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It may be cold, but there is always something to celebrate in Japan! February marks the transition from winter to spring, and many fun and unique festivals take place around this time. There is something for everyone, from illuminations and dust to plum blossoms and fireworks. Here are 10 of the best and most exciting festivals you can attend in Japan in February.
1. Sapporo Snow Festival
Celebrate all things snow and ice at one of the most popular parties. Attracting 2 million tourists each year, this week-long event features impressive ice sculptures spread over three areas. Odori Park, Susukino and Tsudome present all the works of art sur glace impressionantes qui sont illuminées la nuit, et les visiteurs peuvent également profiter de l’art, de la culture, des sports, de la nourriture et des boissons qui Hokkaidō est célèbre to. More than 30,000 tons of snow are used to make the sculptures, some of which are 15 meters high and 25 meters wide, a truly amazing sight to behold! There is so much to see that it is worth booking a hotel close to the main festival venues in order to enjoy this popular event and all it has to offer in the best possible way.
When: from February 4 to 11 (in 2023)
2. Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Witness a brilliant union of lights and snow as hundreds of miniatures kamakura (snow houses) are illuminated. held in a picturesque onsen city in Tochigi Prefecture, this is the perfect festival for those who want to avoid the more touristy places in favor of an authentic onsen experience. The Sawaguchi river bed is lined with small sails. kamakura lanterns for you to enjoy on your night walk, and the view is so impressive that it has been designated as Japan’s night view heritage. The main place, “Heike no Sato”, has an open-air museum that shows the history of the city, with old houses and buildings on display. However, one of the highlights of the festival is enjoying a delicious barbecue in a larger hall. kamakura. Of course, you’ll also want to warm up and relax in one of the town’s hammams. onsen.
When: end of January to end of February
3. Hakodate Kaijo Fuyu Hanabi Festival
Japan has a deep love for fireworks (hanabi), which are not only reserved for the warmer summer season. kaijo means beach, where this party takes place, which lasts three days in February. Fireworks can be seen all over Hakodate, and you can enjoy them outside or through the windows from inside a cafe if you prefer. If you want to be closer to the action, there are several stalls selling hot food and drinks near Hakodate Station. The spectacular show lasts 20 minutes from 8:00 p.m. and is said to be very beautiful as it is illuminated by the lights of the city.
When: early to mid-February
4. Sounkyo Icefall Festival
Get your “Extreme Cold Certificate” with a photo at this popular Hokkaido ice cream festival at Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa. Famous for its dazzling and interactive ice sculptures, you can walk inside the giant structures to explore. You can even enter the Ice Shrine, a sacred sphere where you can pray for good fortune in love, money, school grades, and similar important matters. The festival also hosts brilliant digital art shows, fireworks, stage shows, a shop, a rest area, and ice climbing. In addition to the illuminated festival, the spa town itself with its frozen waterfalls is impressive in winter.
When: end of January to mid-March
5. Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Perhaps one of the most photogenic winter festivals where snow lanterns, sculptures and kamakura they are illuminated against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. Hirosaki, in Aomori Prefecture, hosts this annual winter celebration, where locals show off their artistic skills with ice sculptures and performances, and with food stalls serving local delicacies. It’s also a fun event for kids, thanks to the giant slide that’s a staple of this popular party. Although the park is most famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring, the Snow Lantern Festival is a cold-weather holiday treat filled with fun and activity.
When: early to mid-February
6. Izu Oshima Tsubaki Festival
120 km off the coast of Tokyo lies a pristine and nature-rich island called Oshima. Famous for its excellent tsubaki (camellia), you can celebrate the flowers’ unusual winter blooming at an event-packed festival honoring this colorful island. Starting with a parade, the festival features many activities such as exploring gardens, attending workshops, and watching a beauty pageant. Camellia Plaza is the main venue for the festival, and there are many regional products and shows to be found here. However, one of the highlights is the possibility to admire the kinkachaa rare yellow camellia.
When: end of January to end of March
7.Atami Baien Ume Festival
The camellia is not the only flower that blooms at this time of year: magnificent oh (the plum trees) also open their delicate blossoms while it is still cool outside. Often mistaken for cherry blossoms, these fragrant blossoms signal the arrival of spring by blooming a few months earlier in February. At Atami Hot Springs in Shizuoka Prefecture, you can see millions of ume blossoms at Atami Baien Garden, one of the best plum blossom viewing spots in Japan. Naturally, the festival is all about falling in love with the oh flowers, admire them and learn about cultural traditions such as the tea ceremony, taiko drum, geisha dancing and live concerts. Be sure to try Awesomenon-alcoholic sweetness Reason it will help you stay warm.
When: Mid-January to early March (February is the best time to visit)
Another Hokkaido festival, this one takes place on Lake Shikotsu, the northernmost in Japan. Lake whose crystal clear water does not freeze even on the coldest days. Clear lake water is sprayed by sprinklers to create unique ice pillars (hyōto) that glow a blue hue during the day and light up a rainbow of colors at night. During the festival you can witness fireworks, traditional bonfires taiko play the drum, ride ice slides and even watch weddings on the ice pillars. He onsen it will also be a welcome shelter to warm up during this busy festival.
When: end of January to mid-February
9. Iwate Snow Festival
Marvel at snow art of all sizes in the southern region of Mount Iwate, including Koiwai Farm, at one of the Tohoku region’s Big Five Snow Festivals. Other fun activities include sliding down a snow slide, embarking on a horse-drawn sleigh ride, riding a snow train, and watching live performances. It’s easy to spend a whole day at the festival and stay until the sculptures light up at night, completely changing the atmosphere. Don’t arrive with a full stomach, make sure you have room to try the local cuisine specializing in dairy and meat products such as morning (grilled lamb), which can be eaten inside the kamakura (snow domes).
When: early to mid-February
10. Mito Plum Blossom Festival
The sublime beauty of plum blossoms is on display at one of the most important festivals in eastern Japan. Kairakuen Garden is a large historical park in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, where 3,000 plum trees bloom with about 100 different varieties of flowers in early spring. To mark the end of a long, cold winter, special events celebrate the arrival of spring, such as fireworks, street food, farm tours and sales of oh-Related Posts. You can also taste different varieties of plum wine, join a tea party, and feel the romantic atmosphere of night lights. More importantly, you can walk in the park to admire the exquisite flowers and welcome spring.
When: end of February to end of March
While some festivals in February are all about winter and others celebrate the arrival of spring, these are all fun and festive ways to spend the last days of the cold season. One thing that all these festivals have in common is that they showcase the beauty of nature at this time of the year. What festivals would you like to experience?
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