park in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture, Are a Sight You’ve Got to See to Believe!
TravelLocal PR- 411 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:05
Experience the Stunning Winter Scenery of Amanohashidate With a Bird's Eye View via Aerial Photography! Discover the Crisp, Fresh Winter Air of Amanohashidate, Kyoto!
NatureTravel- 14 plays
- YouTube
Cherry Blossoms Blooming in Winter at Hirosaki Park?! Experience a Winter Cherry Blossom Illumination in Aomori Prefecture via Video + Seasonal Illumination Information
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
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
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!
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!
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
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 15:20
The Most Dangerous Festival in Japan? Osaka's Danjiri Festival Is Full of Unexpected Events and Accidents! Toppling Over Sideways, Crashing, Falling Over... It's a Thrilling Event You Won’t Want to Miss!
Festivals & Events- 5.94K plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 7:48
The Unique Suzume Odori Dance of the Sendai Aoba Festival! Learn About the History of This Exciting Japanese Festival!
Festivals & Events Traditional Culture- 50 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:48
A Powerful Display of Traditional Japanese Archery! During the Warring States Period of Japan, Satsuma Heki-Ryu Koshiya Kumiyumi’s Historical Martial Art Was as Successful as Guns on the Battlefield!
Festivals & Events History- 783 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:01
Owara Kaze No Bon - An Elegant Dance With More Than 300 Years of History. Yatsuo, Toyama's Traditional Performing Art, Which Has Fascinated People for Centuries, Will Captivate You!
Festivals & Events- 55 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:12
The Sapporo Snow Festival Popular Among Overseas Tourists! The Pure White Snow of Nature and Colorful Projection Mapping in the City of Sapporo, Hokkaido, in a Brilliant Competition!
Festivals & Events- 171 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 10:12
Omagari Fireworks Festival – Japan's No. 1 Fireworks Display?! Enjoy the Summer Night Sky Filled With Fireworks + the History of the Fireworks Festival in Akita and More!
Festivals & Events Traditional Culture Entertainment & Music Travel- 58 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:12
Prepare to Get Muddy! Miyakojima, Okinawa's "Paantu" Is a Bizarre Festival That Will Have You and Your Underwear Covered in Mud as You Try to Outrun the Gods!
Festivals & Events- 527 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:54
The "Ako Lion Dance": A Dynamic, Traditional Japanese Lion Dance of Ako, Hyogo That Has Long Been Enjoyed in Japan; Watch the Lively Lion Dance Parade From the Roadside in This Video!
Festivals & Events History- 613 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:57
Halloween in Tokyo From the Eyes of a Foreigner! An Exciting Day of Cosplay in Shibuya!
Festivals & Events Modern Culture- 257 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 13:20
Lots to See at "Nouryomatsuri"! Summer Festivals Are a Must for Sightseeing in Tokyo! The Past and Present of Tokyo's Summer Festivals Will Help You Beat the Heat!
Festivals & Events Traditional Culture- 100 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 13:39
The Awa Odori Dance Festival - One of Japan's Most Popular and Lively Festivals! The More Than 400 Year Old Festival Boasts a Whopping 1 Million Visitors and More Than 100,000 Dancers!
Festivals & Events Traditional Culture- 237 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 13:28
The Sakata Fireworks Show of Yamagata Prefecture - One of the Largest Fireworks Shows in Tohoku, With a Total of More Than 12,000 Fireworks! The Grand Finale Is a Sight To Behold!
Festivals & Events- 142 plays
- YouTube
2 Comments