Love snow? Head to the Tsunan Snow Festival. Watch the sky light up with lanterns while snowboard pros perform thrilling jumps in the powder, and savor local food and drinks. Entry is free.
What happens?
Niigata Prefecture, often referred to as yukiguni, or snow country, is famous for its heavy winter snowfall. The Tsunan Snow Festival has been celebrating this seasonal charm for nearly 50 years, and it continues to delight with a spectacular display of sky and snow lanterns, fireworks, and a thrilling snowboard competition. Food stalls also offer delicious local treats.
Adding to the atmosphere are performances celebrating Japan’s heritage, with the ritual burning of New Year decorations, accompanied by a Tengu dance. Visitors can also explore the kamakura (snow dome) shrine, where they offer love fortunes called koimikuji for those interested in making a wish.
This year’s festival will take place at two primary venues: New Greenpia Tsunan, where the sky lantern launch takes center stage, and the Owarino special venue, located in the heart of town, filled with lively food stalls and refreshments.
Tickets
Entry to the venues is free. However, if you want to take part in the lantern event, tickets start at ¥13,500. Each ticket entitles you to:
- One sky lantern
- Parking for one regular or compact car
- A 500 yen coupon for use at the outdoor stalls at the New Greenpia Tsunan venue on the day of the Snow Festival
- All tickets come as a set, including a sky lantern voucher and parking voucher.
- These cannot be purchased separately.
Note that tickets will not be available on the event day. If you are staying at a hotel or inn in Tsunan Town on the day of the festival, you typically do not need to buy a ticket. Sky lanterns can be purchased through your accommodation. Check with your lodging for transportation options to New Greenpia Tsunan.
How to get there
New Greenpia Tsunan venue: Located at 12300 Akinari, Tsunan, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture. You can take a direct shuttle bus (fee required) from Tsunan Station or in front of Tsunan Town Hall.
Owarino special venue: Located at 7997 Shimofunadocho, Tsunan, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture. It’s an approximately 25-minute walk from Tsunan Station (JR Iiyama Line).
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
