Iiyama Snow Festival
Near: Nagano (Event is Free)
Event Date(s):
Feb. 5, 2025 • Feb. 6, 2025
(Usually the first weekend of February)
Dates are subject to change without notice. Check with the official organizers before making travel arrangements.
The Iiyama Snow Festival is a small festival held in Iiyama city near Nagano during the beginning of the month of February. Some of the Nagano Olympic events held in 1998 (most famously the Ski Jumping) were held in the town. The main feature of the event is mid-sized to large snow sculptures created by various groups and businesses in town such as the Fire-brigade, High School, Market, etc. Private groups are also welcome to join. Prizes are given to the "best" snow sculpture along with beer and cash! There is also a main stage with various performances like comedians, dances and bands along with tents that sell all different types of foods and drinks. The whole town partakes in the event and although it's usually pretty cold, the event is fun for all.
It snows a LOT in Iiyama, like 4 or 5 feet on the level so be prepared for lots of snow when you get there. There are also many ski resorts near bye like "Kita Shinshu-Kijimadaira Ski Area" so Iiyama is a big destination for Japanese and Australians who like to come and ski. The town itself only has a couple little hotels so try to make any plans far in advance. Iiyama is just one stop from Nagano on the Shinkansen so it takes less than two hours to get there from Tokyo.
Iiyama-shi, Nagano Japan
Website: Iiyama Snow Festival Homepage
