Winter in Japan brings a magical picture with the harmony between nature and culture. Immersing 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 Zao snow monster (Photo source: Collected)
Amidst the magical snowy scenery 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 shining on 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 Lake 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 ice skating, skiing, and enjoy sparkling fireworks.
4. Sounkyo Icefall Festival
Winter festival in Japan is sparkling at Sounkyo festival (Photo source: Collected)
Attending 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 in the winter sky combined with the colorful beauty of the ice blocks create 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 "birthplace of the modern snow festival." 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 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 can 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 sparkling lights of around 300 large snow lanterns and 1,000 smaller ones.
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 soul 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 sparkling world of snow sculptures lit by thousands of candles.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of the Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru stands out for 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 you, 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
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