During Japan’s final month of winter a variety of exciting festivals and events will take place across the country – here are some of them.

Hokkaido

Sapporo Snow Festival
When: February 6-12
Where: Odori Park, Susukino, Sapporo Satorando
Access: JR Sapporo station

One of Japan’s largest winter festivals. The Odori Park site will host the International Snow Statue competition. The works are beautiful by day but even more so at night. Illumination lasts until 10:00pm. The Susukino site is best seen at night and the illumination will last until midnight. The newest addition to the festival, the Satorando site (replacing the Makomanai site) will have sculptures and snow slides.

Chitose - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
When: January 27 – February 19
Where: Lake Shikotsu Onsen, Chitose City
Access: Bus from JR Chitose station or JR Tomakomai station

Objects made using the ice from the surface of Lake Shikotsu are sunlit then illuminated until 10pm each day during the festival. The objects give off a sparkling blue light called “Shikotsuko blue”.

Honshu

Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival
When: February 11-12
Where: Matsugasaki Park, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access: JR Yonezawa station

Hundreds of snow carved lanterns are illuminated with candles. During the evening spectators can enjoy an enchanting fantasy world of flickering candles.

Zao Juhyo* Festival
When: February 4-5
Where: Zao Ski Area, Yamagata Prefecture
Access: Bus from JR Yamagata station to Zao Onsen

Zao is well known for skiing and snow monsters – ice formations on snow covered trees. Illumination of the snow monsters as well as fireworks displays can be seen during the festival. Non-skiers can also see the snow monsters from the ropeway.

*Juhyo means a tree covered with ice (and snow) Winter Festivals around Japan

Lake Kawaguchi Light Fantasia
When: until Feb 26
Where: Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: Fuji Express Kawaguchiko station

The bridge and trees on the lakeside and around Oike Park are illuminated between sunset and 10:00pm.

Lake Sai Ice Festival
When: January 28 – February 5
Where: Lake Sai, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access: Bus from Kawaguchiko station

Ice objects are created in Yacho no mori Park and are illuminated during the evening. The park has views spectacular views of Mt Fuji.

Hirayu Waterfall Ice Festival
When: February 15 - 25
Where: Hirayu, Gifu Prefecture
Access: Bus from Takayama to Hirayu Onsen

The 64 metre high and 6 metre wide frozen waterfall at Hirayu is illuminated from 6:00pm until 9:00pm.

Winter Illumination of Hida Folk Village
When: until February 28
Where: Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture
Access: JR Takayama station

The old houses at the Hida Folk Village are illuminated from 5.30pm until 9:00pm. Admission is 300 yen.

All information is subject to change without notice.