Kanto Snow Festivals 2025: Accessible from Tokyo | English-Guided Tours Included

[2025] Experience the snow in the Kanto region! 4 recommended snow festivals

Snow festivals are winter-only events themed around snow and ice . In addition to playing in the snow and lighting up the area, some events also offer traditional performing arts and live music.

The following four snow festivals are recommended in the Kanto area.

Each snow festival has its own unique charm, so choose the one you'd like to attend.

1. Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture)

The Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is an event held every winter at Yunishigawa Onsen , which has a history of over 800 years.

The highlight of the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival are the snow domes called "kamakura" that are handmade by local people. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights during the festival, the kamakura are lit up, spreading a fantastic light across the snowy field. The sight of them lined up next to traditional Japanese thatched-roof houses is particularly impressive. During the day, you can enjoy sledding and making snowmen in the venue's snow play area. There are also day-trip bathing facilities in the surrounding area, perfect for warming up after a day of fun.

The Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in the fantastic snow scenery, or for those who want to experience both the hot springs and the snow festival. If you want to enjoy not only the festival but also the food and hot springs at your leisure, we recommend staying at an inn and spending some time relaxing.

Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival

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Recommended sightseeing spots in the area

Along with the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival, you should also visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine , a shrine built about 400 years ago that was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1999.

The temple grounds are lined with 55 buildings, including 8 national treasures and 34 important cultural properties, and there are many things to see, such as the luxuriously decorated Yomeimon Gate and the sculpture of the Three Wise Monkeys, which teaches life lessons. If you're interested in architecture and history, be sure to check it out.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

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2. Kitakaruizawa Fire Festival (Naganohara Town, Gunma Prefecture)

The Kitakaruizawa Fire Festival is a winter event that prays for peace at the volcano Mount Asama . Popular events include candle art and fireworks, which are lit with the hope that the new year will be a good one.

The main event of the evening is the lighting of prayer torch candles. By purchasing a ticket, you can light a candle with your choice of six different wishes, or a candle on which you can write your own wish. The candle art created by the individual candles will appear fantastically across the snowy field.

At the end of the festival, fireworks are launched into the sky above the candle art. In the clear winter air, the fireworks look even more beautiful against the night sky than in summer.

During the day, you can enjoy the snow in the snow play area by making snowmen and sledding, and there are also various other experiences available, such as performances by a local drumming group.

If you want to enjoy a snow festival while experiencing Japanese culture in a quiet and calm atmosphere, the Kitakaruizawa Flame Festival is perfect.

Kitakaruizawa Fire Festival

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Recommended sightseeing spots in the area

Along with the Kitakaruizawa Flame Festival, you should also stop by Asama Falls. Asama Falls is a magnificent waterfall about 10 meters high and 30 meters wide , and there is a walking trail that takes you right up to the base of the falls.

In winter, the waterfall freezes, creating a wall of ice that looks like a work of art. This is a sight that can only be seen in winter, so be sure to check it out.

Asama Falls

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3. Fujiwara Snow Festival (Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture)

The Fujiwara Snow Festival , held every year in early March, is an experiential winter event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults .

At this time, no information has been announced about the 2026 event, so here we will introduce the details based on the 2025 event.

During the day, you can enjoy activities such as snow treasure hunts, snowman-making contests, and sledding. There will also be stalls selling local cuisine and free hot cocoa, so you can warm up and enjoy the event to the fullest.

At night, handmade candles made by locals are lit, enveloping the entire venue in a fantastical atmosphere. At the end of the event, fireworks are launched, beautifully lighting up the winter night sky.

The Fujiwara Snow Festival is a recommended event for those who want to experience the snow festival firsthand, or for those who want to take photos of the fantastic snow scenery at night. One of its charms is the homey atmosphere created by the cooperation of local people.

Fujiwara Snow Festival

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4. Tsunan Snow Festival (Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture)

The Tsunan Snow Festival is a major winter event in Tsunan Town , famous for the launch of sky lanterns , small paper hot air balloons with wishes written on them. Since 2012, the festival has been launching sky lanterns to pray for the recovery and for the victims of the 2011 earthquake.

The sight of the warm orange lights of the sky lanterns floating into the sky all at once is breathtakingly beautiful and fantastical.

If you want to enjoy the sky lantern launch, you will need to purchase a ticket in advance that includes parking and the sky lanterns. However, if you just want to view the lanterns, you do not need a ticket. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in December 2025, so be sure to check the official website for more information.

In addition to sky lanterns, the Tsunan Snow Festival also offers other snow activities, such as snowmobiling, where you ride a motorbike across the snow, and snow tubing, where you slide down a snowy slope on a floating ring. This is the perfect event for those who want to enjoy sky lanterns or get some exercise and experience the snow.

Tsunan Snow Festival

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Recommended sightseeing spots in the area

If you're visiting the Tsunan Snow Festival, be sure to stop by the Tsunan Tourist and Product Center, which sells local products such as sake, rice, and wooden crafts made in Tsunan Town.

In addition to the shop, Tsunan Tourist and Souvenir Center also has a restaurant, where the pork cutlet made with locally produced Tsumari pork is popular. If you're looking for a souvenir unique to Tsunan, be sure to stop by.

Tsunan Tourist and Product Center

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3 things you need to know about the 2025 Kanto Snow Festival

Many people who visit the Kanto Snow Festival come from areas with little snow, so advance preparation is key to having a comfortable experience.

To enjoy the Snow Festival safely, be sure to keep the following three points in mind.

1. Thick outerwear is essential

At the Snow Festival, you should wear layers such as a shirt and sweater, and then a thick outer layer such as a heavy coat or winter jacket. Wearing layers of clothing makes it easier to regulate your body temperature. Activities like playing in the snow can make you sweat, so it's recommended to wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off.

On the other hand, sneakers, light coats, and cotton innerwear should be avoided. Cotton in particular gets cold when wet, so it's not suitable for playing in the snow. Choose waterproof boots or warm shoes, and wear innerwear made of highly insulating materials.

2. Bring cold weather gear

To enjoy the Snow Festival comfortably, be sure to bring warm clothing. The temperature drops especially quickly at night, and you're likely to get cold while looking at the night view or watching the fireworks. Bring both adhesive and non-adhesive heating pads so you can use them depending on the situation.

Also, don't forget to bring drinks with you. In cold places, you can become dehydrated without realizing it. Having a hot drink ready will help you warm yourself from the inside out. It's also a good idea to bring a quick-drying towel with you, as it will be useful for wiping your hands and face if they get wet from the snow.

3. Access by public transportation

If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, we recommend using public transportation to prevent accidents. Snowy roads are different from normal roads and can be slippery and dangerous.

Accessing the festival by public transport can be difficult, so taking a tour is an option. With a tour, you can enjoy the festival safely without having to worry about transportation.

3 Frequently Asked Questions about Kanto Snow Festivals

When visiting a snow festival in the Kanto region, you may have many questions, especially if it is your first time experiencing a snow festival in Japan.

Here are three frequently asked questions and answers about the Snow Festival.

1. Do you speak English or Chinese?

The staff at the Snow Festival will generally speak Japanese. There may be some staff who can speak English or Chinese, but it cannot be guaranteed that they will be able to communicate.

If you want to enjoy the Snow Festival without worrying about language barriers, we recommend joining a tour with an English or Chinese-speaking guide. Orion Tours has guides who can speak both English and Chinese, so you can rest assured.

2. Will the event be held even if it rains or snows heavily?

The Snow Festival will generally be held even in the event of rain or heavy snow. However, the content of the events may be changed depending on the snowfall conditions.

Additionally, if the organizers deem it unsafe, the event may be canceled. If you plan to visit, be sure to check the latest information beforehand.

3. Do I need to make a reservation in advance for the Snow Festival?

Advance reservations for Snow Festivals vary depending on the festival.

No advance reservations are required for the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival, Fujiwara Snow Festival, and Kitakaruizawa Flame Festival. However, advance reservations are required for the Tsunan Snow Festival only if you wish to enjoy the sky lantern launch.

Enjoy snow, gourmet food, and culture all at once! A popular Kanto day trip with English and Chinese guides

When enjoying the snow, many people may feel anxious about transportation and language barriers. In such cases, a guided tour is convenient.

By taking a tour, you can go directly to your destination without having to worry about transfers, and there is no language barrier as you will be accompanied by a guide who speaks English or Chinese.

Here we introduce a popular bus tour set in Tambara Ski Park, which can be reached on a day trip from Tokyo.

The appeal of Tambara Ski Park

Tambara Ski Park is a popular ski resort located in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture.

It is known for its light and fluffy powder snow, which has earned it high praise from around the world.

Approximately 80% of the courses are designed for beginners to intermediate skiers, so even first-timers and those with children can enjoy the course with peace of mind.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there is also a large snow play area, and rental equipment is available. The appeal is that you can participate empty-handed. What's more, it is accessible by bus from Shinjuku, so it can be enjoyed even on a day trip.

Now let's take a look at some popular tours that visit Tambara Ski Park.

1. Tambara Ski Park One-Day Bus Tour | Authentic Skiing & Snowboarding Experience

On this tour, you can experience authentic skiing and snowboarding at Tambara Ski Park.

The fee includes rental of ski sets, boards, and clothing, so you can participate without bringing any equipment. If you're trying skiing or snowboarding for the first time, be sure to check it out.

【basic information】

Included: round-trip bus, lift ticket, rental ski or board set, rental clothing

Tour details and reservations here

2. Tambara Ski Park Snow Play + All-You-Can-Eat Crab & Strawberry Picking Tour

The Tambara Ski Park Snow Play + All-You-Can-Eat Crab & Strawberry Picking Tour allows you to enjoy playing in the snow and the flavors of Japanese winter at the same time.

At Tambara Ski Park, you can enjoy playing in the snow and sledding in a landscape covered in snow.

After playing, you can enjoy 50 minutes of all-you-can-eat crab. You can enjoy fresh, chewy crab to your heart's content. For dessert, you can enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking, where you can taste the strawberries you picked yourself on the spot.

The appeal of this tour is that you can experience Japanese snow and gourmet food all at once, even if you don't ski or snowboard.

【basic information】

Tour details and reservations here

3. Tambara Ski Park Snow Play + All-You-Can-Eat Crab & Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination Tour

The Tambara Ski Park Snow Play + All-You-Can-Eat Crab & Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination Tour is a comprehensive tour plan that lets you enjoy snow play, gourmet food, and sightseeing all in one day.

After playing in the snow at Tambara Ski Park, enjoy 50 minutes of all-you-can-eat crab for lunch.

Finally, you will visit Ashikaga Flower Park, a very popular illumination spot in the Kanto region. The park is decorated with over 5 million LED bulbs, each representing the theme of plants, nature, and the changing of the seasons, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular sight of soft light.

This tour is recommended for those who want to experience snow, gourmet food, and sightseeing in Japan all in one.

【basic information】

Tour details and reservations here

In addition to this, there are also tours that combine snow play with Japanese culture.

Other popular day trips

Among the tours with English and Chinese guides that can be easily joined from Tokyo, one that is attracting attention is a plan that allows you to enjoy playing in the snow at Tochigi Prefecture's ski resort, Hunter Mountain Shiobara, and strolling around Ouchijuku.

Day trip bus tour from Shinjuku to Hunter Mountain Shiobara, snow play and Ouchijuku (lunch included) | (Shiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture) [English and Chinese guide included]

On this tour, after enjoying playing in the snow at Hunter Mountain Shiobara, you can freely explore Ouchi-juku, a post town from the Edo period. The beautiful contrast between the traditional thatched roof townscape and the snowy scenery makes it a popular way to experience the Japanese winter atmosphere. Another attractive feature is that a boxed lunch is included, making it easy to participate.

【basic information】

Included: Round-trip bus fare, lunch box, Hunter Mountain Shiobara lift ticket (includes admission to the snow play area and kids' park)

After enjoying the Kanto snow festivals, take a tour to experience the real snow!

In this article, we introduced four snow festivals in the Kanto region that can be reached from Tokyo, as well as day trip tours with English and Chinese guides. From playing in the snow at Tambara Ski Park to cultural experiences at Hunter Mountain Shiobara and Ouchijuku, there are many ways to enjoy winter in Japan in the Kanto region.

Japan's snow festivals are not just an opportunity to experience snow, but also an event where you can encounter traditional Japanese performing arts, winter flavors, and other uniquely Japanese culture. When visiting, be sure to dress warmly and enjoy the festival.

Using the information we've introduced, try experiencing some of the snow festivals and tours that are unique to Japan's winters.