If you’re planning a trip to Japan during wintertime, then you should take the opportunity to visit one of the country’s many exciting snow festivals. These events are held each year in regions where snow falls. Let’s dip into some of the festivals happening around Japan this year.

“2018 Sapporo Snow Festival” – Hokkaido

JIMMYさん(@tabitoyado)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 15, 2017 at 7:58午後 PST

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s biggest and most popular winter events. This year, festival will take place at Odori Site & Susukino Site from February 5th-12th and at Tsudome Site from February 1st-12th. During the event, Sapporo is transformed into a winter wonderland, decorated with spectacular ice sculptures of buildings and characters. You’ll be transported to a frosted dreamland where you can enjoy a world of ice as well as food, drinks and relaxation, making it a perfect place to go with the family.

“Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival” – Aomori Prefecture

みどりさん(@mi_dori87)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 11, 2016 at 6:53午後 PST

The Snow Lantern Festival is held at Hirosaki Castle, a historical landmark designated by the Japanese government. This year, the event will be held from February 9th-12th. Held since 1977, the Snow Lantern Festival sees locals handcraft hanging lanterns to warm up the long cold days of Aomori, one of Japan’s ‘snow countries.’ There’s also a Starbucks nearby Hirosaki Park famous for being built inside a Tangible Cultural Property, so warm yourself up even more with a coffee or hot chocolate.

“Iwate Snow Festival” – Iwate Prefecture

行くぜ、東北。公式アカウントさん(@ikuzetohoku_official)がシェアした投稿 – 11月 24, 2017 at 1:00午前 PST

This year’s Iwate Snow Festival marks the 50th run of the event, set fall from February 14th-18th. This festival offers a slightly different experience from the rest, where you can enjoy local delicacies from Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, such as the ‘Genghis Khan,’ a type of Japanese-style grilled lamb. Pass the time at one of the many events held at Iwate’s iconic snow festival.

Akita Prefecture – “Inukko Festival”

まきさん(@m_yuu11)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 13, 2015 at 9:23午後 PST

Said to have continued for almost 400 years, the Inukko Festival glistens across the town of Yuzawa in Akita Prefecture, and is bound for February 10th-11th this year. The Innuko Festival is piled up with toasty events such as fireworks and projection mapping displays. If you’re a dog lover, then this is the place for you, as it’s also home to giant dog ice sculptures, as well as a prayer event where you pray for your pet dog’s health and happiness.

“Tokamachi Snow Festival” – Niigata Prefecture

anikuyさん(@anikuy0258)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 18, 2017 at 6:13午前 PST

The Tokamachi Snow Festival is known as one of Japan’s 3 big snow festivals. This year it will glint from February 16th-18th and bring in creative snow sculptures, as well as live performances and shows on the big stage. There’s so much to see, including stalls and slides at the festival plaza where children can also enjoy themselves.

“Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival” – Tochigi Prefecture

@hirok_0519がシェアした投稿 – 3月 5, 2016 at 3:35午前 PST

This one will run from January 27th to March 4th. As the name suggests, the festival is centered around kamakura, or snow huts. Every winter, the onsen town of Yushigawa is dotted with hundreds of kamakura, some of which can be entered. During the day, you can enjoy sledging and BBQs. When night falls, miniature kamakura are lit with candles, making for a very romantic occasion.

Did you enjoy our list? Winter is a cold season, but in Japan, it opens the window to lots of fun festivals. Wrap up warm, head on out and waddle to one of the many snow festivals being held this year!