---
title: Discover Winter Festivals in Japan
date: 2024-01-24T09:38:00+09:00
author: Gwen Magdamit
canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/discover-winter-festivals-in-japan"
section: News
---
[Japan](https://uchijapan.com/news/japan)# Discover Winter Festivals in Japan

Jan 24, 2024

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   ![Niigata tsunan snow festival 233462](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/182683/niigata-tsunan-snow-festival-233462_2024-01-24-003752_roak.jpg)Famous for its snowy landscapes and unique powder experiences, Japan has even more to offer with exciting winter festivals. The most thrilling winter festivals are held in the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions, so although most people visit these regions to ski, you should not miss out on the best snow festivals in Japan! Check out the video from Niseko Tourism or read our reviews below!

 

**[Sapporo Snow Festival (February 4 - 11)](Sapporo%20Snow%20Festival%20(February%204%20-%2011))**

Witness the astonishing grandeur of snow and ice sculptures that come in all sizes ranging from famous characters to sophisticated works of art. You can visit all day and night at Odori Park and the Susukino neighbourhood.

**[Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (January 27 - February 25)](https://hyoutou-special.asia)**

Located on a huge lake near to Chitose City, this one-month festival brings festive ambiance and artistic creations of ice objects with vibrant music and unique delicacies that many locals and tourists enjoy. While Lake Shikotsu is clear blue during the day, colourful lights illuminate the place at night.

**[Tsunan Snow Festival (March 9)](https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/tsunan-snow-festival-in-niigata-returns-for-the-first-time-in-four-years-010523)**

A winter wonderland in Niigata prefecture that you cannot miss. Several winter activities await with various food stalls and vibrant musical and fire dancing performances. Watch in awe as lanterns are launched in the winter sky at night.

**[Yokote Snow Festival (February 15-16)](https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/443/#:~:text=This%20450-year-old%20festival,on%20February%2015%20and%2016.)**

Celebrated for over 450 years, this snow festival in Akita prefecture features a magical winter experience with huge *kamakura* or snow huts (3 metres) covering four to five people and served with *amaze* and rice cakes.

[**Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (February 9-12)**](https://japancheapo.com/events/hirosaki-castle-snow-lantern-festival/)

Originating from Aomori Prefecture, the snow festival welcomes you with handmade lanterns and miniature *kamakura* or snow huts built around the Hirosaki Castle, creating an enchanting snow kingdom.

**[Aizu Painted Candle Festival (February 10-11)](https://www-aizu-com.translate.goog/erousoku/program.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja&_x_tr_pto=wapp)**

This festival showcases the traditional handmade painted candles with seasonal flower designs illuminating the Aizue area of Fukushima.

**[Zao Juhyo Festival (December 23 - February 25)](https://japancheapo.com/events/zao-snow-monster-festival/)**

Many tourists and locals visit the famous *Juhyo* or snow monster that takes place at the Zao Onsen Snow Resort. With majestic fireworks, illuminated ski lifts and other displays, this place turns into a magical winter haven in Japan.

**[Sounkyo Onsen Hyohaku Festival (January 27 - March 17)](https://en.japantravel.com/hokkaido/sounkyo-onsen-ice-fall-festival/66267)**

The frozen waterfall in Kamikawa-cho, Hokkaido turns into a majestic ice wonderland where you can relax with a hot drink and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

[**Snow Machine Festival (March 11-14)**](https://snow-machine.com)

Prepare for epic [skiing](https://uchijapan.com/news/japanese-culture-skiing) activities with vibrant live performances from twenty remarkable electronic artists from across the globe. Snow Machine is a global celebration of music and [skiing](https://uchijapan.com/news/japanese-culture-skiing), welcoming enthusiasts worldwide to the world-famous powder destination for skiers and snowboarders.

    ![240228 Snow Machine24 Main Stage2 Rushes patstevenson 0002](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/286472/240228-SnowMachine24-MainStage2-Rushes-@patstevenson-0002_2025-01-21-072553_sqxh.jpg)   [ Find your home in Japan!  ](https://uchijapan.com/properties)Discover our handpicked selection of exclusive properties for your ultimate winter experience in Japan.