10 Winter Festivals must visit on your trip to Japan

Festival period: Early February every year
The Sapporo Snow Festival, held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is one of Japan’s largest winter festivals, attracting around 2 million tourists. Huge snow and ice sculptures stand in rows around Odori Park, and are lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere. You can also enjoy ice slides and delicious Hokkaido cuisine served at food stalls.

Festival period: Every year during the Lunar New Year (late January to mid-February)
The Lantern Festival held in Nagasaki City is a festival celebrating the Chinese New Year. The entire city is decorated with colorful lanterns, and the sight of about 15,000 lanterns shining is a spectacular sight. Traditional performances such as the dragon dance and Chinese lion dance are also highlights.

Festival period: Early February every year
The Asahikawa Winter Festival, held in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is an event where you can enjoy giant snow and ice sculptures, as well as participate in games such as sledding. At night, the sculptures are lit up, creating a magical atmosphere. The festival takes place on the banks of the Ishikari River, right in the heart of Asahikawa City, with convenient transportation making it easy to access.

Festival period: Early February every year
“Shiawase Kairou Nara Rurie” is a magical festival in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, where the entire Nara Park area is decorated with dazzling lights. This is a wonderful combination of historical architecture and lights, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of Nara at night.

Festival period: Mid-February every year
Hirosaki Castle, famous for its cherry blossoms, becomes magical with snow lanterns and snow sculptures in winter. About 150 snow lanterns and 300 miniature snow igloos are placed in the park, creating a magical world with the illuminated Hirosaki Castle. The festival has various events to enjoy the snow, such as snow lanterns, large snow sculptures, and slides.

Festival period: Second Friday and Saturday of February every year
The Namahage Sedo Festival, held in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, is a traditional festival where “Namahage” wearing scary masks go door to door to ward off evil spirits. Visitors can enjoy Namahage dances and fire-lighting rituals, experiencing the unique local culture.

Festival period: February 15th and 16th every year
The Kamakura Festival in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, is famous for its dome-shaped houses made of snow, which are illuminated inside and serve hot mochi and amazake, a sweet sake. The festival has a history of over 400 years and you can enjoy the wonderful scenery as well as interact with the locals.

Festival period: third weekend of February every year
The Tokamachi Snow Festival, which began in 1950, is Japan’s first snow festival run by local citizens with the theme of “Enjoy snow as a friend” Characterized by handmade snow artworks by local citizens and warm hospitality, it is an event full of tradition and charm, with events such as a snow carnival and a skiing competition.

Festival period: January 15th every year
The Dosojin Fire Festival in Nozawa Hot Springs is a traditional event held on a grand scale to worship the Dosojin, a deity believed to ward off disasters. This festival, which has been held since the late Edo period, involves burning a huge wooden shrine, and the entire village exorcising evil spirits and praying for safety in the new year. The flames shining brightly in the night sky along with the excitement of the festival is truly fascinating.

Festival period: Late January to mid-March every year
The Ice Fall Festival held in Sounkyo Hot Springs, Hokkaido, is a spectacular event featuring an ice world made of frozen falls.The ice structures and tunnels are lit up, creating a different atmosphere during the day and at night. Visitors can enjoy the festival along with the hot springs, as a relaxing way to forget the cold.