HIROSAKI, Aomori -- Snow-covered cherry blossom trees and a castle moat in this northern Japan city are currently lit up in pink in the evenings, to the delight of visitors.

The "Fuyu ni Saku Sakura" (winter cherry blossom light-up) event is underway at Hirosaki Park, projecting pink light onto the snow. Renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring, the park has re-created the beauty of "hana-ikada" (literally a raft of blossoms) -- when petals cover the outer moat -- in midwinter. Organizers say the best views are on days when snow accumulates on the frozen water surface and cherry blossom tree branches.

The light-up event runs daily until Feb. 28, from sunset to 9:30 p.m.

(Japanese original by Kaho Kitayama, Photo Group)