Japan enjoys a heavy snowfall every winter because of its mountainous landscape. During the winter season, you can enjoy many snow festivals with ample support and effort from the local community. Dress warmly and step out to a winter wonderland theme park. No doubt, you will have a heartwarming moment whilst enjoying the spectacular scenery.
Here are some recommendations where winter adds attraction.
Due to concerns over the potential spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the events may be cancelled or postponed.
Sapporo Snow Festival (Early February, Hokkaido)
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the planet's greatest snow spectacles. It is a wintertime extravaganza that draws millions every year in early February. Visit for a taste of Hokkaido hospitality, great food and drink, and stunning illuminations.
The festival is in the heart of Sapporo city. The main place to visit is Odori Park, displaying a magical snow museum with rows of giant and small snow sculptures. Tsudome site exhibits a fantastic snow attraction park with a long slide. Susukino site is an Ice world where a number of impressive ice sculptures are on display. Exclusive food stalls of local Hokkaido gourmet are a must to enjoy delicious charcoal BBQ crab, sea urchin rice, ramen noodles and many more local foods to indulge your senses. Step into the white snow world under the day light and the majestic atmosphere with illumination after sunset.
Yokote Snow Festival (Mid-February, Akita)
Yokote city, Akita in Japan is a heavy snowfall region and is located about three and a half hours from Tokyo by train or about one hour by a shuttle bus from Akita airport. The festival in Akita has more than a 400 year old history featuring over a hundred “Kamakura” and countless illuminated miniature “Kamakura” creating a breathtaking atmosphere. “Kamakura” refers to small huts made by carving out a mound of compacted snow. (Think “Japanese igloo”) During the festival, an altar for the Shinto water deity is set inside the Kamakura and in the evening local children sit inside inviting festival visitors to join in. Children serve visitors toasted rice cake and warm sweet fermented rice drinks. The view from the Yokote castle lookout displays a magical panorama.
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festivals (February, Aomori)
Located three hours from Tokyo by train or within one hour by bus from Aomori airport is the castle town of Hirosaki. Massive snow structures are on display relating to the historical architecture and as darkness falls, the castle tower and old pine trees are lit up with hundreds of snow lanterns creating a brilliant atmosphere. Walk into the Hasu Pond area and admire hundreds of small Kamakura providing a romantic atmosphere. Sit back, and enjoy the projection mapping that offers stunning illusion while the fireworks simultaneously illuminate the clear winter sky. Soak up and enjoy the fantasy created by the lighting and snowflakes.
