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Tokamachi Snow Festival

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Tokamachi Snow Festival

Japan’s oldest snow festival, where the entire city transforms into one massive event venue! Admire the traditional snow sculptures, each crafted with masterful skill and filled with the spirit of true craftsmanship.

3.27 2

Last update :
Supervised by :  Tokamachi Snow Festival Executive Committee Office

Held every mid-February in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, this is one of the largest snow festivals in the region, first launched in 1950 under the theme “Be friends with snow, enjoy the snow.”

The main venue, located about a 10-minute walk from Tokamachi Station at the Tokamachi Municipal Nishi Elementary School grounds, features a wide variety of food stalls, stage performances, and snow activities that both adults and children can enjoy. As night falls, the sky is illuminated by the “Rainbow Snow Fireworks,” a breathtaking display that paints the snowy landscape in vivid colors.

Throughout the city, multiple “Festival Plazas” (Omatsuri Hiroba) are set up, each offering local food stalls, entertainment, and events that showcase the community’s character. Visitors can also admire the impressive Snow Art Exhibition, featuring intricate snow sculptures handcrafted by local residents. These creations-born from both creativity and skill-embody the spirit and artistry that have made the Tokamachi Snow Festival a beloved winter tradition for over seven decades.

Highlights

  • A snow festival held every mid-February in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture.
  • The Nishi Elementary School grounds host food stalls and various stage events.
  • Multiple “Festival Plazas” (Omatsuri Hiroba) are set up across the city, each showcasing local character and charm.
  • The Snow Art Exhibition displays numerous handcrafted snow sculptures made by local residents.
  • At night, fireworks light up the snowy sky, creating a magical winter scene.

Photos

  • Food stalls and stage events fill the Nishi Elementary School grounds with lively energy.

    Food stalls and stage events fill the Nishi Elementary School grounds with lively energy.

  • The Snow Art Exhibition showcases stunning, high-level snow sculptures created each year.

    The Snow Art Exhibition showcases stunning, high-level snow sculptures created each year.

  • Various events are held throughout the festival period, bringing excitement to every corner of the city.

    Various events are held throughout the festival period, bringing excitement to every corner of the city.

  • Multiple “Festival Plazas” (Omatsuri Hiroba) are set up across Tokamachi, each with its own local charm.

    Multiple “Festival Plazas” (Omatsuri Hiroba) are set up across Tokamachi, each with its own local charm.

  • Simply strolling through the snow-covered townscape is a delightful experience in itself.

    Simply strolling through the snow-covered townscape is a delightful experience in itself.

  • At night, the sky is illuminated by the vivid “Rainbow Snow Fireworks,” painting the winter scenery in brilliant color.

    At night, the sky is illuminated by the vivid “Rainbow Snow Fireworks,” painting the winter scenery in brilliant color.

Reviews

2

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 林智才
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    It feels even more magical once the lights come on at night. The whole town gets in on it.

    Watching the snow sculptures while eating hot food is pure happiness. Yes, it’s definitely cold, but the vibe is so good it really feels worth coming at least once.

    It feels even more magical once the lights come on at night. The whole town gets in on it.

    Watching the snow sculptures while eating hot food is pure happiness. Yes, it’s definitely cold, but the vibe is so good it really feels worth coming at least once.

  • 平凡
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    The whole city gets wrapped in snow, and there are these insanely impressive snow sculptures and light displays everywhere. At night, when everything lights up, it feels super romantic. You can stroll through the market, try local snacks, sip on hot drinks, and catch performances as you walk around—there's never a dull moment. Overall, it's really chill, dreamy, and perfect for taking photos.

Details

Name in Japanese
十日町雪まつり
Postal Code
948-0072
Location
１-365-12 Nishihoncho, Tokamachi City, Niigata
Telephone
025-757-3100 (Tokamachi Snow Festival Executive Committee Office)
Schedule
Held annually in mid-February
For 2027, the festival will take place from Friday, February 19 to Sunday, February 21.
Access
About 10 minutes walk from JR any Line’s Tokamachi Station.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa