--- title: "30+ Of Japan's Best Winter Festivals To Tick Off Your List" date: 2025-12-12T21:25:00+09:00 author: Armelle Frimpong canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/winter-festivals-japan" section: News --- [Japan](https://uchijapan.com/news/japan)# 30+ Of Japan's Best Winter Festivals To Tick Off Your List Dec 12, 2025 - [ ](mailto:?subject=30%2B%20Of%20Japan%27s%20Best%20Winter%20Festivals%20To%20Tick%20Off%20Your%20List%20on%20Uchi&body=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fwinter-festivals-japan "Share by Email") - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fwinter-festivals-japan&title=30%2B%20Of%20Japan%27s%20Best%20Winter%20Festivals%20To%20Tick%20Off%20Your%20List&description=Experiencing%20a%20festival%20is%20the%20perfect%20way%20to%20discover%20a%20country%27s%20culture.%20Just%20as%20well%20that%20Japan%20has%20over%2030%20winter%20festivals%20alone%20for%20you%20to%20choose%20from.&caption=Uchi) ![Tadami Furusato Snow Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/Tadami-Furusato-Snow-Festival.jpg)No-one does winter festivals quite like the Japanese—think snow sculptures as big as buildings, elaborate fireworks shows, rows of candlelit kamakura as far as the eye can see, and more snowsports than you can poke a ski pole at (who knew Zorbing in the snow was a thing?). They say if you really want to understand the culture of a country, head to a festival to get a real feel of the place, so luckily for you there are over two dozen to choose from—you could even hit a few in one go if you time your visit right. So without further ado, here are 30-plus of Japan's best winter festivals for you to tick off your list. Don't forget to dress warm. ### **Winter Flower Illumination At Tottori Prefectural Flower Park** **When:** Until 12 January **Where:** Tottori This gorgeous garden is transformed into a [legit winter wonderland](https://www.gltjp.com/en/directory/item/17669/) thanks to around one million twinkling lights and assorted illuminations, with the added bonus of a fireworks show on the weekends. ### **Zao Juhyo Festival** **When:** Late December-early March **Where:** Yamagata There's no such thing as monsters, unless you count the juhyo (snow monsters) on display at this [annual festival](https://www.japan.travel/en/sports/snow/snow-travel/zao-juhyo-festival/). These are actually just trees that have been engulfed in snow—giving them a slightly scary appearance—which are lit up at night for extra scares. ![Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Nozawa-Onsen-Fire-Festival.jpg) Image credit: One of Japan's leading festivals in full swing / Nozawa Holidays ### Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival **When:** 15 January **Where:** Nagano This [famous event](https://nozawa-onsen.com/nozawa-fire-festival/)—considered one of the country's leading fire festivals—sees the men of the village take part in a mock battle, culminating in a large, purpose-built shrine being set alight with flaming torches. Sure sounds like a good time to us. ![Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Sounkyo-Onsen-Ice-Fall-Festival.jpg) Image credit: People climb up a huge ice sculpture / Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival ### Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival **When:** 24 January-8 March **Where:** Hokkaido Frozen waterfalls, fireworks, and a shrine with a 100-metre-long ice tunnel are just some of the treats the [Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival](https://en.japantravel.com/hokkaido/sounkyo-onsen-ice-fall-festival/66267) has up its sleeve. ### Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks **When:** 24 January-23 February **Where:** Yamanashi Join thousands of fellow onlookers as fireworks explode in the night sky with Japan's famous Mount Fuji in the background, at the [Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks](https://fujisan.ne.jp/en/pages/403/). ![Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Jozankei-Onsen-Yukitouro.jpg) Image credit: Ethereal lights in the trees at Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro / Hokkaido Love! ### Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro **When:** 27 January-3 February **Where:** Hokkaido Bask in the glow of thousands of handmade snow candles, sprinkled across the tranquil grounds of the Jozankei Shrine. This [festival](https://jozankei.jp/en/event/yukituro2026/) will take its final bow in 2026, before being reimagined in a fresh format the following year. ![Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Yunishigawa-Kamakura-Festival.jpg) Image credit: Kamakura waiting to be enjoyed at Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival / Japan Travel ### Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival **When:** 30 January-1 March **Where:** Tochigi Kamakura (traditional igloo-like structures made from snow) are sprinkled throughout [the town](https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1477/), including at the thatched-roof village serving as its local museum; there are even those large enough for you to sit inside and enjoy a barbecue. The teeny-tiny ones dotted along the Zawaguchi river bed are a particularly pretty sight. ![Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Lake-Shikotsu-Ice-Festival.jpg) Image credit: Incredible illuminated ice sculptures at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival / Sapporo Tourist Association ### Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival **When:** 31 January-23 February **Where:** Hokkaido Think ice skating, horse rides through the snow, and [giant illuminated ice sculptures](https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/lake-shikotsu-ice-festival/) made from the lake's crystal-clear waters. ### Shizukuishi Winter Festa **When:** Late January-mid February **Where:** Iwate A new event on the winter fest agenda, the inaugural [Shizukuishi Winter Festa](https://en.japantravel.com/iwate/shizukuishi-winter-festa/69562) is kicking off with fireworks, food trucks, and a host of fun, family-friendly activities (we're talking sledding and snow tubing). ### Mount Miune Rime Ice Festival **When:** Late January-mid February **Where:** Nara Rime ice: it's when water droplets freeze on contact with trees and other surfaces, and the only place to see it in Japan is Mount Miune. Specifically, at the [Mount Miune Rime Ice Festival](https://en.japantravel.com/mie/mount-miune-rime-ice-festival/70455), where you can also snap up local goodies, enjoy some wintery entertainment, and get discounts on that steaming hot onsen you know you wanna hit up after. ### Saiko Kouri Festival **When:** Late January-mid February **Where:** Yamanashi The [Saiko Kouri Festival](https://fujisan.ne.jp/en/pages/405/) is where you'll find trees beautifully draped in ice, plus workshops and refreshment stalls – all with a snow-covered Mount Fuji as your backdrop. ![Yukidaruma Snowman Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Yukidaruma-Snowman-Festival.jpg) Image credit: Cute little snowmen in a snow cave at the Yukidaruma Snowman Festival / Japan Travel ### Yukidaruma Snowman Festival **When:** Early February **Where:** Ishikawa This one's for those of you who 'wanna build a snowman', or maybe just check out the handiwork of others who have. You'll find 3000-odd versions on display at the [Yukidaruma Snowman Festival](https://en.japantravel.com/ishikawa/yukidaruma-snowman-festival/32009) in Shiarmine, located at the foot of Mount Hakusan. Cuteness overload. ![Iiyama Snow Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Iiyama-Snow-Festival.jpg) Image credit: An ice dragon relaxes in the snow at Liyama Snow Festival/ Jasumo ### Liyama Snow Festival **When:** 1-10 February **Where:** Nagano The area's heavy snowfall is put to good use [here](https://www.isnowfes.org/) with jaw-dropping sculptures, igloos you can eat dinner in, and a host of other wintery activations. Don't forget the quintessential fireworks. ### Setsubun Mantoto **When:** 3 February **Where:** Nara Take a walk through the forest (and a step back in time) to the [Kasuga Taisha Shrine](https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/51/), which is lit up with lanterns and candles just as it was a millennium ago; all while celebrating setsubun (the transition from winter to spring). ![Sapporo Snow Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/330511/Sapporo-Snow-Festival.jpg) Image credit: People create a huge snow sculpture / Sapporo Snow Festival ### Sapporo Snow Festival **When:** 4-11 February **Where:** Hokkaido One of Japan's most famous winter festivals—drawing crowds of two million visitors from around the world every year—the [Sapporo Snow Festival](https://www-snowfes-com.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc) is spread across three epic sites complete with jaw-dropping snow and ice sculptures (some as big as houses). ### Hiruzen Yuki-Koi Snow Festival **When:** 6-7 February **Where:** Okayama Head along to the [Hiruzen Yuki-Koi Snow Festival](https://www.into-you.jp/en/places/9092/) for snowshoeing, sledding and countless snow huts, including mini ones that are lit up with candles at night. ### Asahikawa Winter Festival **When:** 6-11 February **Where:** Hokkaido Another of Japan's most popular winter-time events, the [Asahikawa Winter Festival](https://asahikawa-winterfes.jp/) features a giant snow sculpture with accompanying light show, an International Ice Sculpture competition (the only one of its kind in Japan), plus snow slides and snow Zorbing. ![Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/330514/Hirosaki-Castle-Snow-Lantern-Festival.jpg) Image credit: Illuminated art at the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival/ Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization ### Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival **When:** 6-11 February **Where:** Aomori Each year the grounds of [Hirosaki Castle](https://aomori-tourism.com/en/event/detail_1828.html) are decked out with hundreds of handmade kamakura, giant slides, super-sized snow sculptures of historical buildings, food stalls and more. There's also a cloister featuring the art of Japanese fans across its walls, which are lit up in the evening. ### Rikubetsu Shibare Festival **When:** 7-8 February **Where:** Hokkaido As the coldest town in Japan, Rikubetsu makes the perfect [winter festival](https://www.rikubetsu.jp/kanko/event/shibare/) host. Amongst the festivities, a 'human cold endurance test' where people can spend the night inside a balloon mansion (igloo). Brrr. ![Otaru Snow Light Path](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Otaru-Snow-Light-Path.jpg) Image credit:The canal and houses all lit up at the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival / Sapporo Tourist Association ### Otaru Snow Light Path Festival **When:** 7-14 February **Where:** Hokkaido The historical Otaru township is lit up with [countless candles](https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/otaru-snow-light-path/) (there are even some floating on the canal!), which you can enjoy while scarfing down noodles, sushi, and other tasty treats. ![Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Kamihinokinai-Paper-Balloon-Festival.jpg) Image credit: Crowds of revellers huddle around two huge paper lanterns at the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival / Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization ### Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival **When:** 10 February **Where:** Akita Visit this [ancient festival](https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_10041.html) and watch as beautifully decorated paper lanterns (some as big as 12-metres-high) are released into the night sky to mark the Lunar New Year. ![Aizu Painted Candle Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/330524/Aizu-Painted-Candle-Festival.jpg) Image credit: A close up of a painted candle at Aizu Painted Candle Festival / Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization ### Aizu Painted Candle Festival **When:** 13-14 February **Where:** Fukushima Wander through snow-covered gardens and beneath the shadow of a grand castle while enjoying thousands of [intricately painted candles](https://aizu.com/erousoku/)—a speciality of Aizuwakamatsu (Aizu). ![Ouchi juku Snow Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/330599/Ouchi-juku-Snow-Festival.jpg) Image credit: An ancient street covered in snow at the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival ### Ouchi-juku Snow Festival **When:** 14-15 February **Where:** Fukushima Wander an ancient snow-covered village (it's literally from the Edo Period) and enjoy fireworks, dancing, a flaming torch parade and even a noodle-eating competition at the [Ouchi-juku Snow Festival](https://fukushima.travel/destination/ouchi-juku-snow-festival/204). ![Tadami Furusato Snow Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Tadami-Furusato-Snow-Festival.jpg) Image credit: A festive scene with a huge ice sculpture and fireworks at the Tadami Furusato Snow Festival / Kingdom of Winter Trip Tohoku ### Tadami Furusato Snow Festival **When:** Mid February **Where:** Fukushima The [Tadami Furusato Snow Festival](https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1009708.html) is famous for its epic fireworks (those on the final night are especially impressive), and the incredible snow sculpture that takes centre stage each year. Traditional entertainment and handicrafts are on offer, plus local eats and drinks. ### Urabandai Night Fantasy Snow Festival **When:** Mid February **Where:** Fukushima Come along to the [Urabandai Night Fantasty Snow Festival](https://fukushima.travel/destination/urabandai-night-fantasy-snow-festival/215) for the ice cream-making and snowshoe races, stay for the colourful fireworks and 3000-plus candles scattered across the frozen Renge Swamp. ### Tsuruoka Mt. Gassan Asahi Snow Festival **When:** Mid February **Where:** Yamagata Warm up with pheasant soup and other local delicacies before donning a traditional snow country costume (new profile pic incoming!), blasting down snow slides, taking on a pretend bear, and making your own snowshoes at the [Tsuruoka Mt. Gassan Asahi Snow Festival](https://www.visityamagata.jp/en/event-tsuruoka-gassanasahiyukimatsuri-en/). ![Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/330608/Yokote-Kamakura-Snow-Festival.jpg) Image credit: People hunker down inside igloos for refreshments at the Yokote Kamakura Festival / Japan Travel ### Yokote Kamakura Festival **When:** 15-16 February **Where:** Akita The [Yokote Kamakura Festival](https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_10012.html) has been running for more than 450 years and is famous for its display of kamakura—from small, candlelit versions to those you can sit in and enjoy traditional refreshments with the local children. ### Hirayu Otaki Ice Festival **When:** 15-25 February **Where:** Gifu Check out an [illuminated waterfall-turned-giant-icicle](https://www.gifu-onsen.jp/en/events/20240215) (its more than 60-metres-high and 6-metres-wide), traverse a suspension bridge covered in lights, and watch the sky set alight with fireworks. ### Tokamachi Snow Festival **When:** 20-22 February **Where:** Niigata Snow sculptures? Check. Music? Check. Fireworks? CHECK. [This event](https://snowfes.jp/hp/contact/tokamachi-snow-festival/) ticks all the essential winter festival boxes, along with a few we didn't know we needed (a kimono queen competition, for example). ![Yuki Hatago Akari Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Yuki-Hatago-Akari-Festival.jpg) Image credit: Impressive inns made of snow / Yuki Hatago Akari Festival ### Yuki Hatago Akari Festival **When:** Late February-early March **Where:** Yamagata [Here](https://gassan-shizuonsen.net/yukihatago/) you'll find an entire lane of historic-looking inns made out of nothing but snow—including those with fireplaces and even a bar where you can pull up an icy pew, and sink a drink or two (we hear double-storey builds have also featured in the past). Epic. ![Snowmachinefest](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/snowmachinefest.jpg) Image credit: The party's just getting startedt / Snow Machine Hakuba / ### Snow Machine **When:** 3-8 March **Where:** Nagano This dual-country [music and ski fest](https://hakuba.snow-machine.com/) (it also runs in New Zealand) spans seven different mountains and features on-slope dance parties and secret karaoke, amongst other antics. ![Tsunan Snow Festival](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Tsunan-Snow-Festival.jpg) Image credit: Thousands of lanterns take to the skies at the Tsunan Snow Festival / Japan Travel ### Tsunan Snow Festival **When:** 14 March **Where:** Niigata Watch thousands of lanterns set the sky alight, try your hand at snow banana boating (we're as intrigued as you are), and behold firedancers dressed as ancient gods at [this festival ](https://www.japan.travel/en/sports/snow/snow-travel/tsunan-snow-festival/)in Tsunan, a town boasting some of the world's heaviest snowfall. Can't get enough of Japanese culture and want a place you can call your own? We're here to help you find your new home from amazing locations all over Japan. [Head here to browse 1,250+ listings currently on Uchi.](https://uchijapan.com/properties?search%5BsortBy%5D=date_desc)