The Hakodate Christmas Fantasy, a 2022 Hakodate, opened here on December 1 with myriad lights and fireworks, lighting up the snowy city's winter in an annual tradition.
A Hokkaido-grown Sakhalin fir tree, about 20 meters, was set up for the event at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse commercial complex next to the city's harbor, and a fireworks display at the city's harbor drew oohs and aahs from residents and tourists.
The event started in 1998 and is celebrating its 25th edition this year. Some 150,000 multicolored lights popping with red, green and white adorn this year's Christmas tree, which is illuminated every night from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Christmas. The Hakodate International Tourism and Convention Association stated in a communication that it wants to help people enjoy Hakodate's winters.