In this undated photo, cherry trees seem to be blooming, as pink lights colour the snow-covered trees along a moat at Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. (PHOTO / THE JAPAN NEWS)

HIROSAKI - Cherry trees seemed to be blooming in the middle of winter, as pink lights colored the snow-covered trees along a moat at Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.

Roughly 120 LED lights are tinting both the cherry trees and the waters of the moat of Hirosaki Castle as part of an ongoing illumination event at the park. The event is taking place near the Otemon gate of the castle from sunset to 10 pm through Feb 29.

The illumination event creates an image of spring amid the recent icy-cold weather, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The best time to view actual cherry blossoms at the popular sightseeing spot is from late April to early May.