Traditional hina dolls and intricately crafted miniature furnishings reveal the artistry and cultural significance of this centuries-old celebration.
30 Jan – 15 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetYokohama · KanagawaAn ice festival at Lake Shikotsu showcases sculptures created from sprayed water, complemented by performances, fireworks, and nearby hot springs.
31 Jan – 23 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetChitose · HokkaidoA February festival in which a procession of 200 costumed samurai in traditional armor marches to Bannaji Temple for a purification ceremony.
31 Jan 2027Exact date not confirmed yetAshikaga · TochigiEvery spring the town of Katsuura in Chiba sets out 10,000 hina dolls down shrine staircases, under temple gates, and through the shops and streets between.
1 Feb – 3 Mar 2027Exact date not confirmed yetKatsuura · ChibaAncient Noto folk ritual where children masquerading as demons parade through streets to symbolically drive away laziness and encourage diligent work.
3 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetNoto · IshikawaThe Utasu Jinja Shrine Setsubun Festival marks the change of season with purification rituals and Mamemaki, the traditional throwing of roasted soybeans.
3 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetKanazawa · IshikawaSnow sculptures in Odori Park, ice sculptures in Susukino and snow attractions at Tsudome fill three sites in Sapporo every February.
4–11 Feb 2027Sapporo · HokkaidoThis handmade winter festival transforms harvested bamboo into intricate lanterns that celebrate Yamaga's heritage as a traditional umbrella-producing town.
6–28 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetYamaga · KumamotoA festival celebrating Chofu's cinematic heritage since 1933 connects audiences with the city's continued cluster of film and media companies.
6 Feb – 1 Mar 2027Exact date not confirmed yetChofu · TokyoThe festival illuminates Nagasaki's streets with around 15,000 Chinese lanterns, some reaching 10 metres, celebrating Lunar New Year traditions.
6–23 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetNagasakiThe Hirosaki Castle Yuki-Doro Festival fills the castle park with illuminated snow lanterns, dome-shaped kamakura huts and intricate sculptures.
6–11 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetHirosaki · AomoriThousands of handmade snowmen are lit after dark in two mountain towns in winter, with local food vendors selling regional specialties.
6 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetHakusan · IshikawaAn ancient Shinto ritual held on February 10 features young men in white ceremonial clothing splitting bamboo stalks to symbolize strength and readiness.
10 Feb 2027Kaga · IshikawaFire-lit pillars hung with sacred paper stand on the beach as the community performs ceremonial dances twice a day for protection from illness and calamity.
11 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetYanai · YamaguchiAn Edo-period festival in Kaminoyama where performers in bird-shaped straw costumes parade through town as spectators splash them with water for good fortune.
11 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetKaminoyama · YamagataMen of unlucky ages run through icy waters in this harsh February ritual that has cleansed misfortune since the devastating Edo-period Great Fire.
11 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetIchinoseki · IwateThe Namahage Sedo Festival recreates the winter tradition of demon-like Namahage visiting shrines and homes, known as one of Japan's three strangest festivals.
13–15 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetOga · AkitaA two-day winter festival in snowy Yonezawa transforming Matsugasaki Park into a landscape of 300 snow lanterns and 3,000 snow lamps lit by candlelight.
14–15 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetYonezawa · Yamagata
