Too cold to move but still worth it for the snow viewing experience – a special roundup of Japan’s winter festivals

Reported by Reporter Yu  / Comprehensive coverage

As December arrives, streets are adorned with dazzling lights to welcome Christmas and the New Year, and various regions across Japan begin a series of winter festival events. Under the glow of white snow, the earth appears pure and immaculate, and the glittering snow holds a magical charm. In addition to skiing, Japan’s winter activities also include having snowball fights, building snowmen, playing in the snow, riding snowmobiles through the mountains, or even putting on snowshoes to stroll through forests blanketed in thick snow.


▲ A winter wonderland in Northeastern Japan – the Zao Ice Monsters. (Photo / Courtesy of www.zao-sumikawa.jp)

Among Japan’s many winter festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival, which best represents the season and is the largest in scale, will be held at three venues: Odori Park, Tsudome, and Susukino. Approximately 250 ice and snow sculptures are expected to be on display. At Odori Park, visitors can admire a massive 15-meter snow sculpture as well as around 150 snow sculptures created by Sapporo citizens, with the illuminated nighttime scenery offering a dreamlike view distinct from the daytime.

The Asahikawa Winter Festival, second in scale only to the Sapporo Snow Festival, is a celebration that combines snow, ice, and light. Next year will mark its 54th edition, featuring giant snow and ice sculptures enhanced by evening illuminations, plus fireworks displays at both the opening and closing ceremonies. A world transformed into a sparkling white wonderland.


▲ The Sapporo Snow Festival, representing Japan’s winter celebrations and the largest of its kind. (Photo / Courtesy of www.snowfes.com)

This year’s Yokote Snow Festival will celebrate its 64th edition. The venue will feature snow sculptures created by local citizens, known as “snow artworks,” and a large stage performance built from piled snow called the “Snow Carnival.” The Kamakura (snow huts), originally built by residents in Japan’s Tohoku region in January to worship the water deity, were used to pray for a bountiful year by creating divine seats out of snow. Over time, they have become one of the festival’s main highlights.
Inside the Kamakura, there are tables and chairs made of snow – a novelty that attracts many visitors. Currently, some restaurants have taken advantage of this feature by using the snow huts as private dining spaces. In Akita Prefecture’s Yokote area, this tradition is still preserved, with legends stating the custom dates back 400 years. Visitors to Yokote in winter can experience the joy of Kamakura firsthand. Additionally, there is a uniquely winter phenomenon – the Zao Ice Monsters. During the viewing period, various celebratory events are held, and on selected dates between December 29 and March 3, you can witness the “Glowing Ice Monsters.”

Since 1987, the town of Sobetsu in Hokkaido has initiated a snowball fight movement in winter. After officially establishing competition rules in 1988, the first Shakotan International Snowball Fight Tournament was held the following year. Today, in addition to Japan, countries such as Finland, Norway, and Sweden have also joined in hosting snowball fight competitions. This year marks the 25th Shakotan International Snowball Fight Tournament, scheduled for February 23–24, 2013. The vibrant and colorful snowy landscapes are a dream sight for people from subtropical regions like Taiwan. Visit Japan in winter to experience the white romance and seasonal festivities not found back home.


▲ Zao Ice Monsters. (Photo / Courtesy of www.zao-sumikawa.jp)

Winter festival events across Japan are as follows:

[Sapporo Snow Festival]                    
Dates: February 5–11
Locations: Odori Park, Makomanai, Susukino

[Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival]          
Dates: January 25–27
Location: Shikotsu Lake

[Otaru Snow Light Path]         
Dates: February 8–17
Location: Otaru Canal

[Asahikawa Winter Festival]               
Dates: February 6–11
Locations: Ishikari River, Asahikawa Shopping Park, Tokiwa Park, and Dairoku Green Road Venue

[Sounkyo Ice Festival]         
Dates: January 19 – March 31
Location: Sounkyo Onsen Town

[Diamond Dust Party]          
Dates: December 20 – March 20
Location: Kawayu Onsen at Lake Mashū

【Lake Shikaribetsu KOTAN】            
Date: January 26 ~ March 31
Location: Lake Shikaribetsu

【Icebreaker Cruise (GARINNKO)】
Date: January 20 ~ March 31
Location: Monbetsu

【Icebreaker Cruise (ORORA)】
Date: January 20 ~ March 31
Location: Abashiri

【Towada Winter Story (Aomori Prefecture)】
Date: February 1 ~ 24
Location: Lake Towada

【Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (Aomori Prefecture)】
Date: February 8 ~ 11
Location: Hirosaki Park

【Yokote Kamakura Festival (Akita Prefecture)】
Date: February 15 ~ 16
Location: Yokote Park, Hagurocho, Futaba-cho

【Yokote Yuki Matsuri (Niigata Prefecture)】
Date: February 15 ~ 17
Location: Yuzawa

【Zao Ice Monster Festival (Yamagata Prefecture)】
Date: December 29, 2012 ~ January 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 ~ March 3, 2013
Location: Zao Onsen

【Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival (Yamagata Prefecture)】
Date: February 9 ~ 10
Location: Uesugi Shrine, Matsukasa Park

【Iwate Snow Festival (Iwate Prefecture)】
Date: February 4 ~ 12
Location: Koaike Ranch

【Aizu Edo-Wax Candle Festival (Fukushima Prefecture)】
Date: February 8–9
Location: Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Tsuruga Castle

【Ouchi-juku Festival (Fukushima Prefecture)】
Date: February 9
Location: Ouchi-juku


▲Snowmen built by visitors at the Sapporo Snow Festival in previous years. (Photo / from www.snowfes.com)