2025-2026 Japan Winter Festivals Calendar

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.

Snow monsters of Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku. Photo Credit: Zao Onsen.

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 2025-2026 Japan’s winter festivals and events with opening and closing dates.

Event & Festival	Place	Date
Sapporo Snow Festival	Sapporo, Hokkaido	February 4-11, 2025
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival	Otaru, Hokkaido	February 8-15, 2025
Asahikawa Winter Festival	Asahikawa, Hokkaido	February 6-11, 2025
Chitose - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival	Lake Shikotsu hot springs, Chitose, Hokkaido	February 1-24, 2025
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, 2024 - March 14, 2025
Obihiro Ice Festival	Midorigaoka Park, Obihiro city, Hokkaido	Early February
Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival	Sounkyo hot springs resort, Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido	Late January - Mid-March, 2025
Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Spring Festival	Noboribetsu Onsen, Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaido	Early February 2025
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan	Shikaoi Town, Hokkaido	January 25 - March 16, 2025
Yokote Kamakura Festival	Yokote City, Akita, Tohoku	February 15-16, 2025
Sendai Pageant of Starlight	Sendai City, Miyagi	Early-Late December 2025
Hiburi Kamakura Festival	Kakunodate Samurai District, Akita	Mid February 2025
Paper Balloon Festival of Kamihinokinai	Semboku City, Akita	February 10, 2025
Kariwano Giant Tug of War	Daisen City, Akita	February 10, 2025
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, 2025
Tokamachi Snow Festival	Tokamachi City, Niigata	Mid February 2025
Iwate Snow Festival	Koiwai Farm, Morioka City, Iwate	Early-Mid February 2025
Hirosaki Castle (Yuki-Doro) Snow Lantern Festival	Hirosaki Park, Aomori	Early-Mid February 2025
Zao Snow Monster Festival	Zao Onsen, Yamagata	Late December to Early March 2025
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, 2025
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 2025
Nagasaki Lantern Festival	Nagasaki City	January 29 - February 12, 2025
Sapporo White Illumination	Sapporo City, Hokkaido	November 22 - March 14, 2025
Hakodate Illumination	Hakodate City, Hokkaido	Early November to Late February
Ashikaga Flower Park Flower Fantasy	Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi	October 18 - February 16, 2025
Tsunan Snow Festival	Tsunan city, Niigata Prefecture	Mid March 2025

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Best Things to Do and See in Japan in Winter

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