As a city in one of the snowiest regions in the world, winter transforms Hirosaki City(弘前市) into a world of shimmering light, deep tradition, and pristine natural beauty. The deep culture of the region truly shines in this season, from candlelit valleys and snow lantern festivals to illuminated “winter-blooming” sakura and serene treks through ancient beech forests. Whether you’re drawn to soulful cultural celebrations or dreamlike winter landscapes, here are 4 winter highlights that will offer unforgettable moments capturing the heart of northern Japan.
1. Sawada Candle Festival
The Sawada Candle Festival is a cherished winter tradition in the Sawada (沢田) area of Hirosaki City, celebrated annually around the Lunar New Year. As night falls, hundreds of candles are carefully placed across the rocky surface of Iwayado (岩屋堂, a natural rock face inside the cave), illuminating the snowy landscape with a soft, otherworldly glow.
Visitors gather to offer prayers for a bountiful harvest and family safety, while the atmosphere is further enriched by torchlit processions and performances of local music—turning the entire valley into a scene of quiet, mystical beauty.
Sawada Candle Festival(沢田ろうそくまつり)
Date: February 12, 2025 (5pm–8:30pm)
Venue: Sawada Shinmei Shrine, Sonomura-18 Sawada, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-1514
Access: 23 minutes away from JR Hirosaki Station by taxi, free shuttle bus service from A Somamura Yuguchi Branch
Please note that all listed details apply to the 2025 event; those planning to visit in 2026 should refer to the official website for updated schedules and access information.
2. Winter Cherry Blossom Light-Up at Hirosaki Castle
Experience the magical beauty of Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) in winter with the Winter Cherry Blossom Light-Up. Snow-covered cherry trees are illuminated in soft pink light, creating the illusion of sakura at full bloom in the heart of winter. The frozen moat, blanketed in snow, resembles drifting petals, while snowy nights evoke a dreamlike cherry blossom storm.
The light-up event runs from December 1 to February 28, offering visitors a long window to experience this magical scene. A convenient loop bus operates from JR Hirosaki Station (弘前駅) via Hirosaki Park (弘前公園) and the Hirosaki University Hospital; simply alight at Hirosaki Park and enjoy a pleasant three-minute walk to the illuminated grounds.
Winter Cherry Blossom Light-Up at Hirosaki Castle (冬に咲くさくらライトアップ)
Date: December 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026(5pm–8:30pm)
Venue: Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden, 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356
Access: Take a 12-15 minute bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station to the park entrance.
3. Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Another event held at Hirosaki Park in the winter is the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival. Held every February in the historic grounds of Hirosaki Park, around 150 handcrafted snow lanterns and 300 glowing kamakura (snow huts) illuminate the park, casting warm, flickering light across the snow.
Visitors can explore impressive large-scale snow sculptures, admire displays of traditional Neputa art, and enjoy seasonal highlights such as fireworks and projection mapping.
The Hirosaki Snow Lantern Festival is but one of many snow festivals in the Tohoku Region (東北地方), you can learn all about some of the other ones here!
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival(弘前城雪燈籠まつり)
Date: February 6, 2025 – February 11, 2026
Venue: Hirosaki Park, 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356
Access: Take a 12-15 minute bus ride from JR Hirosaki Station to the park entrance.
4. Juniko Snow Hike
Step into a fairytale landscape as you trek through the snow-covered beech forests of Shirakami on this immersive winter adventure. Guided by knowledgeable local experts, you’ll wander softly along pristine trails toward the mysterious Aoike—an enchanting blue pond that remains unfrozen even in the depths of winter.
Outfitted with traditional snowshoes, you’ll feel transported into a storybook scene, surrounded by stillness, white forests, and the crisp scent of winter air. With rental gear available and beginner-friendly guidance throughout, the experience invites travellers of all levels to discover the serene beauty of Shirakami Mountains (白神山地) with all five senses.
Juniko Snow Hike(十二湖スノーハイク)
Date: December 1, 2025 – March 30, 2026
Venue: 14 Shimohamamatsu, Matsukami, Fukaura-shi, Nishitsugaru, Aomori
Access: 5 minutes by shuttle bus from Juniko Station on the JR Gono Line
Bonus: The Resort Shirakami
While not exclusive to just winter, we can’t pass up an opportunity to experience the snowy scenery of Aomori without the Resort Shirakami! The Resort Shirakami is a sightseeing train connecting Aomori and Akita, offering stunning views of the World Natural Heritage site Shirakami-Sanchi and the beautiful Sea of Japan coastline.
The train features a warm wooden interior and hosts cultural experiences such as live Tsugaru shamisen performances and local gourmet offerings, allowing passengers to enjoy the charm of northern Japan.
The Resort Shirakami runs almost every day, with multiple trains per day, making it one of the easiest Joyful Trains to try out. Check out the timetable and schedule here. For a full deep dive into the pioneer Joyful train, check out our previous article covering everything you can do on the Resort Shirakami!
Getting There
Access from Tokyo to Hirosaki is really easy! Here’s the Hirosaki Station travel information including connections from Tokyo:
- From Tokyo: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station to JR Shin-Aomori Station for approximately 3 hours.
- From Shin-Aomori Station: Take the JR Ou Main Line to Hirosaki Station for 40 minutes.
- Lastly, from Aomori Station: Take the JR Ou Main Line to Hirosaki Station form approximately 45 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also board the Resort Shirakami train from Shin-Aomori Station and continue on to Hirosaki Station.
JR EAST 패스 (도호쿠 지역)
If you like to ride the Resort Shirakami and explore different parts of the Tohoku Region, check out the JR EAST 패스 (도호쿠 지역), an affordable pass that offers unlimited rail travel on JR East lines in the valid area for 5 consecutive days. At only ¥30,000, it is cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo and Aomori (~¥35,000) or Tokyo and Akita (~¥36,000).
The pass can be used for automatic ticket gates, and foreign passport holders living in Japan are also eligible to use it. You can also make seat reservations for bullet trains, some limited express trains and Joyful Trains online for free, up to 1 month in advance, on JR-EAST Train Reservation.
And now, you have the chance to make the pass even cheaper, AND enjoy a few months of delicious Japanese snacks while you’re at it! JAPAN RAIL CLUB is now running a special discount campaign on the JR EAST PASS for all omiyage box subscribers! Simply purchase a 3, 6, or 12-month membership plan and you’ll be entitled to 15% OFF all purchases of the JR EAST 패스 (나가노, 니가타 지역) and JR EAST 패스 (도호쿠 지역) made on our website.
Have a very Ao-Merry Christmas with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
Bring the magic of Aomori’s winter straight to your home with the current JAPAN RAIL CLUB Omiyage Box: Christmas in Aomori! Our specially curated snack box for this December lets you taste the flavours of northern Japan inspired by the snowy landscapes and festive spirit of Aomori. Perfect as a Christmas gift or as a nostalgic indulgence, experience a slice of Japan no matter where you are—with a slice of Aomori Apple pie!
Header Image Credit: JR East Hirosaki Station Branch
