Tsunan Town is famous for its heavy snowfall, creating an impressive winter scene that is rarely seen anywhere else. The Tsunan Snow Festival is not only a place where visitors can admire works of art made from snow and ice, but also an opportunity to immerse themselves in exciting entertainment activities and explore unique local culture. Let's learn about the history, highlights and necessary experiences to participate in the Tsunan Snow Festival through the article below.
1. History of the Tsunan Snow Festival
Tsunan Snow Festival started to be held since the 1980s (Photo source: Collected)
The Tsunan Snow Festival began in the 1980s as a way to celebrate local culture and attract visitors to the area known for its heavy snowfall. The original idea was to turn Tsunan's harsh winters into an opportunity to promote tourism and showcase the unique beauty of the area's natural environment.
Over the past 40 years, the Tsunan Snow Festival has become one of the most important events in Niigata Prefecture. Each year, the festival is improved with many creative activities, attracting thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. Not only is it an opportunity to promote tourism, the festival is also a place to express the solidarity and creativity of local people through snow sculptures and unique cultural events.
2. Special highlights of the Tsunan Snow Festival
Tsunan Snow Festival features a series of snow sculptures (Photo source: Collected)
The Tsunan Snow Festival features a series of elaborate snow and ice sculptures crafted by talented artisans. These works are not only large in size but also full of artistic expression, ranging from traditional Japanese characters to modern icons loved around the world . At night, colorful lights illuminate the works, creating a magical and enchanting space.
In addition, the Tsunan Snow Festival also offers exciting entertainment activities for visitors of all ages. One of the highlights is the large-scale sky lantern release, when thousands of paper lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a sparkling and emotional scene. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in snow games, such as skiing, snowboarding and building snowmen, providing unforgettable experiences.
3. Experience unique culture at Tsunan Snow Festival
Tsunan Snow Festival is an opportunity for visitors to explore the unique culture of the Niigata region (Photo source: Collected)
The Tsunan Snow Festival is not only a place for performing arts but also an opportunity for visitors to explore the unique culture of the Niigata region. Local food stalls at the festival offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes such as "snow soba", "mochi" and fresh seafood. In particular, warm sake, a famous specialty of Niigata, is an indispensable choice to warm up in the cold winter.
In addition to food, the festival also organizes traditional art performances such as folk dances, classical musical instruments and folk games, helping visitors understand more about the culture and history of the local people. These activities are not only entertaining but also contribute to honoring and preserving local cultural values.
4. The ideal time to attend the Tsunan Snow Festival
Tsunan Snow Festival is usually held at the end of February every year (Photo source: Collected)
The Tsunan Snow Festival is held in late February every year, when Niigata’s winter season is at its peak with a blanket of snow. This is the perfect time to enjoy the majestic beauty of nature and take part in unique outdoor activities. Visitors should prepare warm clothes and non-slip shoes to enjoy the festival in the most comfortable way.
During the day, the sunlight shines on the snow sculptures creating a pristine beauty, while at night, the shimmering light from the decorative lights creates an enchanting space. Combining art, nature and culture, the Tsunan Snow Festival is an experience not to be missed for those who love winter.
5. Experience participating in the Tsunan Snow Festival
To make the most of your trip, plan your itinerary and transportation in advance. Tsunan is about three hours away from Tokyo by bullet train and bus, so booking tickets in advance and checking timetables is essential. It is also a good idea to book your accommodations early, as hotels and ryokan in the area are often fully booked during the festival.
When attending the Tsunan Snow Festival, visitors should bring a camera to capture beautiful moments, and experience all the activities from releasing sky lanterns to enjoying local cuisine. Take time to explore the areas surrounding Tsunan town, which has many other attractive destinations such as hot springs and famous ski resorts.
The Tsunan Snow Festival is a unique event that is steeped in Japanese culture and art. From elaborate snow sculptures, fun activities, to local food and cultural experiences, the festival creates unforgettable memories for anyone who participates. If you are looking for a destination to enjoy a wonderful winter, the Tsunan Snow Festival is definitely a must-see. Make plans today to discover the beauty and magic of the Tsunan Snow Festival!
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-hoi-tuyet-tsunan-v16097.aspx
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