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 season's Tsunan Snow Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday March 14. 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), one lantern to participate in the lantern festival, and a ¥500 coupon to use at the stalls at New Greenpia Tsunan resort.
This article was published on January 5 2023 and updated on December 17 2025.
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