Artistic Snow Sculptures, Igloos, and Winter Illuminations Snow Festivals - a Great Opportunity to Enjoy the Unique Japanese Winter Scenery

Winter in Japan is just about to arrive. In this edition, we introduce you to the Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan's largest festivals of snow and ice, the Ouchi-juku snow festival, held in a snow-covered village that still looks just as it did in bygone days, and the Yunishikawa Onsen Kamakura Festival, where kamakuras (traditional Japanese-style igloos) are lit up at night. Welcome to the unique world of Japanese Winter Festivals!

■Sapporo Snow Festival, A Major Festival of Snow and Ice

In September, an earthquake struck Sapporo, but reconstruction work is progressing and the city is once again drawing tourists. This winter, the Sapporo Snow Festival celebrates a landmark 70th event, with more than 2.5 million people expected to attend Japan's largest festival of snow and ice. Three venues will include many different ice sculptures including not only huge, impressive works but also smaller original works. There is also an ice sculptor's competition. Please come and enjoy this event, which is sure to take your breath away. 

Dates: 

Odori / Susukino Site: February 4 (Mon.)-February 11 (Mon. holiday), 2019

Tsudome Site: January 31 (Thu.)-February 11 (Mon. holiday), 2019.

URL: http://www.snowfes.com/english/index.html

Accommodation Options

・Sapporo Tobu Hotel

This hotel, in the center of the city, is close to Nijo Fish Market and the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade. It offers great access to all parts of the city.

URL: https://www.sapporotobu.com/LNG/eng/

・Yunni no Yu

Located around 60 minutes by car from the city, this spa in Yubari District, known for its coffee -colored water, is a great option for both day and overnight trips.

URL: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1120329-d1147422-Reviews-Yunni_no_YYuni_cho_Yubari_gun_Hokkaido.html

■The Picturesque Scenery of the Bygone Era Covered in Deep Snow at the Ouchi-juku snow festival

Ouchi-juku, in Aizu, Fukushima, is a popular attraction that leaves visitors with the impression that they have gone back in time. The village’s snow festival is held every year, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery covered in deep snow. As well as sampling local delicacies, visitors can enjoy traditional local performances and a firework display, providing a great Japanese winter experience. The Limited Express Revaty Aizu provides good access from Tokyo. The Yuttari Aizu Tobu Free Pass also provides convenient transport, allowing passengers to get on and off at any stop within the Kinugawa Onsen and Aizu areas.

Dates: February 9, 2019 (Sat.)-February 10 (Sun.)

URL: http://ouchi-juku.com/index.php?English

The Yuttari Aizu Tobu Free Pass: http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/en/pass/aizu.html

■The Magical Lights of the Yunishikawa Onsen Kamakura Festival Illuminate the Winter Sky

This winter, Yunishikawa Onsen in Nikko will hold the Kamakura Festival for the 26th time. The illuminated mini-kamakuras, which are registered as an official "night view inheritance of Japan“, are a must-see. The many candle flames inside the mini-kamakuras create a magical scene particular in Japan. In the larger kamakuras, visitors can also enjoy winter barbecue. Purchase the Marugoto Nikko Kinugawa Free Pass to enjoy unlimited bus and train rides within the Nikko area, making your trip much more comfortable.

Dates: January 26 (Sat.) to March 3 (Sun.), 2019

URL: https://travel.tochigiji.or.jp/en/things-to-do/68/