Written by JC Team
In Yonezawa City, there is a wonderful lantern festival that has been going on for nearly 50 years.
What happens?
200 snow lanterns and around 1000 snow caves are lit up in Matsugasaki Park in Yamagata Prefecture. The light display is different from your usual yellow glowing lanterns and will include different shapes and bright colors. There will be plenty of food stalls and stage performances, including musical acts and mascots.
The festival was first held in 1978.
Suggested Activity
Universal Studios Japan Tickets
If you want to get ahead of the game and run straight to the rides, getting your tickets through an authorized and international seller like Klook is the way to go.
Schedule 2026
There will be a pre-lighting ceremony on February 13 from 5:30 p.m. onwards.
How to get there
To get to Yonezawa, take the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo and get off at Yonezawa Station. There will be a shuttle bus (¥200; every 20 minutes) there that will take you to Matsugasaki Park in 10 minutes.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
Feb 13–Feb 15, 2026
Add to Calendar
5:30pm
5:00pm
5:30pm
Free
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 2.0 km from Yonezawa Station Yamagata ShinkansenŌu Main Line
