The beauty of cherry blossoms under the night snow looks almost unreal — Japan’s dreamlike scenery just got even more magical.

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, especially its nighttime cherry blossoms, which are an absolute must-see spectacle. In addition to the annual cherry blossom festival from April to May each spring, you can also enjoy breathtaking nighttime cherry blossom scenes in the snow during winter. Recently, a photographer captured an incredibly beautiful snowy scene at Hirosaki Castle that looked like night cherry blossoms, causing a sensation on Japanese social media. But upon closer inspection, it turned out that the snow accumulation on the river and tree branches, combined with nearby lighting, created the marvelous illusion of blooming cherry blossoms.

The stunning snowy scene that caused a stir on Japanese social media also led the local tourism bureau to announce a special Winter Night Cherry Blossom Lighting Event from December 22, 2017, to late February 2018. The event features illuminations designed to create the illusion of cherry blossoms in the snow, offering visitors a magical view that feels like stepping into a dreamy winter wonderland.

The cherry blossoms in Aomori Prefecture typically bloom around late April each year. Hirosaki Park is not only a must-visit cherry blossom destination but has also been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and Japan’s Top 100 Landscapes. The park is home to over 2,600 cherry trees of more than 50 varieties, including Somei Yoshino, vertical cherry, and double-flowered cherry. From April 23 to May 5 each year, the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held, attracting over 2 million visitors.