One of Tohoku‘s biggest snow festivals, the Iwate snow festival showcases structures and statues crafted by over 4000 people as well as a snow-slide and snow train. There will be a chance to try warming local specialities like milk ramen and meet the locals over cups of amazake (a sweet rice wine). There are plenty of onsen in the area, so combine the festival with a soak for a true traditional experience.

See our guide on how to get from Tokyo to Tohoku.