Winter in Japan offers a dazzling array of snowy escapes - and many of these destinations come alive with spectacular snow and ice festivals. From the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracts over two million visitors from Japan and beyond, to hidden gems set against breathtaking backdrops like snow-blanketed castles, this article introduces some of the most magical ways to experience winter in Japan.
To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve also included shopping tips and deals near festival venues, as well as around major transport hubs like Shinjuku Station and Tokyo Station, making it easy to squeeze in some retail therapy before or after your snowy adventure.
Get ready to experience the magic of winter in Japan - from glittering ice sculptures to unforgettable seasonal scenery!
【Hokkaido】Sapporo Snow Festival
Held annually in Sapporo, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Hokkaido’s most iconic winter celebrations. At the Odori site, towering snow sculptures - some reaching the height of a four- or five-story building - steal the show. These intricate creations often depict everything from beloved characters and athletes to Hokkaido’s most symbolic landmarks.
Over at the Susukino site, it’s ice that takes center stage. Here, crystal-clear sculptures - including amazing carvings and frozen works of art encasing real fish - create a breathtaking icy wonderland. As night falls, both venues are transformed by spectacular light displays, casting the snow and ice in vibrant hues and turning the city into a glowing, dreamlike landscape.
For those visiting with children, the Tsudome site is the perfect family-friendly spot. From thrilling tube slides to gentle sledding slopes, it offers a range of snow activities that parents and kids can enjoy together.
Event Details
Dates: February 4 (Wed) - February 11 (Wed, public holiday), 2026
- Illumination Hours:
Odori Site: Until 10:00 PM
Susukino Site: Until 11:00 PM (until 10:00 PM on the final day, Feb 11) - Main Venue: Odori Site - Odori Park (Odori Nishi 1-chome to 11-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
- Website: https://www.snowfes.com/
Access to the Sapporo Snow Festival
From the Airport
From New Chitose Airport to JR Sapporo Station: approx. 37 minutes by rapid train or 33 minutes by special rapid train- Access to Each Venue
Odori Site: A short walk from Odori Station (Subway Tozai, Namboku, and Toho Lines)
Tsudome Site: Approx. 15-minutes walk from Sakaemachi Station (Subway Toho Line)
Susukino Site: A short walk from Susukino Station (Subway Namboku Line)
Top Shopping Spots to Explore During the Sapporo Snow Festival
If you're making the trip to Sapporo, why not enjoy some shopping along with the Snow Festival? One of the best spots for a comfortable shopping experience - even on snowy days - is the Sapporo Underground Shopping Mall, which connects directly to Odori Station. Divided into Aurora Town and Pole Town, this underground arcade is lined with a wide variety of shops. For a more upscale shopping experience, nearby Sapporo Mitsukoshi and Marui Imai Main Store offer a touch of luxury just above ground.
Sapporo Deals & Discounts
Planning to shop in Sapporo? Use your JCB card at select department stores and drugstores to enjoy special discounts! Be sure to check the details in advance and make the most of your shopping experience.
- Marui Imai Sapporo Main Store & Sapporo Mitsukoshi - Up to ¥2,000 off
URL：https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/maruimitsukoshi/90318/ - AEON Hokkaido - ¥500 off when you spend ¥5,000 or more
URL：https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/aeonhokkaido/19881/ - AINZ & TULPE - Up to ¥2,000 off
URL：https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/ainz-tulpe/90325 - Sapporo Drug Store - 5 - 7% off
URL：https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/satudora/89678/
【Aomori】Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, Hirosaki Castle is home to the only remaining original castle keep in the Tohoku region. Each winter, Hirosaki Park, where the castle is located, hosts the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival, transforming the grounds with over 150 snow lanterns and sculptures of all shapes and sizes. Marking its 50th year in 2026, the festival will feature an impressive snow sculpture modeled after Hirosaki Castle’s iconic keep.
The true magic of this festival begins after sunset. The snow-draped Hirosaki Castle and its centuries-old pine trees are softly illuminated, creating a breathtaking winter scene. Lanterns glowing inside snow sculptures add a warm, nostalgic charm unique to Japan’s snowy north. Highlights include the “Winter Sakura Light-Up,” where snow-covered cherry branches are lit to resemble trees in full bloom, and a dreamlike display of around 300 glowing mini kamakura (snow domes). Explore a wonderland of snow art surrounding the historic castle!
Event Details
Dates: February 6 (Fri) - February 11 (Wed, public holiday), 2026
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (until 8:00 PM on the final day, Feb 11)
- “Winter Sakura” Light-Up: December 1, 2025 (Mon) - February 28, 2026 (Sat) / From sunset to 9:30 PM
- Venue: Hirosaki Park - National Historic Site Hirosaki Castle Ruins (1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture)
- Website: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/en/edit.html?id=snow_lantern_festival
Access to the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
From the Airport
Approx. 55 minutes by bus from Aomori Airport to Hirosaki Station- From Tokyo
Approx. 3 hours 20 minutes by shinkansen (bullet train) from JR Tokyo Station to JR Shin-Aomori Station, then 30 minutes by limited express train from JR Shin-Aomori Station to JR Hirosaki Station - From Hirosaki Station to the Venue
Approx. 15 minutes by bus from Hirosaki Station to Shiyakusho-mae (City Hall) bus stop, then a 4-minute walk from the bus stop to Hirosaki Park
Top Shopping Spots to Explore During the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
The area around Hirosaki Station is a great place to enjoy some shopping alongside your visit to the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival. Conveniently located malls and commercial complexes like HIRORO, CiiNA CiiNA Hirosaki, and APPLIESE offer everything from local souvenirs to fashion and lifestyle goods.
【Nagano】National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival
Matsumoto Castle, a designated National Treasure, boasts Japan’s oldest surviving castle keep with five tiers and six interior floors. Each winter, this majestic structure - set against the beautiful, snow-covered peaks of the Northern Alps - becomes the stage for the Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival, with the National Ice Sculpture Championship as its main event.
Top ice sculptors from across Japan work through the night to carve intricate, lifelike creations that glisten in the morning sunlight. Meanwhile at nearby Hanadokei Park, emerging sculptors showcase their skills in the Pre-Event National Ice Sculpture Competition. The festival also features a 20-meter-long jumbo ice slide, stage events, and workshops - offering plenty to enjoy.
Event Details
Festival Dates: January 23 (Fri), 24 (Sat), and 25 (Sun), 2026
- Matsumoto City Illumination Dates: December 13, 2025 (Sat) - February 15, 2026 (Sun)
- Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- City Illumination Display: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Main Venue: Matsumoto Castle Park (4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture)
- Website: https://visitmatsumoto.com/lightandicematsumoto/en/index.html
Access to the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival
From Tokyo
Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes direct via limited express train from JR Shinjuku Station to JR Matsumoto Station.
From Matsumoto Station, approx. 20-minutes walk or a 10-minute bus ride to the Matsumoto Castle / City Hall (Shiyakusho-mae) bus stop.
Top Shopping Spots to Explore During the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival
Just two and a half hours from Matsumoto, Shinjuku is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from budget-friendly stores to luxury boutiques and department stores. Connected directly to the station are commercial complexes like Lumine and NEWoMan, along with brand-name shops, major electronics retailers like Bic Camera, and late-night favorites like Don Quijote. No matter what you're looking for, you're bound to find it here.
【Tochigi】Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Held in the historic hot spring town of Yunishigawa Onsen, with a history spanning over 800 years, the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is one of Tochigi Prefecture’s signature winter events and is recognized as part of the Night View Heritage of Japan. At the Sawaguchi Riverside site, hundreds of softly lit mini kamakura (snow domes) stretch across the landscape, creating a beautifully atmospheric scene.
For a more nostalgic, traditional atmosphere, head to the Heike no Sato venue. Here, snow-covered thatched-roof houses evoke the charm of old Japan, surrounded by numerous mini kamakura and several larger ones. The scene offers a magical sense of stepping back in time - an experience that feels like a journey to Japan as it was 800 years ago.
Event Details
Festival Dates: January 30 (Fri) - March 1 (Sun), 2026
- Sawaguchi Riverside Illumination: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the festival period
- Lighting Hours: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
- Heike no Sato Mini Kamakura Light-Up: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
- Admission:
Sawaguchi Riverside Venue: Free
Heike no Sato Venue:
Adults (high school and up): ¥510
Elementary & junior high school students: ¥250 - Location: Yunishigawa, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
- Website: https://www.nikko-kankou.org/spot/1210
Access to the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
From Tokyo
Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes by limited express train from JR Tokyo Station to Yunishigawa-Onsen Station.- Access to the Sawaguchi Riverside / Heike no Sato venues
Approx. 25 minutes by bus from Yunishigawa Onsen Station to the Yunishigawa Onsen bus stop.
Top Shopping Spots to Explore During the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
If you're visiting the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival from Tokyo, consider stopping by one of the convenient shopping spots directly connected to Tokyo Station before or after your trip. A great option is Daimaru Tokyo, where you can enjoy a luxurious shopping experience with a wide selection of high-quality items. The station’s underground shopping mall is also home to numerous stores offering popular character goods, sweets, souvenirs, and more - perfect for browsing and picking up something special.
Tokyo Station Deals & Discounts
Don’t miss out - Daimaru Tokyo is now running a limited-time shopping campaign with exclusive deals!
Website: https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/campaign/detail/daimaru_matsuzakaya/88817/
What to Wear to a Snow Festival
Winter in regions that host snow and ice festivals can be bitterly cold - but indoors, like on public transport or inside buildings, it’s usually warm. That’s why layering is key - opt for clothes you can easily take off or put on as needed. Also, since festival grounds can get packed with visitors, the snow often gets compacted and turns icy. To stay safe and comfortable, it’s best to wear shoes with good grip or anti-slip soles.
JCB Member Deals｜Enjoy Exclusive Savings Across Japan with Your JCB Card
From February to April 2026, JCB is launching an exciting campaign for cardholders with JCB cards issued outside of Japan - giving you the chance to enjoy amazing savings on shopping, dining, and attractions across the country! All you need to do is register on the campaign website, then spend a total of ¥100,000 or more at participating in-store merchants in Japan (online stores not included) to receive ¥10,000 cashback. Just remember: only purchases made on or after your registration date are eligible, so be sure to sign up before you start shopping!
Entry opens December 18, but spots are limited - first come, first served, so don’t miss out.
The campaign runs during Japan’s stunning winter season, with events like the snow and ice festivals featured in this article. It’s the perfect time to visit, explore, and treat yourself - all while saving with JCB.
Enjoy shopping, dining, and making unforgettable memories in Japan this winter and spring!
- Entry Period: From Thursday, December 18, 2025
- Campaign Period: Sunday, February 1 - Thursday, April 30, 2026
- More Details: https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/promotion/japancashback202602/
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