A town known to receive over three metres of snowfall a year, Niigata prefecture’s Tsunan is one of Japan’s snowiest destinations. Though the sight of frosted windows and thick blankets of white powder might delight visitors in search of a winter wonderland, the constant flurry of snow can grow tedious for locals, so an annual festival was conceived to lift spirits in the area.
This year's Tsunan Snow Festival is scheduled to take place on March 8. Activities on offer include snow slides and cultural showcases, but the biggest spectacle is the sky lantern event at the New Greenpia Tsunan resort.
Throughout the day, there will also be food stalls and pop-ups selling hot sake and other beverages to keep you warm.
Tickets are now available online from ¥13,500. Note that tickets include a parking space (you will have to take a shuttle to the event area) and one lantern to participate in the lantern festival.
This article was published on January 5 2023 and updated on January 14 2025.
More from Time Out Tokyo
Takashi Murakami and Louis Vuitton take over Harajuku with a pop-up shop and café
Waymo to begin testing driverless vehicles in Tokyo in early 2025
Discover the secrets of scenic Setouchi with our new guide to the Inland Sea region
Announcing the first 7 chefs and restaurateurs coming to Time Out Market Osaka in March 2025
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.