The magic of Japan's regional winter festivals

One of the most fascinating aspects of Japan’s culture is their festival tradition. Many Japanese winter festivals trace their origins to New Year festivities (formerly in early February) to mark the approaching end of winter, while praying for good health and bountiful harvests in the year ahead. These old traditions have been joined by more modern traditions, with an emphasis on entertainment and spectacle at a cold, dark time of the year. Hundreds of winter festivals are now held in Japan annually. Some, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival, have become internationally famous, attracting large international crowds. However, many smaller festivals in regional Japan remain hardly known to the outside world. 

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The snowy areas of northern and central Japan are a treasure-trove of regional winter festivals. Although some draw considerable numbers of visitors, these festivals retain their original purpose of bringing the local communities together—unlike the more recent, tourist-oriented festivals. The whole community gets involved, giving these festivals a warm, down-to-earth feel—and visitors are welcomed to join in. At night, candlelight and fire illuminate the snowscape to create magical scenes that make you forget the freezing cold.