Winter in Japan is so beautiful. Pristine, snow caked countryside blankets the warmth of Japanese winter cuisine and winter festivals. Some of the most amazing matsuri (festivals), rich tradition and even richer delicacies, take place in the snowy offseason—particularly in the Tohoku region.
Igloos are common site in Akita. Leading up to and during the Yokote Kamakura Festival (February 15-16, 2026), both large and small igloos look like glowing orbs that magically light up the cityscape. These alters of snow are dedicated to the water deity. Miniature “kamakura” are candle-lit and evoke a mystical ambience, while larger huts offer visitors warm drinks. The cuisine is rooted in comfort food like Bear Stew; Kiritampo, rice that is mashed, kneaded and stewed with meat and vegetables or glazed with a miso paste; Hinai chicken, free-range and slow braised to tender, juicy perfection and paired with creamy Hinai chicken eggs and sweet sauce on rice. Children drink sweet amazake and snack on grilled rice cakes.
Walking in a winter wonderland, locals and visitors alike join the Paper Balloon Festival of Kamihinokinai (February 10, 2026), and make wishes come true by writing them on balloons! Hundreds of intricately painted balloons featuring samurai, women and woodblock prints are lit up and released into the night sky to float above the town with ethereal beauty.
Next up is the Namahage Sedo Festival (February 13-15, 2026) in which ogres called Namahage, Akita’s demon messengers of the gods, clad in masks and straw capes, carry torches and make their through the crowd shouting “Are there any naughty kids around?” It’s all in fun, and amidst the beat of taiko drums and the flames of the bonfire, the “naughty” children are scared straight!
Also on February 10, 2026, the Kariwano Tug of War Festival is held in Daisen City. This 500-year-old tradition is the largest tug of war event in Japan, and purported to determine the fate of the upcoming rice harvest. It. Two ropes, 100 meters long and weighing 10 tons—one for males; one for females—are pulled by thousands of participants. Care to join in?
The Kakunodate Fire and Snow Festival (Hiburi Kamakura) from February 13-14, 2026 lights up the samurai district with bonfires and swinging fireballs! Originally a purification ritual, to expel evil spirits and invite good fortunre, it is now a social event in which dancers delight attendees with flaming bales of hay. The faster you swing, the stronger the flame, and the better the luck!
The Zao Snow Monster Festival (December 27, 2025 - February 23, 2026) features snow sculptures that are entirely natural. Massive snowfall completely cloaks the trees on the mountainside to form monstrous figures across the slope. At night, the famous Zao Onsen Ski Resort, the largest ski resort in Tohoku, monsters are illuminated for hiking and skiing experiences unlike any other! On Saturday nights, skiers and snow boarders glide down the mountain by torchlight under a banner of fireworks.
Just south of Tohoku in the Chubu region, Tokamachi is renowned for its charm. Not only is home to some of the most beautiful kimono designs in Japan, it is also the snowiest town on the main island of Honshu. The Tokamachi Snow Festival (February 20 – 22, 2026) celebrates winter’s wonder with magnificent ice sculptures, illuminated at night, and a kimono fashion show that is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest ice stage in the world. As the 1,500-year history of traditional kimono continues, watch for the latest trends and cheer the crowning of this year’s kimono queen. This incredible snow carnival also includes live concerts, Japanese folk dancing and fireworks.
Did you know that in Okinawa, Cherry Blossom Season starts early? Okinawa inaugurates the cherry blossom viewing calendar in January, with full blooms between January and February. Avoid the masses of tourism during cherry blossom season by visiting this tropical island in the south of Japan, renowned for healthy longevity, in the peak of winter. Here, centenarians enjoy traditional lifestyles, ripe tropical fruits burst with juiciness, deep sea diving is second to none, seafood is always fresh, and white sandy beaches without the crowds and without the summer heat are perfectly calming and make for the ultimate relaxing getaway!