Written by Patrick Balfe
Head to Iiyama in Nagano for a charming two-day snow festival.
What to expect
Started in the early ’80s, the Iiyama Snow Festival is a relatively new addition to the annual winter event calendar. According to the official website, it was the brainchild of the local youth, started as a means to help revitalize the Iiyama community.
Now, coming up to its 50th year, it’s got all the trappings of some of Japan’s most popular snow festivals — ice sculptures, kamakura igloos, lanterns, and plenty of food and drink options to keep you warm. What it doesn’t have is the overwhelming crowds of some of the bigger events around the country.
How to get there
From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station (around 1 hour and 40 minutes). If you’re coming from Nagano, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano Station, around 11 minutes.
The festival area is within walking distance of Iiyama Station, and there are also local buses running from the station to various displays and events.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
