Hirosaki, in Japan’s Aomori Prefecture, is known for long, cold winters and steady snowfall.

When February arrives, the city begins one of its most peaceful traditions.

Volunteers and residents shape snow and ice into small lanterns that glow throughout Hirosaki Park and around the moat of the city’s 17th-century castle.

The festival uses two types of lights.

Snow lanterns are built by packing and carving snow into small towers with openings for candles.

Ice lanterns are created by freezing blocks of clear ice in simple molds.

Once the ice is solid, a small hollow is carved inside to hold a candle.

Both styles give off a soft, warm light that reflects across the snow.

The tradition became a citywide event in the 1970s with the start of the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival.

Each year, hundreds of lanterns and small snow sculptures are placed throughout the park.

Hirosaki Castle, one of the only remaining original castle keeps in Japan, stands above the lanterns and creates a striking winter scene.

Snow muffles sound throughout the grounds, so the park feels calm, with only candlelight and footsteps breaking the quiet.

Families, schools, and local groups help build the lanterns. Children often make small versions for walkways and bridges. Some lanterns stay simple.

Others include carved cutouts or colored paper that changes the hue of the candlelight.

Food stalls serve warm regional dishes such as miso ginger oden and sweet amazake.

Even with these comforts, the lanterns remain at the center of the experience.

Aomori is one of Japan’s snowiest regions.

The lanterns hold their shape only because the temperatures stay low.

They melt slightly during the day and refreeze at night, changing a little throughout the festival. The effect is temporary.

That is part of what makes the event special.

For a few days each winter, the city turns deep snow and long nights into something gentle and inviting.

Until next time,

Emails From Afar Team

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