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Eight Must-see Japanese Winter Festivals in 2024/2025

Picture this: you’re dressed head-to-toe in festival clothing, admiring the twinkling lights above, and enjoying a traditional beverage. But hang on, it’s not summer anymore. It’s the start of winter! We’re not talking about summer festivals but Japanese winter festivals — one of Japan’s more underrated seasonal celebrations.

In this article, we’re sharing eight unique festivals for you to explore and one bonus winter event that we think you’d love. From iconic competitions in Hokkaido to cozy mountain getaways, we hope you find something to add to your bucket list this winter.

 

1. Chichibu Yomatsuri (Saitama)

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Dates: December 2–3 annually

About two hours from Tokyo Station lies the charming city of Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture, renowned for the Chichibu Kannon Pilgrimage route which takes travelers through the scenic Chichibu to visit 34 Kannon temples scattered about the area. The city is also famous for hosting the Chichibu Yomatsuri, or Chichibu Night Festival, a two-day event celebrated on December 2–3 and recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

Chichibu Shrine takes center stage during this festival, featuring intricately designed kasahoko (umbrella floats), vibrant food stalls, and an impressive two-hour fireworks display. December 2 plays host to the Yoimiya (festival eve vigil), where some of the main floats come out and are paraded around town. December 3 is the main festival when all the floats are brought out (including some weighing over 20 tons) and the streets are filled with the joyous sounds of yatai-bayashi —instrumental music accompanied by taiko drums. On top of it all, fireworks will be going off overhead, making this event a must-see for any traveler. This event is celebrated as one of Japan’s three most famous float-pulling festivals; the others are Kyoto’s Gion Festival and Hida’s Takayama Festival.

Accommodations may be limited in the city, but you can also stay in or around Ikebukuro Station as it serves as a main stop for the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Limited Express, one of the lines that will be running additional trains for the duration of the festival.

 

2. Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (Hokkaido)

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Dates: February 1–24, 2024

Nestled in the picturesque mountains, Lake Shikotsu is a captivating gem within Hokkaido's Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Known for its serene boating and fishing opportunities in the summer, the lake transforms into a winter wonderland during the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, which is scheduled from February 1 to 24, 2025.

During this enchanting festival, Lake Shikotsu comes alive with stunning ice sculptures crafted by spraying and freezing the water from the lake, creating mesmerizing formations that reflect the beauty of winter. By day, the lake showcases its signature blue waters; but at night, vibrant lights illuminate the ice creations, producing a magical atmosphere that delights visitors.

Travelers can easily reach the Ice Festival via a taxi from New Chitose Airport or take the Chuo bus, which takes about 55 minutes and costs around 1,260 JPY. If you plan to experience both the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival and the Sapporo Snow Festival, we recommend booking accommodations and transportation in advance, as these events attract many visitors.

 

3. Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido)

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Dates: February 4–11, 2025

One of Japan's most famous winter festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival spans eight days and attracts visitors from around the globe. The 75th edition of one of the world’s largest snow festivals will run from February 4 to 11, 2025. Sapporo Snow Festival originated in 1950 when local students built sculptures in Odori Park. It was held in conjunction with snowball fights among other events, and more than 50,000 people gathered to play and celebrate the snow.

If you plan to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival, you should know the three venues and what makes them famous. The main venue, Odori, is full of sculptures, objets d’art, a snow slide, and other winter activities such as curling.

Tsudome is a more family-friendly albeit less centrally located venue. Families can ride down on snow tubes and snow rafts, try some snow-based activities, and more. Meanwhile, Susukino features various ice sculptures.

Check out our guide to Sapporo Snow Festival for more details!

 

4. Yokote Snow Festival (Akita)

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Dates: February 15–16 annually

The Yokote Snow Festival, held in Yokote City of Akita Prefecture, is a captivating winter celebration that has been cherished for 450 years. Known for its heavy snowfall, Yokote provides a unique backdrop where traditional snow domes, or kamakura, create an enchanting winter wonderland.

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Within each kamakura is a snow altar built to honor the water deity and pray for ample clear water. Visitors are invited to eat rice cakes and drink amazake, a lightly alcoholic fermented rice drink, together with the locals. The grounds of Yokote Minami Primary School and Janosaki River Beach are adorned with rows of miniature kamakura, casting a warm glow that brightens the cold February nights.

To reach the festival, travelers can take the Akita Shinkansen to Omagari Station, then transfer to the JR Ou Line for a direct route to Yokote Station. This charming festival is a delightful way to experience Japan's folk winter traditions and is well worth visiting!

 

5. Tsunan Snow Festival (Niigata)

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Date: March 8, 2025

The Tsunan Snow Festival in Niigata Prefecture is a remarkable event celebrating the local community's resilience in the face of heavy snowfall, which can reach up to 10 feet (three meters) during the winter months. This unique festival, which started in 1974, was a way to boost the spirits of the residents but has since attracted visitors across and even beyond the country to join in the festivities.

During the festival, attendees can enjoy activities such as snow tube slides and performances featuring fire-wielders inspired by local deities. The festival also includes food stalls and musical acts, ensuring entertainment throughout the day. As night falls, the event welcomes its highlight — a breathtaking launch of thousands of lanterns into the winter sky, creating a magical atmosphere.

There are several ways to get to Tsunan and the venue, but the simplest way is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station and then switch to the JR Iiyama Line bound for Tsunan Station. During the festival, there will be shuttle buses to and from the station.

 

6. Nozawa Fire Festival (Nagano)

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Dates: January 13–15 annually (main event on January 15)

The Nozawa Fire Festival or Dosojin Matsuri in Nozawa Onsen of Nagano Prefecture is celebrated every year in mid-January and is one of Japan’s most iconic fire festivals. This vibrant event features towering flames and snow-covered landscapes, drawing visitors to the fiery spectacle. The festival begins with the construction of a shaden, a shrine made from local trees that is carried through the town by villagers. The construction usually finishes around noon on the 15th.

On the main festival day, a lively "battle" ensues, culminating in the shaden being ignited with torches. Men aged 25 and 42, traditionally considered unlucky ages, are tasked with protecting the shaden from the fire. The celebration lasts well into the night, making it essential for visitors to secure local accommodations in advance.

 

7. Aizu Painted Candle Festival (Fukushima)

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Dates: February 7–8, 2025

The Aizu Painted Candle Festival, held annually on the second Friday and Saturday of February in Aizuwakamatsu City, showcases the region's traditional craft of hand-painted candles, or erosoku. Approximately 10,000 of these candles, adorned with vividly painted flowers, will be lit throughout various locations in the city, with Tsuruga Castle being the main venue. The illuminated candles against the snowy backdrop creates a mesmerizing atmosphere.

 

8. Shizukuishi Winter Festa in Koiwai Farm (Iwate)

Dates: January 25–February 16, 2025

Shizukuishi Winter Festa at Koiwai Farm is the successor event of the Iwate Snow Festival which had been a winter tradition in Iwate. The event is held at Koiwai Farm from late January to mid-February. You can enjoy winter activities such as banana boats and snow trekking. There are also food trucks offering local gourmet delights and even fireworks on Saturday nights.

 

Bonus: Setagaya Boro-ichi (Tokyo)

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Dates: December 15–16, January 15–16 annually

Here’s a bonus event for travelers passing by Tokyo! Situated in the trendy Setagaya Ward, the Setagaya Boro-ichi is a unique and historically significant event recognized as an intangible cultural asset of Tokyo. This annual flea market has roots dating back to 1578, originally serving as a venue for trading boro (old fabric scraps). 

Over the years, the event has evolved beyond its modest beginnings, transforming into a vibrant marketplace that showcases a diverse array of goods including vintage clothing, handcrafted items, and local delicacies. Despite its growth, several stalls still honor its heritage by selling fabric and apparel, reflecting the market's origins. Spanning four days, this lively gathering attracts locals and visitors alike, creating a bustling atmosphere filled with the spirit of community and tradition. 

 

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