Tsunan Snow Festival 2025: Winter Sky Lanterns in Niigata

The Tsunan Snow Festival is poised to illuminate the winter night sky on March 8, 2025, at the scenic New Greenpia Tsunan venue in Niigata.

This year marks the 49th edition of the beloved festival, which promises an array of captivating activities and attractions to celebrate the beauty of winter. Attendees can immerse themselves in rich cultural traditions, such as the Travel God: Tengu event and enjoy a variety of live performances throughout the day.

As the sun sets, the festival will culminate in a breathtaking Sky Lantern Launch, where approximately 2,000 lanterns will float into the night, each carrying heartfelt wishes and hopes.

With delicious local cuisine available at the street market, exhilarating snow tubing, and unique experiences like snowmobile rides and bicycle riding on snow, the Tsunan Snow Festival offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this enchanting winter celebration!

Festival Highlights

Travel God

This traditional Japanese event will celebrate the New Year by burning New Year's decorations, praying for good harvests and health. The festival will feature the Tengu dance and performances of Akazawa Kagura, a local traditional art.

Kamakura Shrine

Visitors can experience a traditional Kamakura (snow hut) at the festival. Attendees will be able to walk through a torii gate to reach the shrine, where fortune-telling slips will also be available.

Sky Lantern Launch

The festival will culminate in a spectacular Sky Lantern Launch at 19:15, where approximately 2,000 lanterns will be released into the night sky, each carrying the dreams and wishes of participants.

This event has been recognized as one of the most beautiful winter attractions in Japan.

Street Market

Attendees can explore a street market offering a diverse selection of delicious local gourmet foods, showcasing Tsunan’s unique culinary offerings.

Stage Performances

The festival will feature a variety of performances throughout the day, including local dance school showcases, DJs, and live music. A detailed schedule of performances will be announced closer to the event date.

GO! GO! SLIDER

The festival will include snow tubing on specially designed slides that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. This attraction is unique to Tsunan Town and takes advantage of its abundant snowfall.

Snowmobile Riding Experience

Festival-goers will have the opportunity to participate in a snowmobile riding experience with the Tsunan Town snowmobile team, "TEAM JUST right." This includes tandem rides on racing snowmobiles and the chance to ride a family-friendly banana boat.

Bicycle Riding Experience

An exciting option at the festival includes riding bicycles designed to run on snow, allowing participants a unique and enjoyable experience.

Tsunan Snow Festival 2025

Event: Tsunan Snow Festival
Period: March 8, 2025
Hours: from 11:30 AM
Sky lantern launch starts at 19:15
Location: Niigata Prefecture, Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, New Green Pia Tsunan, 12300
Access: A paid shuttle bus will be available for transportation to the venue. Please note that only authorized vehicles will be permitted to enter on the day of the festival.
Tickets and Parking Information:
Parking for the event is strictly by reservation only. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, which include access to parking and the sky lantern launch.

More details and ticketing options are available on the official festival website at snowfes.info.

Don't miss the chance to experience the beauty and enchantment of the Tsunan Snow Festival! Grab your tickets now and prepare for a magical evening under the stars.
Information and photo source: PR Times