Winter in Japan is a special time filled with unique experiences and cultural treasures. From sipping warm sake in a snow house to admiring lantern-lit streets or giant ice sculptures, there’s something magical about this season.
These festivals are a fun way to explore Japanese traditions, taste amazing local food, and make lasting memories. In this guide, you’ll find the top winter festivals in Japan for 2025, helping you plan a trip full of exciting and unforgettable moments.
Where: Sapporo, Hokkaido
When: February 5-11, 2025
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most exciting winter events, attracting millions of visitors annually. Taking place in Sapporo, Hokkaido, it features incredible snow and ice sculptures displayed at Odori Park, the Tsudome site, and Susukino.
You’ll find everything from famous landmarks to beloved characters sculpted in snow. At night, the sculptures light up, creating a magical winter vibe. You can try snow slides and other activities at the Tsudome site for extra fun.
Pro Tip: Bundle up in layers, as temperatures can drop below freezing. Warm up with a steaming bowl of Hokkaido’s famous miso ramen.
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Where: Otaru, Hokkaido
When: February 9-16, 2025
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.
Visitors can enjoy local seafood and sweet treats from nearby vendors, making it a delightful experience. 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 15-17, 2025
The Yokote Kamakura Festival in Akita Prefecture is over 450 years old and showcases Kamakura, which are igloo-like snow houses. Visitors 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 2024 - May 2025
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.
Visitors 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 2024 - February 2025
The snow-covered trees at Zao, called “snow monsters” (凍立), are a natural wonder in Japan. In winter, these frosty formations look even more beautiful when lit up at night. Visitors 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, 2025
The Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Fire Festival is one of Japan's three major 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, visitors 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: Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture
When: February 23-25, 2025
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 stunning fireworks display that lights up the snowy landscape. Visitors 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 2025
The Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks are a highlight of the season, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji. The fireworks light up the frozen surface of Lake Kawaguchiko, creating a beautiful reflection and an unforgettable winter scene.
Held on weekends from January to February, this event offers visitors the chance to enjoy local food and drinks from nearby stalls. On clear days, the views of Mount Fuji are especially breathtaking.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot near the lake, and bring blankets or portable heaters to stay warm during the show.
Enjoy a fun day trip to Mt. Fuji and its beautiful surroundings.
Where: Zenkoji Temple, Nagano City
When: February 6-12, 2025
The Nagano Lantern Festival transforms Zenkoji Temple into a breathtaking site filled with colorful lanterns. Thousands of illuminated lanterns line the temple grounds, creating a peaceful and magical atmosphere.
This festival is rooted in tradition, with events commemorating the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and celebrating the city’s culture. Visitors can enjoy traditional music and performances while exploring the temple. Nearby stalls offer local specialties like soba and sake, adding a culinary treat to the experience.
Pro Tip: Visit Zenkoji Temple at sunset to see the lanterns light up, and don’t forget to capture the stunning views.
Discover the enchanting Snow Monkey Park in Nagano.
Where: Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture
When: Selected dates in January and February 2025
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.
Visitors 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, it is important to pre-book tickets, as spots are limited.
Pro Tip: Wearing waterproof shoes is recommended for walking through the snowy village.
Step into a world where tradition meets tranquility traveling to Shirakawago from Takayama.
Japan’s winter festivals offer an incredible mix of culture, natural beauty, and unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. From illuminated snow sculptures to lantern-lit streets and breathtaking fireworks, these events bring the season to life.
By exploring these festivals, you’ll discover not only Japan’s vibrant traditions but also the warmth and hospitality of its people. With so many exciting options, your winter in Japan is sure to be unforgettable.
Japan hosts countless festivals, but the following are often considered the top three:
Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido): The largest snow festival featuring grand sculptures and winter activities.
Gion Matsuri (Kyoto): A summer festival with historic floats, traditional performances, and rich cultural heritage.
Awa Odori (Tokushima): Japan’s most famous dance festival, held in August, showcasing lively traditional dancing and music.
Hokkaido is often considered Japan’s winter wonderland due to its heavy snowfall, picturesque landscapes, and abundance of winter activities. Sapporo, Otaru, and Asahikawa are standout destinations with snow festivals, illuminated streets, and stunning icy scenery.
There are several ways to travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido:
By Plane: The fastest option, with flights from Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita airports to New Chitose Airport (Sapporo). Flight time is about 1.5 hours.
By Train: Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakodate (about 4 hours) and connect to other cities in Hokkaido via local trains.
By Overnight Ferry: A scenic option, ferries depart from ports near Tokyo to various destinations in Hokkaido, such as Tomakomai or Otaru.
The closest major snow festival to Tokyo is the Iiyama Snow Festival in Nagano. Located about 2–3 hours from Tokyo by train, this festival features beautiful snow sculptures, family-friendly activities like sledding, and local food stalls. The Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Fire Festival, also in Nagano, is another popular event near Tokyo, combining snowy settings with vibrant fire rituals.
