Japan is a country that offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions all year round — each season has its own charm and attractions, making it a perfect destination for any time of the year. While many travelers flock to Japan during the cherry blossom season or the vibrant fall, winter is an underrated time to visit this beautiful country: Japan in winter is a magical wonderland, with pristine snowscapes, breathtaking illuminations, and unique festivals that cannot be experienced at any other time of the year, not to mention the thrill of winter sports in world-class ski resorts, and the comfort of soaking in an onsen while surrounded by snow. Whether it be marveling at luminous displays or participating in exhilarating winter sports, visitors can bask in an enchanting wonderland that only Japan’s chilliest season can offer!
Our Favorite Winter Festivals in Japan
During the winter in Japan, festivals become even more enchanting. Thanks to a blanket of snow all over the country, which adds an extra layer of excitement, visitors can explore many events in Sapporo, Tokyo, Kobe, and more, each offering different experiences for every taste — from sparkly light displays to impressive ice sculptures combined with music performances, there's something for everyone!
Klook Tip: Early February is among the best time periods when one can take pleasure from some winter festivities throughout Japan. Every event provides a unique journey filled with ample amounts of frosty fun where visitors are treated to amazing snow-filled adventures!
Don't know which winter festival in Japan to start your trip with? Don't fret — we've listed down some of our recommendations below:
Sapporo Snow Festival
Probably the most popular winter festival in Japan, the Sapporo Snow Festival lures visitors from far and wide to experience a unique winter wonderland within the city. Home to towering ice sculptures reaching up to 25 meters in width and 15 meters in height, as well as over one hundred smaller snow statues, it is no surprise that people travel so eagerly for this incredible event every year. There are three locations - Odori Site with its grandiose snowy artwork, Susukino Site offering dazzling ice creations while Tsudome Site presents guests interactive activities such as curling or sliding on an inflatable sledding hill – each of them carries spectacular attractions awaiting discovery by any curious visitor.
Otaru Winter Illumination (Otaru Snow Light Path Festival)
The festival, which usually takes place in February, coincides with the Sapporo Snow Festival, making it a popular side trip for visitors. During the festival, the locals place candles in handmade snow lanterns, which are then set out on the streets and along the canal, creating a romantic path of twinkling lights. The reflection of the flickering candlelight on the snow-covered city and the tranquil canal offers a truly mesmerizing sight, making the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival an unforgettable winter experience.
The festival also features a variety of events and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere. While the festival is free to attend, visitors are encouraged to make a small contribution to support the local community in maintaining this beautiful tradition.
Nagasaki Lantern Festival
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is not just a feast for the eyes but also a cultural celebration that brings together the local community and visitors from around the world. Over a period of 15 days, the city is adorned with thousands of beautiful lanterns that light up the streets, parks, and temples, creating a magical atmosphere. The lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional red lanterns symbolizing good fortune and happiness, to elaborate shapes of zodiac animals and mythical creatures.
The festival also features a variety of events including Chinese acrobatics, dragon dances, and traditional Chinese music performances, offering visitors an immersive experience of Chinese culture. Food stalls serving Chinese delicacies line the streets, providing a gastronomic adventure for food lovers.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is a must-see event for any visitor to Hokkaido who wants to take in the icy beauty of the region. Marvel at breathtaking ice sculptures made from lake water and illuminated by colorful lights, creating an incredible sight when night falls. The creators use unique methods such as spraying and freezing lakewater until it forms captivating pieces of art across different shapes and sizes, adding more wonderment to your experience!
Yokote Snow Festival
The Yokote Snow Festival, held annually in Akita Prefecture and with a longstanding history of over 450 years, is famed for its distinctive kamakura. These structures resembling igloos are spread across the city. Visitors can go inside to enjoy warm amazake - a traditional sweet rice drink - as well as some delicious local rice cakes.
Each one of these snow huts represents hospitality during wintertime: by taking part in this time-honoured tradition, you gain more insight into Japanese winter culture and the people who continue it yearly. So if you get an opportunity, don’t miss out on experiencing both amasake’s sugary flavour while being surrounded by unique snow formations at Yokote!
Aizu Painted Candle Festival
The Aizu Painted Candle Festival is a unique winter event held in Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture. This festival showcases the beautiful and intricate art of painting on candles, a tradition that has been practiced in Aizu for over 400 years. The candles are hand-drawn by skilled artisans, featuring intricate designs that are often inspired by nature and traditional Japanese motifs.
During the festival, hundreds of these beautifully painted candles are displayed, illuminating the snowy landscape with their warm glow. The sight of these candles, each one a work of art, flickering in the winter night is truly enchanting. Visitors can also participate in various activities such as candle-making workshops and traditional tea ceremonies, making it a captivating event that combines art, culture, and the serene beauty of winter.
Japan 2024 Winter Festivals Calendar
Winter Festivals in Hokkaido
Festival | Location | 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 | Odori Park: 22 Nov - 25 Dec 2023 Sapporo Station Ekimaedori: 22 Nov 2023 - 11 Feb 2024 Minami 1-jo dori: 22 Nov 2023 - 14 Mar 2024 Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla): 22 Nov 2023 - 14 Mar 2024 JR Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza: 22 Nov 2023 - 14 Mar 2024 German Christmas Market in Sapporo: 22 Nov - 25 Dec 2023 |
Hakodate Illumination | Hakodate | Dec 2023 - Feb 2024 |
Winter Festivals in Akita
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
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 |
Winter Illuminations in Japan
Apart from the winter festivals, another magical experience that Japan offers during the winter season is its stunning winter illuminations. These illuminations transform cities across Japan into enchanting displays of light and color. From Tokyo to Hokkaido, various regions in Japan put on their own unique light shows, each with a different theme and style, offering a mesmerizing spectacle that is sure to captivate any visitor.
In Tokyo, the Shinjuku Terrace City Illumination is a must-see. The lights are draped like a curtain of stars, creating a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. The Yokohama Minato Mirai area also hosts a spectacular light show that reflects beautifully on the water, adding to the magical ambiance.
In Osaka, the Festival of the Lights features two main illumination events: the Midosuji Illumination and the Hikari Renaissance. The Midosuji Illumination is recognized by the Guinness World Records as featuring the most illuminated trees along a street, while the Hikari Renaissance includes projection mapping on historical buildings.
Hokkaido, known for its heavy snowfall, hosts the Sapporo White Illumination, where trees and structures are covered in snow and illuminated, creating a winter wonderland.
These winter illuminations are not only a feast for the eyes but also an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions. So, if you're planning a trip to Japan during the winter season, make sure to include these illuminations in your itinerary!
Winter Activities in Japan Beyond the Festivals
The winter season in Japan provides myriad opportunities to explore the country’s majestic offerings, beyond just attending its celebrated festivals. From exciting skiing and snowboarding adventures to blissful onsen escapes, there are so many ways of embracing the unique Japanese winter experience that will surely create lasting memories!
Take advantage of this beautiful time period and discover all that awaits you, truly a rewarding way to better understand why Japan is considered such an exceptional place for winter activities.
Skiing and Snowboarding Adventures
For winter sports fans, a trip to Japan’s snow-covered mountains offers some of the most incredible skiing and snowboarding experiences. Popular ski resorts in this destination are Niseko, Shiga Kogen Resort, Zao Ski Resort, Furano Ski Resort and Nozawa Ski Resort, so there is plenty to choose from!
The peak season for hitting the slopes runs from mid-December through late March with January being especially suited for those searching for powdery terrain. Early February brings ideal conditions as well. So get your gear ready and enjoy an amazing journey on one of Japan’s top ski sites.
Onsen Escapes Amidst the Snow
Japan in the winter is an ideal spot for experiencing festivals or hitting the slopes. As a way to escape the chill of temperatures, nothing beats taking pleasure in a hot spring soak known as onsen. Found all over Japan, these baths offer visitors plenty of health benefits such as improved circulation and stress reduction, not forgetting utter relaxation!
A visit to one will be great during your stay if you are looking to enjoy nature’s snow-covered wonders. It’ll definitely reinvigorate anyone who wishes for some winter bliss while touring around this beautiful country.
Don't miss these winter activities for your Japan itinerary! 🗻
Activities
✨ Hokkaido
✨ Gifu
Shirakawago Light-up Event only happens 6 days in a year, so be sure to book early!
✨ Mt. Fuji
🚌 Ski Resort Transfers⛷️
🍣 Japan Essentials🍣
🚅Trains & Airport Transfers
📌Mobile Data & Metro Passes
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