Japan in winter is stunning not only because of its picture-perfect snowy landscapes, but also for hundreds of exciting winter festivals and events.
Besides, the country itself is a great place to enjoy hot springs (onsen), plum blossoms viewing in late winter, and a list of winter outdoor activities during this time of the year.
The Hokkaido and Tohoku regions boast of having Japan’s most stunning snow festivals and winter illuminations. Although these two regions are said to be the prime winter holiday destinations, yet there are other renowned festivals to experience in other parts of Japan.
Winter festival in Japan does always associate with snow. For example, if you go to Okayama prefecture on the third Saturday in February, you will witness a festival called Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri or Naked Festival where nine thousands men wearing loincloths battle with one another to get a pair of lucky sacred sticks thrown by the priest.
If are interested in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, Hokkaido is the right place you have to visit in Japan. Besides, the region is also quite famous for highlighting giant snow and ice sculptures including glorious night illuminations through a number of winter festivals.
Seriously, if you are looking for the ultimate winter getaway in Japan, you have got to know the schedule of the events and festivals celebrated by locals and tourists alike throughout the country.
For the best Japan winter festivals including events and to make your trip full of surprise, here we share a list of must-see 2023-2024 Japan’s winter festivals and events with opening and closing dates.
Event & Festival | Place | Date |
---|---|---|
Sapporo Snow Festival | Sapporo, Hokkaido | February 4-11, 2024 |
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival | Otaru, Hokkaido | February 10-17, 2024 |
Asahikawa Winter Festival | Asahikawa, Hokkaido | February 7-12 2024 |
Chitose - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival | Lake Shikotsu hot springs, Chitose, Hokkaido | January 27 - February 25, 2024 |
Tokachi River Swan Festival Sairinka | Tokachigawa hot spring resort, Otofuke town, Hokkaido | Late January through late February |
Tomamu Ice Village | Naka-Tomamu, Shimukappu, Yufutsu, Hokkaido, Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU. | December 10, 2023 - March 14, 2024 |
Obihiro Ice Festival | Midorigaoka Park, Obihiro city, Hokkaido | Early February |
Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival | Sounkyo hot springs resort, Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido | January 27 - March 17, 2024 |
Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Spring Festival | Noboribetsu Onsen, Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaido | Early February 2024 |
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan | Shikaoi Town, Hokkaido | January 27 - March 10, 2024 |
Yokote Kamakura Festival | Yokote City, Akita, Tohoku | February 15-16, 2024 |
Sendai Pageant of Starlight | Sendai City, Miyagi | December 8-25, 2023 |
Hiburi Kamakura Festival | Kakunodate Samurai District, Akita | Mid February 2024 |
Paper Balloon Festival of Kamihinokinai | Semboku City, Akita | February 10, 2024 |
Kariwano Giant Tug of War | Daisen City, Akita | February 10, 2024 |
Namahage Sedo Matsuri | Shinzan Shrine in Oga City, Akita | Every year on the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday of February |
Inukko Festival | Yuzawa Town, Akita | The second week of February for 2 days on Saturday and Sunday |
Takeuchi (Bamboo Fight) Matsuri | Misato Town, Akita | February 11-15, 2024 |
Tokamachi Snow Festival | Tokamachi City, Niigata | Mid February 2024 |
Iwate Snow Festival | Koiwai Farm, Morioka City, Iwate | Early-Mid February 2024 |
Hirosaki Castle (Yuki-Doro) Snow Lantern Festival | Hirosaki Park, Aomori | February 9-12, 2024 |
Zao Snow Monster Festival | Zao Onsen, Yamagata | December 25, 2022 to February 28, 2023 |
Aizu Painted Candle Festival | Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima | Second week of February |
Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival | Yunishigawa Onsen, Tochigi | Late January to early March |
Dosojin Fire Festival | Nozawa Onsen, Nagano | January 15, 2024 |
Niino no Yuki Matsuri | Izu Shrine, Nagano | TBA |
Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival) | Saidaiji Temple, Okayama | Held on the third Saturday in February |
Hachinohe Enburi Festival | Hachinohe City, Aomori | Mid February |
Nagasaki Lantern Festival | Nagasaki City | February 10-24, 2024 |
Sapporo White Illumination | Sapporo City, Hokkaido | Late November 2023 to Mid March 2024 |
Hakodate Illumination | Hakodate City, Hokkaido | Early November to Late February |
Ashikaga Flower Park Flower Fantasy | Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi | Mid October 2023 to Mid February 14, 2024 |
Tsunan Snow Festival | Tsunan city, Niigata Prefecture | Mid March 2024 |
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