Discover 10 must-experience winter festivals in Japan

Winter festivals in Japan are a vivid picture of color and light amidst the snow-covered landscape. When winter comes, Japan attracts tourists not only by its majestic nature, but also by its festivals that are both traditional and modern. Each event brightens up the cold winter, from brightly lit streets to elaborate art performances.

Winter in Japan brings a magical picture with the harmony between nature and culture. Immerse yourself in the winter festival atmosphere in Japan, you will feel the vibrant life and magical beauty of the land of the rising sun in the middle of winter.

1. Chichibu Night Festival

Chichibu Night Festival - A prominent cultural festival in the Land of the Rising Sun (Photo source: Collected)

Winter festivals in Japan are a wonderful combination of traditional culture and the vibrant atmosphere of winter. The highlight is the Chichibu Yomatsuri Night Festival in Saitama, a festival with a strong UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. With a history of more than 350 years, the event attracts visitors with its giant floats, elaborate decorations and splendid processions.

The highlight is the moment when the multi-ton carts are pulled down the steep roads, accompanied by the bustling sounds of taiko drums and flutes. The space is further sparkling with a spectacular two-hour fireworks display that lights up the night sky. This festival is not only a cultural event but also a journey to discover the art, collective strength and delicate beauty of Japan in the cold winter days.

2. Zao Snow Monster Festival

Winter festival in Japan is amazing with snow monster Zao (Photo source: Collected)

Amidst the magical white snow scene of winter festivals in Japan, the Zao Snow Monster Festival appears as a rare wonder. Especially at the Zao Onsen resort, trees frozen by frost turn into giant "snow monsters", creating a mesmerizing scene.

When night falls, you will be able to admire the sparkling light show and fireworks that light up the white snow. In particular, skiers holding torches rushing down the mountainside among the "snow monsters" create an unforgettable scene.

3. Chitose Ice Festival

Chitose Ice Festival sparkles in the night (Photo source: Collected)

No winter festival in Japan would be complete without the magical Shikotsu Ice Festival in Hokkaido. Held from late January to February, the festival transforms the lakeside into a stunning frozen world , where giant ice sculptures are created from the crystal clear lake water.

Especially when night falls, the brilliant lights shine on the ice, creating a magical scene that cannot be missed. In addition to admiring the ice art, visitors can also experience activities such as skating, skiing, and enjoying sparkling fireworks.

4. Sounkyo Icefall Festival

Winter festival in Japan is sparkling at Sounkyo festival (Photo source: Collected)

Participating in the winter festival in Japan in Sounkyo, Hokkaido, is an experience not to be missed when the weather turns cold. In the Sounkyo valley, the ice waterfall festival with an area of ​​10,000 m² is brilliant under natural light and colorful lights. Giant ice sculptures up to 13 meters high, forming a magical ice tunnel, making visitors feel like they are lost in a crystal cave.

At night, the sparkling fireworks display in the winter sky combined with the seven-colored beauty of the ice blocks creates a wonderful scene. In particular, ice climbing and many other exciting activities promise to bring unforgettable memories.

5. Sapporo Snow Festival

Giant snow works at the Sapporo Snow Festival (Photo source: Collected)

Winter festivals in Japan are famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, an annual extravaganza that attracts millions of visitors. Originating in 1950 with simple snow sculptures, the festival is now a spectacular artistic display at Odori Park.

Visitors are not only amazed by the giant snow statues but also enjoy the sparkling lights at night, when the works are magically lit up. Here, you can also participate in many interesting activities such as skiing, snowball fights, and enjoy Hokkaido cuisine in a magical space.

6. Tokamachi Winter Festival

Winter festival in Japan with strong traditional features at Tokamachi (Photo source: Collected)

The Tokamachi Winter Festival is an impressive traditional festival in Niigata Prefecture. With heavy snowfall year-round, Tokamachi City is known as the "cradle of modern snow festivals." Here, you can admire the exquisite snow and ice sculptures, created by the locals, displayed throughout the city.

In particular, Festival Plaza is where visitors can enjoy local specialties, participate in snow games, and feast their eyes on unique art performances and sparkling fireworks. The intersection between the harsh beauty of winter and the spirit of overcoming the ice has created an unforgettable feature of this festival.

7. Asahikawa Festival

Asahikawa Festival is colorful (Photo source: Collected)

Winter festivals in Japan are not only famous for Sapporo but also Asahikawa, the second largest snow event in Hokkaido. At this festival, visitors will admire giant and sophisticated ice and snow sculptures, from small shapes to giant masterpieces. In the evening, sparkling lights illuminate the works, creating a magical space. In addition, art performances, fireworks and exciting entertainment activities such as skiing or sledding will make the winter in Asahikawa more lively and emotional.

8. Yokote Kamakura Festival

Beautiful snow huts at the Yokote Kamakura festival (Photo source: Collected)

The winter festival in Japan is full of tradition and cultural colors in Yokote, Akita Prefecture. With more than 450 years of history, it attracts visitors with dozens of kamakura snow huts that glow at night. Inside each hut is an altar to the water gods, where people make offerings and pray for abundant water.

The magical space is lit by warm lights, creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere in the middle of winter. Visitors not only experience the culture but also enjoy amazake, grilled rice cakes, and feel the warmth from the traditional charcoal stove, recreating emotional ancient moments.

9. Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival

Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival lights up winter nights in the land of cherry blossoms (Photo source: Collected)

The Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, is one of the highlights of Japan's winter festivals. Held on the second weekend of February, the two-day event features snow-covered landscapes and the illumination of around 300 large snow lanterns and 1,000 smaller ones.

The warm candles inside the lanterns light up the night, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. This is not only an occasion to pay respect to ancestors, but also an opportunity for visitors to experience the unique culture of Yonezawa, where the spirit of history blends with the beauty of Japanese winter.

10. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Winter festival in Japan lights up at Otaru snow light road (Photo source: Collected)

Winter festivals in Japan offer many beautiful events, and the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is one of the most romantic and peaceful experiences. Held every February, the festival transforms the city of Otaru into a magical world of snow sculptures lit by thousands of candles.

Unlike the hustle and bustle of the Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru stands out with its quiet setting, where visitors can relax and contemplate in the soft flow of light. The lanterns along the Otaru Canal create a tranquil atmosphere, helping people temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of life, and contemplate in a peaceful space.

Discovering winter festivals in Japan is the key to opening a magical world filled with light and color. Let the sparkling snowflakes guide your way, and the unique festivals enchant your heart. Let Vietravel take you to wonderful lands, where winter wonders converge!

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-hoi-mua-dong-o-nhat-ban-v15808.aspx