Night view from Mt. Hakodate (Photo courtesy of Hakodate City)

In March many parts of Japan’s mainland begin to show their spring colors with blush cherry blossoms spreading north as the temperatures warm.

However, during this time there are still areas too cold to welcome the arrival of the yearly blooms in March. Aomori Prefecture, the home of Misawa Air Base, and Hokkaido Prefecture in the far north of Japan, maintain their wintery atmosphere a little longer.

Near Misawa, visitors can enjoy the juhyo frost-covered trees at Mt. Hakkoda and in Hokkaido’s Hakodate, the illuminated, snow-covered cityscape persists.

According to Fumiaki Oguri of the Stars and Stripes Misawa Office, early March is the best time to enjoy these snowy views.

“To enjoy these sights, you need to take a ropeway up to the mountaintops. Until February, winter storms and heavy snowfall often suspend the ropeways operation,” Oguri said. “But, in March, the weather becomes calmer and more stable and the ropeways run smoothly.”

Under the clear March sky and mild weather, the striking contrast between the blue sky and white snow enhances the scenery even more, too, Oguri said.

Hakkoda Ropeway (Photo courtesy of Amazing AOMORI)

The juhyo, also known as “snow monsters” of Mt. Hakkoda, are renowned for the scale and beauty, and counted as one of Japan’s three greatest frost formations, along with that of Zao (Yamagata Prefecture) and Mt. Moriyoshi (Akita Prefecture).

A 10‑minute ride on the Hakkoda Ropeway takes you to the 1,314‑meter‑high summit park station, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Tsugaru Plain and Mutsu Bay with countless massive snow monsters stretching put as far as the eye can see.

This year’s heavy snowfall has made the formations even larger and more majestic than usual, captivating many visitors from both domestically and internationally, according to a RAB TV news report.

Across the Tsugaru Strait, Mt. Hakodate and the City of Hakodate in Hokkaido Prefecture offer another spectacular winter view, the combination of white snow and brilliant illuminations.

Hop on the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway for a 3‑minute ride to the 334‑meter‑high summit. From there, you can enjoy a stunning 360‑degree panoramic view of the snow‑covered city.

The magnificent bird’s eye view has earned a three‑star rating in the Michelin Guide and the crisp, chilly air of the season is a refreshing departure from the usual tourist attraction.

Hakodate is also known as one of Japan’s three great night views, along with Kobe (Hyogo Prefecture) and Nagasaki (Nagasaki Prefecture). So, plan a nighttime excursion for this spot.

For the best night‑view experience, it’s ideal to arrive before sunset and watch as the scenery transforms with the deepening twilight, according to Hakobura (Hakodate City’s sightseeing information webpage). From the summit, you can enjoy the mystical combination of snow and sparkling city lights, which I believe you won’t easily forget.

Down in the center city of Hakodate, don’t miss the Hakodate Illumination project currently held around the Hachimanzaka Slope (at the foot of Mt. Hakodate) and along Kaikodori Street. The beautifully illuminated slope and street transform the historic port town into a glowing corridor of light. This illumination continues until the end of March.

So, if you are in or around Misawa, head out to these winter wonderlands to freeze away winter blues!

Things to know