Partners Information: Winter has arrived in Japan! Today we’ll introduce three unique winter festivals to visit on your next trip. This article is brought to you by Tobu Japan Trip.
1. Sapporo Snow Festival
Undoubtedly one of Japan’s largest and most famous festival of snow and ice, Sapporo Snow Festival celebrates its landmark 70th event in 2019.
More than 2.5 million people are expected to attend the event. The three venues will showcase not only large, impressive works but also smaller original works. One of the event highlights is the ice sculptor’s competition.
Dates
Odori/Susukino Site: February 4 (Mon) – February 11 (Mon. holiday), 2019
Tsudome Site: January 31 (Thu) – February 11 (Mon. holiday), 2019
Official site
http://www.snowfes.com/english/index.html
Suggested accommodation
Sapporo Tobu Hotel – located in the heart of the city, this hotel is close to Nijo Fish Market and the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. It’s a great base to access all parts of the city.
Yunni no Yu – a 60 minute drive from the city in the spa district of Yubari, Yunni no Yu is a great option for both day and overnight onsen (hot spring) trips.
2. Ouchi-juku Snow Festival
Ouchi-juku is a post-town in Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture. A visit will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. The village holds a snow festival each year, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery covered in deep snow. Sample local delicacies and enjoy traditional local performances as well as a fireworks display.
If travelling from Tokyo, the Tobu Railway’s Limited Express Revaty Aizu is a convenient public transport option. The Yuttari Aizu Tobu Free Pass allows travellers to get on and off at any stop within the Kinugawa Onsen and Aizu Areas.
Dates
February 9 (Sat) – February 10 (Sun), 2019
Official site
http://ouchi-juku.com/index.php?English
3. Yunishikawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
This winter marks the 26th Kamakura Festival in Yunishikawa Onsen. Kamakura are Japanese snow-huts and the illuminated mini-kamakura of the festival are registered as an official “Night View Heritage of Japan”. In the larger kamakura, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of a winter barbecue!
The Marugoto Nikko Kinugawa Free Pass allows travellers unlimited bus and train rides within the Nikko area, helping you visit is festival more comfortably and conveniently.
Dates
January 26 (Sat) to March 3 (Sun), 2019
Official site
https://travel.tochigiji.or.jp/en/things-to-do/68/
