By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
The silver-white world of harsh winter and the dazzling snowy landscapes are beautiful sights of Japan’s winter season. Around this time, the annual winter festivals and snow activities held in various regions are in full swing, attracting visitors to come and experience them. In addition to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido—home to Lake Shikaribetsu—takes advantage of its geographical features to set up an ice hotel, ice bar, ice concert hall, and ice bath on the lake. Meanwhile, in Japan’s Tohoku region, numerous snow festivals are also held. These include the illuminated shores of Lake Towada in Aomori Prefecture, where a large ski jump is set up nearby for families to enjoy skiing together, with fireworks lighting up the lake surface at night. Kamakura (snow huts) are a traditional custom in the heavy-snow region of Tohoku to celebrate the New Year. These snow huts are built from piled-up snow, with altars inside dedicated to the water deity. The Kamakura tradition in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, has a history of 400 years, and visitors here can experience the joy of being inside a snow hut.
In Zaō Town, Miyagi Prefecture, in Japan’s Tohoku region, you can witness the natural wonder of Juhyo (frost-covered trees) in winter. (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Apart from joining the festivals, the winter-exclusive scenic wonders across Japan are also not to be missed. For example, in Aomori, Tohoku, the Oirase Gorge features multiple waterfalls—including the Chōshi Falls and Kumoi Falls—where the rushing waters, upon being hit by the severe cold, instantly transform into icicles and icefalls. Bathed in sunlight, they create a stunning scene alongside the snow-blanketed stones along the shore. From early January to late February each year is the best time to admire the natural wonder of Juhyo in the Tohoku region, visible in both Zaō Town, Miyagi Prefecture, and Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture. In Nagano Prefecture, located in central Honshu, the prefecture’s main river—the Agano River—offers winter-only sightseeing boat rides called “Yukimi-bune,” where visitors can enjoy the surrounding scenery that resembles ink-wash paintings. Boat rides are available from late December to early March.
For those unable to take time off to travel to Japan, don’t be disappointed. This year, the Interchange Association, Japan, is participating in the Taiwan Lantern Festival held in Lukang, Changhua from February 6 to 19 for the first time. Under the theme “Snowflakes Fluttering” in the “Creative Lantern Area,” the association showcases the scenery of Tohoku, including Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, the Golden Hall of Chūson-ji Temple in Iwate Prefecture, the snow lanterns of Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture, the snow huts of Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, and the mascot MUSUBI-MARU of Miyagi Prefecture—allowing the public to experience the charm of Japan’s winter.
Japan’s Major Winter Festivals:
【Hokkaido】
Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo City)
Date: February 6–12
Venue: Odori Park, Makomanai, Susukino
Shikotsu Lake Ice Festival (Chitose City)
Date: January 27–February 12
Venue: Shikotsu Lake
Asahikawa Winter Festival (Asahikawa City)
Date: February 8–12
Venue: Ishikari River, Asahikawa Shopping Park, Tokiwa Park, & Shichijo Green Road Venue
Diamond Ice Party
Date: January 20–February 20
Venue: Kawakami Onsen at Lake Mashū
Kotan at Lake Shikaribetsu (Kato District)
Date: January 28–March 31
Venue: Lake Shikaribetsu
Icebreaking Sightseeing Cruise GARINNKO
Date: January 20–March 31
Venue: Monbetsu
Icebreaking Sightseeing Cruise ORORA
Date: January 20–March 31
Venue: Abashiri
【Tohoku Region】
Towada Winter Story (Aomori Prefecture)
Dates: February 3 to 26
Venue: Lake Towada
Yokote Kamakura Festival (Akita Prefecture)
Dates: February 15 to 16
Venues: Yokote Park, Hagurocho, Futaba-cho
Iwate Snow Festival (Iwate Prefecture)
Dates: February 4 to 12
Venue: Koaike Ranch
Aizu Hanga Candle Festival (Fukushima Prefecture)
Dates: February 10 to 11
Venue: Tsuruga Castle, Aizuwakamatsu City
【Chubu Region】
Tokamachi Snow Festival (Niigata Prefecture)
Dates: February 17 to 19
Venue: Tokamachi