Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival

Every February, the snowy city of Yonezawa is transformed into a glowing landscape of candlelight and memory during the Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival. Held in Matsugasaki Park, home to Uesugi Shrine, this two-day winter event invites visitors into a serene and poetic world where light, snow, and history converge.

Each year, around 300 snow lanterns and 3,000 snow bonbori (small snow lamps) are carefully crafted and lit throughout the park. As night falls, the area is bathed in flickering orange candlelight, creating a magical, dreamlike atmosphere that draws both locals and travellers.

Beyond the lights, the festival features local product fairs, a tent village offering seasonal Yamagata specialties like imoni - a traditional hot pot dish - and various performances and exhibits. On Friday evening, a preview lighting offers an early glimpse of the full display. What makes the event especially meaningful is the community effort - volunteers, students, and local groups all join in creating and lighting the snowy sculptures, showcasing the spirit and hospitality of Yonezawa.

From a Moonlit Idea to a Beloved Tradition

The origins of the festival date back to February 28, 1977, when a group of local residents - including scholars, brewers, and shrine priests - gathered for a moon-viewing party at Uesugi Shrine. Inspired by conversations about the beauty of snow and neighbouring winter events in Niigata and Akita, they spontaneously placed candles in snowbanks and turned off the lights. The soft glow against the white landscape left a lasting impression.

What began as an impromptu moment of wonder soon became a public celebration. Just a few days later, on March 3, the first official Snow Lantern Festival was held, drawing over 200 attendees.

Set against the historic backdrop of Uesugi Shrine, which enshrines the legendary warlord Uesugi Kenshin (1530–1578), born Nagao Kagetora, the festival is more than a visual spectacle. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and remembrance - particularly through the Repose of Souls Ceremony, where light is offered in honour of the war dead and the ancestors who helped build a peaceful society.