Hokuriku is known for its heavy snowfall, making it the perfect region to enjoy snow festivals and beautiful winter landscapes. You can admire stunning snow sculptures, take part in snow activities, and after sunset, witness enchanting candle-lit displays, traditional fire festivals, or fireworks shows. Each area offers its unique winter celebrations, and of course, you’ll find food stalls serving delicious local specialties. In this article, we introduce some of the best snow festivals and winter events you can enjoy in Hokuriku.
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1. Tokamachi Snow Festival (Niigata)
The Tokamachi Snow Festival started in 1950 with the idea of "embracing and enjoying the snow." It was Japan's first snow festival organized by local citizens, earning it the title "the birthplace of modern snow festivals." The festival's core attraction is the snow sculptures, created by local schools, businesses, and community groups, and displayed as "snow art." You can admire intricate and creative snow sculptures at more than 20 locations throughout the city.
In addition, residents decorate their homes and streets with snowmen and snow objects, turning the entire town into a festive wonderland. At the main venue, visitors can enjoy sledding, snow activities, traditional festival foods, and local delicacies. The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the winter night sky.
spot information
- Location: Tokamachi City General Gymnasium parking lot and more than 20 locations around the city
- Address: 1-365 Nishihoncho, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture (Tokamachi City General Gymnasium)
- Dates: Mid-February (February 15-16, 2025) Please check the latest information before visiting.
- Main Area/Nearest Station: About a 10-minute walk from Tokamachi Station
- Official Website: https://snowfes.jp/hp/
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2. Tsunan Snow Festival (Niigata)
The Tsunan Snow Festival is held in Tsunan Town, one of Japan's snowiest regions. At one of the festival venues, New Greenpia Tsunan, visitors can enjoy a variety of events, including Japan's largest snow tube attraction, snow-based activities, and a market with food stalls. By the way, a snow tube is an activity where participants ride on a circular rubber sled and slide down a slope.
Additionally, there are snow domes called "kamakura" and snow lanterns that radiate a warm glow in the winter landscape. The grand finale features the launch of approximately 2,000 sky lanterns and fireworks. As many sky lanterns rise into the sky, they create a magical scene with their warm light. Anyone can participate in the sky lantern launch by purchasing a ticket. Why not send your wishes up to the winter night sky?
spot information
- Location: New Greenpia Tsunan (Ground) and Owari-no Special Venue
- Address: 12300 Akinari, Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma County, Niigata
- Date: March 8, 2025 (Please check for the latest information before your visit.)
- Time: 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- Nearest Station: About a 30-minute shuttle bus ride from Tsunan Station (to New Greenpia Tsunan)
- Official Website: https://snowfes.info/
3. Echigo-Kawaguchi Snow Lantern Firefly Festival (Niigata)
The Echigo Kawaguchi Setsudo Firefly Festival is a wonderful event where you can fully enjoy the charm of a heavy snowfall region.Beside snow activities, there are many food stalls serving local specialties. You can savor a variety of local flavors and festival-exclusive gourmet dishes.Moreover, Yuki Akari, an old folk house built over 120 years ago that has been relocated and renovated to revive its former glory, is illuminated with various lights, creating a captivating atmosphere.
After sunset, you can enjoy Yuki Akari, which softly illuminates the night of Echigo Kawaguchi. In this fantastical atmosphere, you can enjoy snow fireworks that color the clear sky. In addition, there are many other events, such as special live performances. As there are shuttle buses between venues, it is recommended to visit various locations.
spot information
- Location: Multipurpose Square, Kawaguchi Sports Park, and others
- Address: 2441-1 Nakayama, Kawaguchi, Nagaoka City, Niigata
- Date: February 22 (Saturday), 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM
- Lighting Time: After sunset
- Nearest Station: About a 5-minute drive from JR Echigo-Kawaguchi Station (Shuttle bus available from Nagaoka City Hall Kawaguchi Branch, which is about a 4-minute walk from the station)
- Official Website: https://www.echigo-kawaguchi.jp/
4. Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Festival (Toyama)
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route connects Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture and Ogizawa Station in Nagano Prefecture, weaving through mountains with elevations of over 3,000 meters. The Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Festival, held every year from April to June around the Murodo area of this route, is a unique event set in a high-snow area. One of the highlights is the "Snow Wall," a massive wall of snow that reaches approximately 500 meters in length, created by snow removal operations. The highest part of this wall can reach up to 20 meters, depending on the snowfall of that year.
Visitors can experience the overwhelming scale of this natural wonder by walking along the Otani Walk. The Panoramic Road is also recommended, allowing visitors to enjoy the magnificent views of the Tateyama Mountain Range while walking. You can fully enjoy the stunning scenery created by snow and nature.
spot information
- Location: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Murodo area)
- Address: Ashikuraji, Tateyama Town, Nakaniikawa District, Toyama
- Date: April 15 to June 25, 2024 (Please check for the latest information before your visit.)
- Nearest Station: Toyama Chihou Railway Tateyama Station
- Official Website: https://www.alpen-route.com/enjoy_navi/snow_otani/
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5. Winter Wonderland in Unazuki Onsen (Toyama)
The Winter Wonderland in Unazuki Onsen is held annually in Unazuki Onsen, located in the Kurobe Gorge of Toyama Prefecture. During the festival, fireworks are launched on Saturday nights from January to March, which can be enjoyed from anywhere in the hot spring town. Whether cooling down after a soak in the hot springs while watching the fireworks or taking a dip in the onsen afterward, this event offers a delightful way to enjoy the display.
Another highlight during the "Winter Wonderland in Unazuki Onsen" period is the Unazuki Onsen Snow Carnival. One event not to be missed is the torch walk, where participants carry torches through the hot spring town, and the traditional "Sagi-cho" ceremony. When the fire carried in the torch walk is ignited on a bamboo platform built for Sagi-cho, it creates a towering column of flames that seems to reach the sky. Experiencing this powerful traditional event is one of the festival's many attractions.
spot information
- Location: Unazuki Onsen Town
- Address: Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe City, Toyama
- Date: From February 10 to March 30, 2024, every Saturday (Snow Carnival: First Saturday in February, around 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
- Time: 8:30 PM for about 10 minutes
- Nearest Station: Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station
- Official Website: https://www.unazuki-onsen.com/
6. Ushidake Snow Festival (Toyama)
Ushidake Onsen Ski Resort is known for its breathtaking views of Toyama Bay and the Tateyama Mountain Range. Every February, the Ushidake Snow Festa takes place at this ski resort. A highlight of this event is the torch descent and the snow fireworks display featuring around 1,000 fireworks. After the night skiing operations end at 8:00 PM, members of the local ski club descend the slopes with torches while accompanied by music.
As the flickering line of flames approaches, it gradually brightens, illuminating the night sky and snow. Immediately afterward, the snow fireworks display begins. Approximately 1,000 fireworks light up the night sky with their stunning colors. This festival is a unique experience that allows visitors to enjoy skiing amid magnificent scenery during the day and the torchlight and fireworks in the evening.
spot information
- Location: Ushidake Onsen Ski Resort
- Address: Yamada Koyatani, Toyama City, Toyama
- Date: Early February (February 3, 2024) (Please check for the latest information before your visit.)
- Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Nearest Station: About a 1-hour bus ride from Toyama Station
- Official Website: https://ushidake.com/ski/
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7. Echizen Ohno Winter Story Festival (Fukui)
The Echizen Ohno Winter Story Festival is held in Echizen Ohno, known as "Little Kyoto of Hokuriku." The town has been a castle town for over 400 years since it was established in the Warring States period, and about 300 snow lanterns made of snow line the streets and venues, enveloping the town in warm light. The festival features a stage with performances of traditional Japanese taiko drums and dance, along with events such as bingo games. There’s also a snow slide for sledding, ensuring fun for both adults and children. Around 7:00 PM, fireworks begin, set against the backdrop of the illuminated Ohno Castle. Adding to the town's charm is the wooden structure known as "Toki-gane," which stands about 10 meters tall. It creates a feeling of stepping back into the Edo period while watching the fireworks.
*Toki-gane is a bell that rings to signal the time.
spot information
- Location: Around Shichiken Street and Echizen Ohno Yui Station
- Address: Motomachi, Ohno City, Fukui
- Date: February (February 3, 2024) (Please check for the latest information before your visit.)
- Snow Lantern Lighting Time: 4:10 PM -
- Nearest Station: About a 10-minute walk from JR Echizen Ohno Station
- Official Website: https://www.ono-kankou.jp/tourism/detail.php?cd=77
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Prepare a SIM Card for Use in Japan
Many of the snow festivals in Hokuriku are held in nature-rich areas, making it difficult to find Wi-Fi hotspots. So, even if you take beautiful photos of the snowy landscapes, you might find yourself unable to post them on social media when you want to because of the lack of internet. To avoid this, it's recommended to get a SIM card that works in Japan. The peace of mind of being connected to the internet at all times is a great benefit.
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Check Essential Winter Gear!
Japan experiences distinct seasons, and many regions can get quite cold during winter. Areas where snow festivals are held often have very low temperatures compared to other regions. Therefore, when visiting snowy regions, it’s crucial to check your belongings, including warm clothing.
👉 Checklist of things to bring for a winter trip to Japan. What are the must-haves?
Check Your Winter Clothing Before Traveling
Hokuriku occasionally experiences chilly days, but it generally has a mild climate and rarely dips below freezing. However, there can be significant temperature differences throughout the day and from day to day, so layering with thin tops or innerwear combined with a thick outer layer is recommended. Additionally, it's essential to prepare for windy conditions in exposed areas.
👉【2024-2025】What should I wear during my winter trip in Japan?
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