Winter in Japan is a breathtaking spectacle, defined not only by its enchanting snowy vistas but also by an array of vibrant and exhilarating winter festivals and events. The country itself is a haven of delightful experiences during winter, offering invigorating hot springs (onsen), exquisite views of plum blossoms in the late winter, and a plethora of outdoor activities to indulge in during this season.
Regions like Hokkaido and Akita are particularly renowned, showcasing Japan’s most remarkable snow festivals and winter illuminations. These areas are quintessential winter holiday destinations, but there are also other parts of Japan that host spectacular festivals worth experiencing. For instance, the Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri in Okayama Prefecture — held on the third Saturday in February, this unique "Naked Festival" sees thousands of men, clad only in loincloths, competing to seize a pair of sacred sticks tossed by a priest. Though it's not centered around snow like you would expect a winter festival to be, it's still worth seeing!
To truly embrace the ultimate Japanese winter experience, it’s essential to acquaint yourself with the schedules of the myriad festivals and events that captivate both locals and tourists across the country. To enhance your journey with delightful surprises, we present a curated list of must-visit winter festivals and events in Japan for 2023-2024, complete with their opening and closing dates. Check it out below:
Table of Contents
Winter Festivals in Hokkaido
Winter Festivals in Akita
Winter Festivals in Other Prefectures
More about Sapporo Snow Festival and Other Winter Festivals in Japan
Winter Festivals in Hokkaido
If you prefer a more traditional wintertime experience, or if you're a skiing and snowboarding enthusiast, then Hokkaido is the perfect place for you! The region is equally celebrated for its awe-inspiring giant snow and ice sculptures, augmented by magnificent night illuminations featured in various winter festivals.
Name of Festival | Place | Dates |
|---|---|---|
Sapporo Snow Festival | Sapporo | ​4-11 February 2024 |
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival | Otaru | 10-17 February 2024 |
Asahikawa Winter Festival | Asahikawa | 7-12 February 2024 |
Chitose - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival | Lake Shikotsu Hot Springs, Chitose | Late January - Late February 2024 |
Tokachi River Swan Festival Sairinka | Tokachigawa Hot Spring Resort, Otofuke Town | Late January - Late February 2024 |
Tomamu Ice Village | Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU | 10 December 2023 - 14 March 2024 |
Obihiro Ice Festival | Midorigaoka Park, Obihiro City | Early February 2024 |
Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival | Sounkyo Hot Springs Resort, Daisetsuzan National Park, | Late January - Late March 2024 |
Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Water Festival | Noboribetsu Onsen, Iburi Subprefecture | 3-4 February 2024 |
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan | Shikaoi Town | Late January - mid-March 2024 |
Sapporo White Illumination | Sapporo |
|
Hakodate Illumination | Hakodate | Dec 2023 - Feb 2024 |
Get more info about Sapporo Snow Festival 2024 with our guide on how to Experience the Magic of Winter at Sapporo Snow Festival 2024! Winter Festivals in Akita
Winter in Akita Prefecture is a captivating season, marked by its intense snowfall that blankets the landscapes, turning them into stunning winter wonderlands. Akita's winter is not only about its mesmerizing snowy sceneries but also vibrant festivals like the Yokote Kamakura Festival, where exquisite snow huts illuminated by candles captivate the hearts of visitors. Coupled with the delightful opportunity to relish in onsen (hot springs) amidst the cold, and savor regional culinary delights such as Kiritanpo Nabe, Akita’s winter is a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that promises an unforgettable experience.
Name of Festival | Place | Dates |
|---|---|---|
Yokote Kamakura Festival | Yokote City | 15-16 February 2024 |
Hiburi Kamakura Festival | Kakunodate Samurai District | 13-14 February 2024 |
Paper Balloon Festival of Kamihinokinai | Semboku City | 10 February 2024 |
Kariwano Giant Tug of War | Daisen City | 10 February 2024 |
Namahage Sedo Matsuri | Shinzan Shrine in Oga City | Every year on the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday of February |
Inukko Festival | Yuzawa Town | Ever year on the second weekend of February, both Saturday and Sunday |
Takeuchi (Bamboo Fight) Matsuri | Misato Town | 11-15 February 2024 |
Winter Festivals in Other Prefectures
Winter in regions of Japan outside of Hokkaido and Akita is a delightful spectrum of experiences, each with its unique charm and beauty. In Tokyo, the winter is milder but with crisp air, lit-up illuminations, and seasonal delicacies that make the city sparkle with holiday spirit. Kanagawa Prefecture brings the magic of the season alive with the enchanting Sagamiko Illumillion light display. In Kyoto, the old capital, historical temples and gardens are gracefully adorned with delicate frost, and traditional tea houses offer a warm refuge with matcha and seasonal sweets.
Nagano, known for hosting the Winter Olympics, presents majestic snow-covered alps perfect for skiing and snowboarding, while its famous Jigokudani Monkey Park welcomes snow monkeys taking refuge in its warm onsen waters. Further south, in places like Osaka and Hiroshima, winter is more subdued, yet delightful, with lesser snow but colder temperatures, and streets are adorned with beautiful illuminations and decorations, making winter in Japan beyond Hokkaido and Akita a diverse and enchanting experience.
Name of Festival | Place | Dates |
|---|---|---|
Tokamachi Snow Festival | Tokamachi City, Niigata | Mid-February 2024 |
Iwate Snow Festival | Koiwai Farm, Morioka City, Iwate | Early to Mid-February 2024 |
Hirosaki Castle (Yuki-Doro) Snow Lantern Festival | Hirosaki Park, Aomori | Mid-February 2024 |
Zao Snow Monster Festival | Zao Onsen, Yamagata | December 2023 to mid-March 2024 |
Aizu Painted Candle Festival | Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima | Second week of February 2024 |
Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival | Yunishigawa Onsen, Tochigi | Late January to early March 2024 |
Dosojin Fire Festival | Nozawa Onsen, Nagano | 15 January 2024 |
Niino no Yuki Matsuri | Izu Shrine, Nagano | 14-15 January 2024 |
Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival) | Saidaiji Temple, Okayama | Annually on the 3rd Saturday of February |
Hachinohe Enburi Festival | Hachinohe City, Aomori | Mid-February 2024 |
Nagasaki Lantern Festival | Nagasaki City | 10-24 February 2024 |
Ashikaga Flower Park Flower Fantasy | Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi | 18 October 2023 - 14 February 2024 |
Tsunan Snow Festival | Tsunan City, Niigata Prefecture | March 2024 |
More about Sapporo Snow Festival and Other Winter Festivals in Japan
Learn more about the Aizu Painted Candle Festival, Zao Snow Monster Festival, and more by checking out our guide: Can't Make It to the Sapporo Snow Festival 2024? Check Out These Other Winter Festivals in Japan! Need more travel inspiration?
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