N Ways to Enjoy Snow: Japan’s Stunning Snow Festivals Across the Country

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

 

December in Japan is a season of heavy snowfall, and in the northern regions, winter activities go beyond skiing. Throwing snowballs, building snowmen, having snowball fights, riding snowmobiles through the mountains, or even donning snowshoes to stroll through snow-covered forests are all activities unique to winter. As the cold winds draw near, winter festivals across Japan are about to begin.

Legend has it that Shinshu-Otari is the birthplace of snow festivals. This year, the Otari Snow Festival will celebrate its 64th edition from February 15 to 17. The venue will feature over 20 attractions including snow sculptures created by locals titled “Snow Artworks,” local cuisine, a snow sports area called the “Festival Plaza,” and a massive snow stage performance known as the “Snow Carnival.” Kamakura (snow huts), originally built by residents in Japan’s Tohoku region in January to worship the water deity, involved creating snow altars to pray for a bountiful harvest and family safety. Over time, they became a major highlight of local winter culture. These kamakura are made of compacted snow and often include small charcoal braziers inside, offering a cozy retreat for visitors. In regions where snow remains deep into spring, this tradition has lasted for over 100 years. Winter visitors to Yokote can experience the joy of kamakura firsthand. Another unique winter spectacle — the Zao Tree Ice — features celebrations during its viewing period. On selected dates between December 29 and March 3, you can witness the “Glowing Tree Ice.”

Due to the low number of tourists in winter, young locals in Sobetsu Town, Hokkaido, initiated a snowball fight event in 1987 to boost the local economy. After formalizing the competition rules in 1988, the first Showa-Shinzan International Snowball Fight Competition was held the following year. Today, in addition to Japan, countries such as Finland, Norway, and Sweden also host snowball fight competitions. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Showa-Shinzan International Snowball Fight Competition, taking place on February 23 and 24, 2013.

Among Japan’s many winter festivals, the Sapporo Snow Festival, which best represents Japanese winter festivities and is also the largest in scale, will be held next year from February 5 to 11 at three venues: Odori, Tsudome, and Susukino. Approximately 250 ice and snow sculptures are expected to be on display. At the Odori venue, you can see a massive 15-meter snow sculpture and creations by Sapporo citizens, along with about 150 other ice and snow sculptures. When night falls, the illuminated displays create a dreamy atmosphere distinct from the daytime. The Asahikawa Winter Festival (February 6–11), second in scale only to the Sapporo Snow Festival, is a celebration of snow, ice, and light. Next year will mark its 54th edition, featuring giant snow and ice sculptures complemented by nighttime lighting, with fireworks shows at both the opening and closing ceremonies.