Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival

In Hirosaki they build lanterns out of the thing winter gives them most of: snow. From February 10 to 14, Hirosaki Park — castle grounds in Tsugaru, deep in the snowiest stretch of the northern year — fills with snow lanterns, their hours still to be announced. The walk comes from JR Hirosaki Station. February here is not weather to be endured but material to be worked: packed, carved, hollowed, and finally lit. A festival that answers the hardest month by playing with it.