Winter Festivals in Japan for the 2026–2027 Season
Jan 11, 2025
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Where: Sapporo, Hokkaido
When: February 4–11, 2027
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most exciting winter events. The 77th edition takes place across three venues in central Sapporo: Odori Park, the Tsudome site, and Susukino. The festival is one of the largest winter events in the world.
You'll find everything from famous landmarks to beloved characters sculpted in snow. At night, the sculptures light up, turning the park into an open-air gallery after dark. You can try snow slides and other activities at the Tsudome site for extra fun.
Getting There: Fly to New Chitose Airport (about 1.5 hours from Tokyo), then take the JR rapid train to Sapporo Station in roughly 37 minutes. The main Odori Park venue is a short walk from Odori Station. Admission to all venues is free.
Pro Tip: Bundle up in layers, as temperatures can drop below freezing. Warm up with a steaming bowl of Hokkaido's famous miso ramen.
Where: Lake Shikotsu, Chitose City, Hokkaido
When: February 6 – March 1, 2027
The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival features towering ice formations created by spraying the pure waters of Lake Shikotsu onto metal frames. Set within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the sculptures take on a natural blue tint from the lake water and glow under colorful lights after dark.
The festival runs daily from 10AM to 8PM, with illuminations starting at 4:30PM. During the day, you can walk through ice tunnels and admire the frozen structures up close. In the evening, the colored lighting transforms the venue into something entirely different.
Lake Shikotsu pairs well with the Sapporo Snow Festival for a Hokkaido winter itinerary. The area also has several onsen resorts along the lakeshore where you can warm up after exploring the ice displays.
Getting There: About 55 minutes by bus from New Chitose Airport (approximately ¥1,260 one way).
Pro Tip: Visit after sunset to see the ice sculptures illuminated, then soak in one of the lakeside hot springs before heading back.
Where: Otaru, Hokkaido
When: February 5–12, 2027
The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in Hokkaido transforms the town into a winter wonderland with glowing lanterns and snow sculptures lining the streets and canals. Candle-lit snow lanterns along the Otaru Canal create a serene atmosphere while the historical streets are softly illuminated.
You can enjoy local seafood and sweet treats from nearby vendors. Pairing a visit with the nearby Sapporo Snow Festival is a great idea, and bringing a camera is essential for capturing the beautiful scenes.
Pro Tip: Visit during twilight to see the lights transition from dusk to evening. Pair the experience with Otaru's fresh seafood and sweet treats like cream puffs.
Where: Yokote, Akita Prefecture
When: February 2027 (exact dates not yet announced; check the official site before booking)
The Yokote Kamakura Festival in Akita Prefecture is over 450 years old and showcases Kamakura, which are igloo-like snow houses. You can go inside these snow structures to enjoy warm amazake and sweet rice cakes served by children.
The area around Yokote Castle is incredibly scenic, blanketed in snow, and offers a great spot to explore. The festival also includes traditional performances and activities like snow rafting.
To make the most of the event, wear snow boots to move safely on icy paths and talk with locals to learn more about this long-standing tradition.
Pro Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to participate in traditional prayers for a good harvest at the altars inside the Kamakura.
Where: Kuwana, Mie Prefecture
When: October 2026 – May 2027
Nabana no Sato's winter illumination in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, is one of Japan's best-known light displays. The main attraction is the Tunnel of Lights, a walkway filled with thousands of glowing LED lights.
You can also enjoy lit-up gardens, ponds, and displays inspired by famous landmarks and natural scenery. It's a good idea to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and check the weather for clear skies to fully enjoy the illumination.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a soak in the nearby hot springs or a ride on the Nagashima Spa Land's roller coasters.
Where: Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata Prefecture
When: Late December 2026 – February 2027
The snow-covered trees at Zao, called "snow monsters", are a natural wonder in Japan. In winter, these frosty formations look even more beautiful when lit up at night. You can ski or snowboard among the glowing snow monsters or join a snowcat night tour for a closer look.
After spending time in the cold, relaxing in Zao's hot springs is a great way to warm up. Check the illumination schedule before visiting and dress in layers to stay warm in the freezing temperatures.
Pro Tip: Stay at a traditional ryokan in Zao Onsen to enjoy the hot springs after a day of adventure.
Where: Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture
When: January 15, 2027
The Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Fire Festival is one of Japan's most celebrated fire festivals and a thrilling event full of tradition. Held every January 15 in the village of Nozawa Onsen, it features an intense fire battle where villagers defend a large wooden shrine from flames.
Alongside the excitement, you can enjoy traditional music, sip on local sake, and relax in the village's famous hot springs after the festivities. To fully enjoy the event, arrive early to get a good spot, and always follow safety guidelines, as the festival involves large open flames.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Pair your visit with a soak in one of Nozawa's 13 free public hot springs.
Where: Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture
When: December 2–3 (annually)
The Chichibu Night Festival is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event and one of the earliest winter festivals on the calendar. Held each year on December 2 and 3, it features six massive kasahoko (umbrella floats) weighing over 20 tons each, paraded through the streets by teams of festival-goers.
The main evening of December 3 includes a two-hour fireworks display over the Chichibu hills, set against the backdrop of the illuminated floats. The rhythmic yatai-bayashi music, driven by taiko drums, fills the town throughout both nights.
As the closest major winter festival to Tokyo (about 2 hours by train on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station), Chichibu is an easy addition to a Tokyo-based itinerary.
Pro Tip: Plan for December 3 (the main day) to see all six floats paraded and the full fireworks display. Streets get crowded early, so arrive by late afternoon.
Where: Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture
When: February 2027 (exact dates not yet confirmed)
The Tokamachi Snow Festival in Niigata Prefecture is a community-focused celebration of snow and art. This event features large snow stages for live music and dance performances, along with beautifully crafted snow sculptures made by residents and artists.
The festival also includes a fireworks display over the snowy landscape. You can enjoy activities like snowshoeing and explore local markets to find unique souvenirs.
Pro Tip: Dress warmly and try Niigata's famous sake and rice dishes.
Where: Lake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture
When: Weekends from January to February 2027
The Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks are a highlight of the season, set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. The fireworks light up the frozen surface of Lake Kawaguchiko, creating a reflection of light against the frozen lake surface with the silhouette of Mount Fuji directly behind.
Held on weekends from January to February, you can enjoy local food and drinks from nearby stalls. On clear days, the views of Mount Fuji are at their clearest.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot near the lake, and bring blankets or portable heaters to stay warm during the show.
Where: Zenkoji Temple, Nagano City
When: February 2027 (exact dates not yet confirmed)
The Nagano Lantern Festival transforms the grounds of Zenkoji Temple with thousands of colorful lanterns. Thousands of illuminated lanterns line the temple grounds, creating a peaceful and magical atmosphere.
The festival has ties to the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and celebrates the city's culture. You can enjoy traditional music and performances while exploring the temple. Nearby stalls offer local specialties like soba and sake.
Pro Tip: Visit Zenkoji Temple at sunset to see the lanterns light up, and don't forget to capture the stunning views.
Where: Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture
When: Selected dates in January and February 2027
Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its winter light-up events. The gassho-zukuri houses with steep roofs are lit at night, creating a beautiful scene against the snowy backdrop.
You can enjoy amazing views from the Shiroyama Observatory Deck and experience the warm hospitality of locals who serve hot drinks and meals. To enjoy this popular event, check the official light-up website for ticketing requirements, as capacity is limited and reservations typically open months in advance.
Pro Tip: Wear waterproof shoes for walking through the snowy village.
With 12 festivals spread across different regions, you can group several into one trip. In Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival overlap in early February. Otaru's Snow Light Path runs at the same time, so you can cover all of them from a Sapporo base.
In the Chubu region, Nozawa Onsen and the Nagano Lantern Festival are within a few hours of each other by train. Shirakawa-go is also reachable from the same corridor. For a shorter trip from Tokyo, Chichibu (December) and Kawaguchiko (January through February weekends) are both reachable in about two hours.
Trip To Japan, a certified travel agency in Japan, can help you build a custom itinerary around these festivals with bookable tours, hotels, and guided experiences. Use the "Create Trip" feature to plan your Japan trip with local support and easy cancellation.
