Top 12 Most Spectacular Winter Festivals in Japan

Sounkyo Onsen Hyobaku Festival has been celebrated for over 40 years and showcases the stunning beauty of the harsh, freezing winter that Hokkaido is known for. This event features numerous ice sculptures illuminated to highlight their intricate details, along with opportunities for visitors to climb ice mountains, admire ice shrines, and even explore ice maps. Held annually in January, the Sounkyo Onsen Hyobaku Festival is considered one of the most amazing winter events in Hokkaido, lasting until the end of March.

Spanning 10,000 square meters, the festival includes multi-story structures and architectural creations made entirely from ice and snow. Using water from the Ishikari River, these sculptures are carefully crafted for visitors to appreciate. Entry to the festival costs 300 yen. The area is lit up at night with vibrant colors, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that lasts throughout the festival's duration.

About 30 ice sculptures of varying sizes are displayed across the vast 10,000-square-meter site by the Ishikari River. Highlights include a 13-meter-tall observation tower, a thrilling ice slide, and an ice shrine. It takes approximately three months to carve these stunning ice sculptures. The sculptures are illuminated with seven different colors of light, creating a fantastic ambiance. Beautiful fireworks light up the chilly night sky, enveloping the entire area in a romantic atmosphere.

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is held annually in February in the Tohoku region. Established in 1977, this festival is one of the five major snow festivals in the Michinoku area. Famous for its cherry blossoms, Hirosaki Castle transforms during the winter months when its snow-covered towers are illuminated in a breathtaking display, making it a must-visit winter destination for festival lovers.

Snow lanterns, ice sculptures, and mini kamakura lanterns light up Hirosaki Castle during this magical winter event. At the main venue, Yunomaru, a large snow statue shaped like a historic building is constructed, making it an iconic backdrop for the festival. A large sledding hill is also set up for visitors of all ages to enjoy the thrill of snow sliding. In addition to the large hill, there are medium-sized sledding areas for a more relaxed experience.

With its chilly nighttime atmosphere and perfect ambiance, you’ll surely fall in love with the snow lanterns at Hirosaki Castle. Take a moment to experience the frosty winter nights at the castle. Recently, the festival has also introduced sky lantern releases. Approximately 150 snow lanterns, both large and small, along with snow sculptures, are displayed throughout the park.

Aizu candle making, a traditional craft of the Aizu region, involves hand-painted candles decorated with flowers and other intricate designs, each representing a unique artistic expression. These candles became popular in snow-heavy areas where finding fresh flowers for Buddhist altars was difficult during the winter months. The Aizu Erosoku Matsuri Festival was created to raise awareness about these beautiful handmade candles. The candles often feature seasonal flowers like chrysanthemums, peonies, and wisteria. The festival has helped spread appreciation for this unique craft.

The term 'flower candle' is said to have originated from a pair of candles lit during weddings. In the Meiji era, candles were used for lighting purposes. It is believed that in the snowy land of Aizu, people began offering these uniquely shaped candles at Buddhist altars during the flowerless winter months. The gentle glow of these candles creates a healing and soothing atmosphere as they illuminate the Tsuruga Castle during the Aizu Erosoku Matsuri.

Experience the serene beauty of the snowy landscape of Aizu as it is lit by the warm glow of about 10,000 candles at Tsurugajo Castle, Oyakuen Garden, and various other locations across the city. The Aizu Erosoku Matsuri Festival, with its dazzling Aizu Erosoku candle displays, showcases the skill of local artisans and beautifully lights up the winter nights of Aizu-Wakamatsu.

Key locations of the Aizu Erosoku Matsuri include Tsurugajo Castle and Oyakuen Garden. Visitors can climb to the top of the Tsurugajo Castle tower for a stunning view. In addition, Aizu Erosoku candles are lit simultaneously at various spots throughout the city, including Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, Higashiyama Hot Springs, Nakamichi-dori Street, Kitade Maruo-odori Street, and Noguchi Hideyo Seishun-dori Street. Take a peaceful evening stroll while admiring the unique candle designs at each location.

The Yokote Festival boasts a rich history of over 450 years. Held annually on the 15th and 16th of February in Yokote city, located in the southeastern part of Akita Prefecture, this snow festival features a unique display of snow huts known as kamakura, which are scattered across various locations in the city. Inside each kamakura, there is a snow altar dedicated to the water deity, where locals pray for abundant water. The festival stretches from the east side of Yokote Station to Yokote Castle, about 2 kilometers across the Yokote River.

Located in the Tohoku region, the Yokote Festival is one of the most enchanting winter snow festivals in Japan. Approximately 100 tall snow “Kamakura” huts, standing around 3 meters high, are built throughout the city. Each of these snow huts features a snow altar dedicated to the water deity. Along the Yokote River, hundreds of smaller kamakura lanterns are placed, illuminated by candles from sunset (around 6 PM) to 9 PM, creating a stunning sea of sparkling lights.

At Minami Elementary School, a variety of small kamakura and snow sculptures are displayed in front of the school’s charming building. Children enjoy playing in the snow and even go sledding. During the Yokote Festival, visitors can warm up with amazake (sweet rice wine) and rice cakes served inside the kamakura, wrapping guests in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. With adorable snow sculptures, winter activities, and traditional Japanese food stalls, this festival is an unforgettable experience.

Zao is home to one of Japan’s largest ski resorts and the legendary frost-covered trees known as 'Snow Monsters'. Locals believe that the smooth mounds of frost-covered giant trees are a divine creation. The Zao Juhyo Festival, held in Yamagata, is one of Japan’s most spectacular snow festivals, and Mount Zao is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the country!

The Zao Juhyo Festival takes place annually at the Zao Onsen Ski Resort from December to March. During this time, the ski resort transforms into a winter wonderland, with special events such as colorful frost light displays, the 'Winter Hanabi' fireworks show, and a snow slope performance featuring 1,000 people. The frosted trees are visible from December to March, with the peak of their beauty in February.

During winter, the snow-covered trees, combined with fierce winds, take on a monstrous appearance, resembling gigantic ice creatures. What’s truly remarkable is that these 'snow monsters' are completely natural, not man-made! Visitors can enjoy skiing, winter sports, photography, and sightseeing. The Zao Juhyo Festival kicks off the first weekend of February to celebrate the creation of these snow monsters. During the weekends, up to 1,000 participants showcase their skiing and snowboarding skills on the slopes, illuminated by LED lights. The snow monsters are also lit up, and you can enjoy the display from the ski lift.

Tsunan experiences some of the heaviest snowfall in the world, with snow depths reaching up to three meters. Since 1974, Tsunan has hosted its annual Snow Festival in early March as a way to uplift the local community who endure these harsh conditions. The sight of delicate and beautiful sky lanterns floating up and down in the sky feels like stepping into a magical world, reminiscent of Disney's Rapunzel movie.

The Tsunan Snow Festival is an annual event held in Tsunan town, Niigata Prefecture, and was originally created to rejuvenate Tsunan Station through tourism. It offers a chance to experience the joys and beauty of snow in Tsunan-cho, one of Japan's snowiest areas. There are two main locations for the festival: the “New Greenpia Tsunan Venue” (ski slope) and the “Owari no Special Venue” in the town center. The local community is known for its warm hospitality, making Tsunan a wonderful winter destination.

The festival features a variety of events, including the thrilling “Snow Jumping Contest” and the spectacular “Sky Lantern Launch”. Other activities include snow biking, snow treasure hunts, street stalls, stage performances, and fireworks. While lantern festivals in Thailand and Taiwan are well-known, the sky lantern event at the Tsunan Snow Festival is also widely recognized in Japan. Over 10,000 people visit the festival each year, which takes place in March.

Sapporo, the largest and most famous city in Hokkaido, Japan, is renowned for receiving the heaviest snowfall in the world each year. As the snow capital of Japan, it's no surprise that many festivals in Sapporo revolve around winter and snow. The most famous of these is the Sapporo Snow Festival, held annually in Odori Park in the heart of the city.

Also known as Yuki Matsuri, the Sapporo Snow Festival is widely regarded as the most famous snow festival in Japan, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It’s one of the top winter attractions in Japan and features spectacular lighting events across the country throughout the winter season. The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the longest-standing and most popular winter illuminations in Japan, taking place every year in the Hokkaido capital of Sapporo.

Held annually in February, the Sapporo Snow Festival lasts for a week and showcases hundreds of intricate ice carvings, massive snow sculptures, live concerts, food stalls, and winter lights. Remarkably, the festival began in 1950 with just six snow sculptures made by local high school students, but it has since grown into a world-renowned event. Additionally, the Sapporo White Illumination, the first winter illumination festival in Japan, was launched in 1981 and remains the largest light display in Hokkaido.

Jozankei is home to 56 hot spring sources, with temperatures ranging from 60°C to 80°C, making it an ideal place for relaxation after a busy day. Especially during the winter season, visitors shouldn’t miss the Jozankei Snow Lantern Festival, one of Japan’s most famous winter events.

The Jozankei Snow Lantern Festival is another beloved event held in Sapporo. First celebrated in 2011, the festival was conceived to welcome guests to local ryokan (Japanese inns) and hotels with the soft glow of handmade snow candles. Approximately 2,000 snow candles are placed throughout the Jozankei area, each crafted by the staff working at the hot spring resorts, adding a personal and local touch to the experience.

The festival’s highlight is the enchanting display of 1,000 snow lanterns around a local temple, which creates a magical, winter atmosphere that is unmistakably Japanese. The scene of countless glowing candles shimmering in the snow at night is nothing short of romantic, making it a perfect date spot. One of the most popular activities is the Yuki Touro, or snow lantern path, where visitors can stroll among golden-hued lights along the temple’s walkways. For a more personal touch, guests can write messages or prayers on the snow lanterns, light them, and send them to the temple’s snow tower.

The Tokamachi Snow Festival takes place annually in February over a three-day period in Niigata Prefecture, a region known for some of the heaviest snowfall in Japan. This festival is a celebration of the abundant snowfall, which is a hallmark of the area. The Tokamachi Snow Festival holds the distinction of being Japan's first snow festival, having begun in 1950—the same year the Sapporo Snow Festival was established. During this event, numerous snow sculptures are created and displayed at various locations throughout the city.

Located in the mountainous inland region of Niigata, Tokamachi City is one of the snowiest places in Japan, with snow accumulation often exceeding two meters. The heavy snowfall has led to various challenges, including a declining rural population. However, the Tokamachi Snow Festival turns this hardship into a celebration, embracing the snow as a source of pride and joy for the community.

The festival features a diverse array of snow sculptures, including works created for competition, sculptures made specifically to delight visitors, and creations by local students. The people of Tokamachi, along with local vendors, add to the festival's atmosphere by building snowmen and decorating their homes with snow along the streets, particularly in the city center.

The Tokamachi Snow Festival is less commercialized and has a more community-centered atmosphere. The festival showcases sculptures created by local residents and includes various competitions that highlight these unique works of art. The city itself becomes part of the celebration, with snow decorations adorning homes and public spaces throughout Tokamachi. The festival spreads across the city, with about 20 different festival sites of varying sizes.

The Asahikawa Winter Festival, located in Hokkaido, is the second largest winter festival in Japan after the Sapporo Snow Festival. Held every February for a week, it celebrates the theme of "snow, ice, and light." The festival takes place at two main venues: Asahii Site and Heiwa Dori. While Sapporo's Snow Festival, hosted at Odori Park, is the most famous, Asahikawa's winter celebration runs concurrently, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Though smaller in scale than the Sapporo Snow Festival, The Asahikawa Winter Festival has grown in popularity over the years and is eagerly anticipated by the locals. The main attraction at the festival is a large, stunning snow sculpture, which is unique to Hokkaido. This snow sculpture is built as a stage for musical performances and other live events held in the Asahii Area.

In Asahikawa, a large amount of snow is transported to the festival site in early winter, and it takes nearly a month to complete the magnificent snow sculptures. The main sculpture, along with a variety of other works depicting animals and famous characters, are displayed in rows at the venue. Over at Heiwa Dori, about 50 impressive ice sculptures are also displayed as part of an ice sculpture competition. At night, the sculptures are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical winter scene.

The Asahikawa Winter Festival also features close to 10 different activity booths each year, ranging from leisurely snowman building and giant mazes to more physically demanding activities. Visitors can enjoy all sorts of fun snow-related activities, sample delicious local foods from food stalls, and watch spectacular fireworks displays.