Handbook /Travel:
80 Views

Top 3 Winter Festivals not to miss out in Japan

04:25 12/22/2023

Japan is full of festivals all year round, with festivals of each season having their own charms: Spring is the season of cherry blossom festivals, huge firework displays for summer, the foliage during autumn, and snow festivals for winter.

Winter festivals in Japan allow you to learn a lot about the country’s interesting culture while also having fun, indulge yourself in the festivities, and appreciate the beauty of nature and the people here. In this article, GoEMON will introduce you to some of the best winter festivals that you should not miss out on in Japan. Let’s go! 


1. Sapporo Snow Festival 2024


When it comes to winter festivals in Japan, one that you definitely cannot fail to mention is the Sapporo Snow Festival. Located in Hokkaido - the coldest region of Japan, this is one of the largest, most well-known, and iconic winter festivals not only in Japan but also worldwide. Dating back over 70 years in 1950, the festival draws millions of visitors from all around the globe to Hokkaido each year. 


The Sapporo Snow Festival is held annually in early February at several locations throughout Sapporo City, such as Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome. The festival features hundreds of ice sculptures that come in all sizes and sorts, from famous architecture to popular anime characters. Some even reach up to 15 meters high and 25 meters wide! Without a doubt, these sculptures are the highlight of the festival. These amazing works of art are sure to mesmerize and blow your mind away! 



2. Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival 2024


Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is held in the hot springs around Lake Shikotsu in Chitose, Hokkaido. The festival also features many magnificent ice sculptures, but slightly different from those in other winter festivals. Rather than intricately carving ice, these sculptures are created by spraying water and freezing them to create ice pillars. Over time, the water builds up and freezes, creating a spectacular, magnificent, and fantastic beauty like no other. As night comes, these pillars are lit up with colorful lights, bringing a magical and enchanting beauty to the lake. 


The festival also provides a wide range of activities and events for visitors to participate in and enjoy, from ice slides, a fireworks display, traditional taiko drum performances, or ice skating. Once you have had enough fun with all the snow and ice, how about warming yourself up and relaxing in the steaming waters of the onsen nearby? 



3. Zao Snow Monster Festival 


Monster Festival is such an interesting name, don’t you think? Located in Yamagata, the Zao Snow Monster Festival another winter festival that you should not miss out on in Japan. It is held every year from late January to early March when the temperature drops below 0 degrees Celcius. During this period, the snow piles up, covering the trees in the mountain with a thick layer of ice and snow. Along with the impact of the bone-chilling Siberian winds, these snow-covered tree trunks form strange shapes that look like monsters from afar, hence the name “Monster Festival.” You can take a walk in the forest, or take the ski lift to the summit for a panoramic view of the ice monsters in the area. 


The festival will be held from late December to March. However, the ice monsters will only be at their peak during the first few weeks of February.  There are also various activities and events held in the area that you can participate in, such as fireworks shows, projection displays, and a torchlit ski descent. 



If you have the chance, definitely come to check out these gorgeous festivals for yourself. You are sure to be taken away by the beauty of ice and snow here! 


Don’t forget to follow GoEMON Global for the latest updates on life in Japan!