The Tsunan Snow Festival is a major winter event held annually in March in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture, one of Japan’s snowiest regions. The festival takes place at venues such as New Greenpia Tsunan and the Owarino special site, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of snow-related attractions, outdoor activities, and food booths amid a scenic winter landscape.
Snow attractions often include one of the largest snow tube slides (SNOW WAVE) in Japan, snowmobile rides, snow cycling, and horse sled rides, offering fun for both children and adults. Throughout the day, live music performances and traditional dance presentations are featured on outdoor stages, creating a lively atmosphere.
A highlight of the festival is the sky lantern release. Hundreds of lanterns, each carrying personal wishes, are launched into the night sky, creating a stunning display of warm lights above the snowy fields. Visitors can enjoy this magical scene along with fireworks and other nighttime illuminations.
For 2026, the festival is scheduled for March 14 (Saturday) from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with snow play areas, food stalls, stage programs, and snow activities planned. Access to the venue is supported by shuttle buses, and private vehicles require a ticket for entry.
The Tsunan Snow Festival offers a memorable winter experience, combining snow activities, traditional entertainment, and spectacular nightscapes in a setting shaped by seasonal snow.
