Top Japan Snow Festivals to Make your Trip a Fairytale

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Going skiing in Japan this winter? Take a look at this in-depth guide to the greatest Japan Snow Festivals, so you know how to plan your trip.

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Organizing a trip to Japan during the wintertime? If you are hitting the slopes, plan your trip around the mesmerizing Japan snow festivals held annually throughout the country.

Not only will you witness the snowy and beautiful winter landscape, but you’ll see communities coming together to celebrate Japanese culture while having a lot of fun at the same time. 

Every snow festival is different, but you can expect intricate snow sculptures in all shapes and sizes, thousands of lanterns immersed in the snow and small igloo-like houses made from snow. Imagine a scene from Narnia with picturesque settings in the backdrop. 

Below is an in-depth guide to 21 snow festivals in the winter months of December to the beginning of March. 

Snow Festivals in Hokkaido, Japan:

Sapporo Snow Festival

snowy scene in Japan in winter

If you only have a week in Japan and want to ski and visit a snow festival, look no further than the Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s the most popular in the country, and for a good reason.

While snow starts to fall in Hokkaido around the end of October/early November, the annual winter festival doesn’t happen until early February.  

Wondering what to expect? 

The highlight is the impressive, larger-than-life ice sculptures. They always have a theme, sometimes around pop culture, such as Star Wars or based on iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.  

Whether you visit during the day or at night, there are endless food stalls and live music performances, so it’s a great event for families to join in the festivities.

You’ll want to stay near the action, so position yourself in the center around Odori Park, Susukino and Tsu Dome. The festival lasts for one week.  

Pro tip: Accommodation tends to book out quickly, so be prepared to book in advance.

Jozankei Snow Lantern Festival

snow lanterns in Japan snow festival

Still in Sapporo, but a completely different feel is the Jozankei Snow Lantern Festival.

Once you hear the rather sweet story of its beginnings, you will want to add this festival to your list.

In 2011, each ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in the well-known onsen (hot spring) town made a candle from snow and ice to welcome all guests to the area.

Today, about 2,000 homemade candles decorate Jozankei Shrine in early February.

If you are traveling as a couple, you’ll find it very romantic.

Asahikawa Winter Festival

snow sculpture at a Japan snow festival

Another of the popular winter festivals in Japan is located in Asahikawa City, where they build one gigantic ice sculpture each year as the main attraction. It even doubles as a stage where live music events are held. 

Watch as the experts take part in the World Ice Sculpting Championship.

If visiting with children, make sure you head to the ice slide or take a ride on a snowmobile.

Pro tip: This festival and the Sapporo Snow Festival take place simultaneously and are less than two hours apart by train.  

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

ice festival in Japan

This ice festival is held at the hot springs around Lake Shikotsu, a caldera lake.

From late January to the end of February, come to witness stunning ice sculptures formed by dripping lake water. At night, these sculptures are lit up with colorful lights. The frozen lake in the background makes the entire set-up look like a magical fairy tale.

If you want to renew your vows or get married, there are ice weddings to say “I do” to your significant other.

Sounkyo Onsen Hyobaku Festival

snowy town and sculptures lit up in a Japan snow festival

With chilly temperatures during the winter, the waterfall (the main highlight) freezes over, creating a beautiful ice fantasy.

During the day, you can go ice climbing or take your children on the ice slides. At night, admire the illuminated ice sculptures.

This festival usually lasts for about six weeks and starts around the end of January.

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

palace made of ice in a Japan snow festival

Can you imagine hundreds of tiny lanterns floating in and surrounding a canal? 

That’s what you will find at the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival. The soft glow from the water exudes an incredibly romantic atmosphere.   

Enjoy a stroll along the canal before exploring the town, where local shopkeepers create ice sculptures outside. It takes place each night from 5 pm to 9 pm.

Pro tip: The Sapporo Snow Festival and this one coincide, so you can enjoy both at the same time.

Snow Festivals in Aomori, Japan:

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival

castle lit up for a Japan snow festival

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival puts on an impressive show with around 200 snow lanterns and 300 miniature kamakura (igloo-like snow houses) set up throughout Hirosaki Park.

Not only that but there are also winter-blooming cherry blossoms which makes this one of the most picturesque winter festivals.

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Hirosaki, you can take a 10-hour bus ride or 6.5 hour train.

Aomori Yukiakari Matsuri

Japanese snow candle close up

Looking for one of your wishes to come true? 

Head to the Aomori Yukiakari Matsuri festival, where you can write your own wish on a special candle holder.

Over the course of the week-long festival, locals hand-make approximately 2,000 snow lanterns which are illuminated by candlelight.

Pro tip: If you aren’t staying in the area, the festival is conveniently located just a minute’s walk from JR Aomori Station.

Snow Festivals in Iwate, Japan:

Iwate Snow Festival

snow sculpture in Japan

Heading to Japan as a family? Then go to the Iwate Snow Festival—it’s perfect for the young and young at heart. It also only takes 2 hours and 20 minutes to get from Tokyo to Iwate

Set on the spacious Koiwai farm and nearby ski resorts, you can enjoy sledding, riding a horse sleigh, snow tubing and slipping down a giant snow slide.

During a week in February, there are fireworks displays, stage shows, and food carts where you can enjoy lots of local cuisine.

If you get cold, head to the nearby Amihari Onsen.

Snow Festivals in Akita, Japan:

Yokote Snow Festival

snow huts and a castle in Japan

Be sure to plan ahead as this festival only takes place over two days each year. 

The City of Yokote is transformed into a forest of kamakuras which range in size. Some are small enough to only hold a candle, while others can host small groups inside.

If invited in, you will be offered amazake (a non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rice) and rice cakes. Each snow hut has a snow altar dedicated to the water deity inside.

Pro tip: Stick around until sunset to witness the kamakura illuminated with the Yokote River backdrop.

Yuzawa Inukko Festival

hundreds of snow candles at a Japanese snow festival

If you are a dog lover, then you must visit the Inukko Festival. It has been taking place for about 400 years.

Dog lovers from all over Japan visit to view the massive snow statues of dogs and attend the Pray for Dogs event to pray for the health and happiness of their animals.

The easiest way to get from Tokyo to Akita is to take a three-hour standard train ride. From there, Yuzawa is a one-hour, 30-minute drive. 

Snow Festivals in Yamagata, Japan:

Yamagata Snow Festival

candles at a Japanese snow festival

Do you like food stalls? Want to see some of the best snow sculptures in Japan? Or keen to attempt your own?

This festival in Mogamigawa Furusato Park has a large snow sculpture as its symbol that is illuminated at night. So come in the evening for a romantic date night as fireworks happen in the background.

Don’t miss the gourmet food selection and the opportunity to make your own mini snow sculpture.

Zao Snow Monster (Juhyo) Festival

snow monsters and snow boarders in Japan

If you are a ski lover, you have probably already come across this area known as one of Japan’s most famous ski resorts.

Why is it called the Snow Monster Festival? Because when the freezing winds pick up, the snow covering the trees appear as if they are huge ice monsters.

The peak of the festival is during February when people take to the slopes in the evening with LED lights. Combined with the lit-up snow monsters, it creates an impressive winter world.

If you don’t ski or snowboard, you can enjoy it from a chair lift or on the ropeway.

Snow Festivals in Niigata, Japan:

Tokamachi Snow Festival

snow sculpture of a castle in Japan

Regarded as one of Japan’s three great snow festivals, it is the home of the country’s original winter festival.

Snow sculptures created by locals and professional artists are dotted around the town. The largest site is the Community Hiroba which is less than a 10-minute walk from the station.

There are also special events that feature live music, light shows and fireworks.

Pro tip: Tokyo to Niigata is an easy day trip. The standard train only takes 1.5 hours. 

Tsunan Snow Festival

lanterns in the sky

At the beginning of March, Tsunan transforms into a scene out of a Disney movie with more than 1,000 lanterns flying in the sky. Fireworks amplify the experience even further.

You can also go snow biking, snow banana boating or take to the slopes.

As the area receives some of the heaviest rainfall in the country, this festival started as a way to lift the residents’ spirits during cold and dark winters.

Snow Festivals in Tochigi, Japan:

Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival

snow candles along a river in Japan

Held at Yunishigawa Onsen, this festival lasts for a month from late January.

You’ll find lots of small and large kamakura huts lit up by candles in the evening. 

During the day, ride on a sled or enjoy some delicious local food from the stalls.

Pro tip: There are several traditional onsen ryokan in the area, so book an overnight stay—a must when visiting Japan.  

Snow Festivals in Fukushima, Japan:

Aizu Erosoku Matsuri (Aizu Painted Candle Festival)

candle in the snow

This festival was started to teach people from around the world about the traditional craft of painted candles from Aizu. These candles are decorated with seasonal flowers and other painted motifs.

Head to Tsurugajo Castle, Oyakuen Garden, and various other spots in the town to witness about 10,000 painted candles warming up the city.

Getting from Tokyo to Fukushima takes a 1-hour 40-minute train ride. 

Snow Festivals in Miyagi, Japan:

Aone Onsen Snow Illumination

snow candles

Aone Onsen is renowned to those who enjoy beautiful nature and mountains.

Local residents and children unite to build over 2,000 hokora (small shrines) made from ice and snow. Then, in a one-night-only event, all the shrines are lit from within, creating a warm toasty vibe throughout the town. 

Pro tip: The first few hundred visitors will receive free tonjiru (Japanese pork soup) and cocoa.

You could easily travel from Tokyo to Natori as it takes just over two hours by train. From there you can take a taxi which will take you one hour, or use the local rail, which takes another two hours. 

Snow Festivals in Saitama, Japan:

​​The Icicles of Misotsuchi Light Up

icicles at a Japan snow festival

Come here to see naturally made icicles glow with colorful lights. These aren’t just any icicles. They measure over 90 feet wide x 32 feet high.  

You will want to see them illuminated in the evening after sunset.

Icicles of Ashigakubo

icicle festival in Japan

Have you ever tried to freeze water in the snow? Water is sprayed over the trees at the Icicles of Ashigakubo Festival, resulting in some particularly peculiar shapes.

You can easily take a quick trip here from Tokyo, and if you visit on weekends, the scenery is lit up after dusk. Depending on where you are based in Tokyo, you will need to get to Ikebukuro Station. From there, take the Seibu line to Hanno and then transfer to the Seibu-Chichibu line before getting off at Ashigakubo Station. 

The total journey will take you less than 2 hours one-way. 

Snow Festivals in Yamanashi, Japan:

Lake Saiko Ice Festival

Mount Fuji behind a circle of snow candles

​​You can’t get more iconic than visiting an ice festival with a view of Mount Fuji in the background.

Stop by in the evening to admire the illuminated ice sculptures and 10-meter-high snow-covered trees.

On weekends they even have fireworks at the nearby Lake Kawaguchiko.

Weather in Japan in Winter 

castle made of snow

First, let’s get something straight. From December to the beginning of March, Japan is cold. Still, it’s one of the most beautiful seasons to visit.

Places in the north of Japan, such as Hokkaido, experience the country’s coldest weather, making it a popular region for skiers and snowboarders. Temperatures range from 29°F (-2°C) to 11°F (-12°C). 

It’s no surprise that these chilly temperatures are not for everyone. However, ski towns will be a lot busier than other cities.

Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka remain busy year-round as they are popular gateways to the country. Kyoto in autumn is popular for travelers—it’s breathtaking to see the trees changing colors. Additionally, all three cities are hotspots for the cherry blossom season in spring.

Temperatures range from a high of 53.6°F (12 °C) to 35.6°F (2°C). What makes winter a desirable time to visit these cities is that you can expect sunny days with little to no rain or snow.

For those who need to retreat from the cold weather after the snow festivals, head to Okinawa, one of the southernmost islands of Japan. Temperatures range from 69.8°F (21°C) to 55.4 (13°C). 

Packing List Essentials for Japan

people inside a snow hut

As for any winter vacation, it’s important to pack several warm waterproof layers. Below are some great suggestions to keep you cozy when you visit one of the snow festivals.

  • Waterproof, insulated jacket: it’s worth investing in a warm, waterproof jacket that can keep you dry even when it’s snowing.
  • Thermals: these are great and don’t take up much space in your luggage. They will help conserve body heat and keep you warm as they stick close to your skin.
  • Beanies, gloves and a scarf: these little items are easy to forget when packing, but they will make a world of difference in keeping your hands and head snug.
  • Walking boots: ideally, you want to pack a pair of shoes with good treads, so you don’t slip on the ice.
  • Waterproof day bag: if you plan on carrying valuables or electronic devices, it’s essential that these items stay dry.  

Map of the Best Areas for Snow Festivals in Japan

Japan is synonymous with snow festivals. This interactive map shows you the best regions to travel to to get your fix of ice sculptures, onsen and kamakuras.

How to Get to Japan 

icicles in front of Mt Fuji

With three main international hubs in Japan, traveling to the country has never been easier.

You will likely arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo, or Kansai International Airport, just over an hour from Osaka and Kyoto.

As many winter festivals take place up north, the quickest option is to take a domestic flight to the Hokkaido region, ideally to Sapporo. 

If you’d rather slow travel and would like to see the countryside of Japan, take the train from Tokyo to Hakodate, which is Hokkaido’s southern port city. This will take you 7 hours and 30 minutes. From there, you can travel 5 hours by bus from Hakodate to Sapporo, which is home to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.  

FAQ

What is the biggest winter festival in Japan?

Sapporo Snow Festival—it attracts more than two million visitors annually. 

Where is the snow festival in Japan?

Snow Festivals happen across different prefectures in Japan, with Hokkaido hosting the most throughout the country. 

What happens at the Japanese snow festivals?

It depends on which one you attend, but you can generally expect illumination shows, ice sculptures, food and drink stalls, and winter sports. 

Posted February 6, 2023
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Kate and Olly of KO Travellers
Kate Torpy and Oliver Neville of KO Travellers are travel bloggers and content creators from Australia. They caught the travel bug from a young age and have not looked back since. The things they love about travelling the most are meeting new people, experiencing diverse cultures and exploring lesser-known corners of the world. Whether they are on assignment or travelling for pleasure, they document their travels on Instagram and provide detailed accounts on their Blog. From picturesque landscapes to island paradises, they cover it all - even the underwater marine world.
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