Top 10 Dreamlike Snow Festivals in Japan: A Romantic White Wonderland

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

● Akita Prefecture | Yokote Kamakura Festival

Dates and Times: February 15 & 16, 2016 (Festival hours: 18:00 – 21:00)

For over 450 years, Akita Prefecture has held this snow festival to honor the water deity. During the event, more than 100 snow igloos are built around the city. Children recite local poetry, while visitors can enter the kamakura (snow huts) to pay tribute to the water god and enjoy sweet sake and mochi.
Yokote Kamakura Festival. (Image source: matome.naver)
● Hokkaido | Sapporo Snow Festival

Dates and Times:
Odori Park Venue: February 5 – 11, 2016 (Open 24 hours; illuminated until 22:00)

Susukino Venue: February 5 – 11, 2016 (Open 24 hours; illuminated until 23:00, until 22:00 on the final day)
The Sapporo Snow Festival is world-renowned for its vivid and intricately crafted ice sculptures, held at three bustling locations across the city. Each year, it attracts over 2 million visitors. The artworks, made from snow and ice, feature famous landmarks and mythological figures lining the streets—making it a must-experience grand winter event.
Sapporo Snow Festival. (Image source: find-travel)

Dates and Times: January 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 – February 28, 2016 (Total of 50 days; light show hours: 17:00 – 21:00)

 Due to the region’s unique climate, trees on Mount Zaō in Yamagata Prefecture naturally freeze into spectacular natural artworks known as "snow monsters," attracting visitors from around the globe. Near the Zaō Ropeway’s Jizōdake Summit Station, you can witness an extraordinary sight—shimmering silver by day and glowing in vibrant colors by night, truly a marvel of the world.
Zaō Tree Ice Festival. (Image source: JNTO)
● Fukushima Prefecture | Aizu Yuki Candle Festival

Dates and Times: February 11 – 13, 2016 (Hours: 17:30 – 21:00)
 
Aizu yuki candles are one of Fukushima Prefecture’s most traditional crafts, with a history of 500 years. The three-day Aizu Yuki Candle Festival lights up 5,000 candles throughout Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, accompanied by concerts that create a serene atmosphere.
The "Ouchi-juku," designated as a national traditional architecture conservation district, will host a two-day snow festival in Fukuoka Prefecture. The venue will feature countless snow lanterns, along with various events such as a costume contest and a soba noodle eating competition. The highlight of the event is the nightly "Oni-bi Sai Fire," where men dressed in traditional loincloths light up each snow lantern with fire, accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display.