15 Unmissable Winter Festivals in Japan for 2026: A Muslim Traveler’s Guide

When temperatures drop and a blanket of white snow covers the land, Japan transforms into a magical winter wonderland. From the frozen landscapes of northern Hokkaido to the historic streets of the Kansai region, the locals embrace the cold with spectacular celebrations involving blinding light displays, massive ice sculptures, and ancient fire rituals.

Also read: Singapore MRT Guide: One Attraction Near Each Popular Station

For travelers coming from warmer climates, experiencing a Japanese winter festival is a bucket-list adventure. Imagine walking through corridors of snow illuminated by candlelight, or watching fireworks burst over a snow-capped Mt. Fuji. To help you plan your early 2026 getaway, we have curated a list of the most spectacular winter festivals in Japan. We have also included Muslim-friendly tips to ensure your journey is comfortable and worry-free.

Hokkaido: The Ultimate Winter Paradise

1. Sapporo Snow Festival

Image credit: Sapporo Snow Festival | Official Website

Undoubtedly the most famous winter event in Japan, this festival turns the city into a gallery of ice. Odori Park hosts hundreds of massive snow sculptures, some as tall as buildings, depicting everything from anime characters to world landmarks. At night, projection mapping brings these sculptures to life. Visit the Susukino district for intricate ice carvings, or head to the Tsudome site for family-friendly snow slides.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: Sapporo is home to the Sapporo Masjid. For food, the city offers several Muslim-friendly options, including Houryu Ramen and Donburi Chaya, so you can enjoy warm, local flavors worry-free.

Dates: February 4 – 11, 2026
Location: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome, Sapporo.

2. Asahikawa Winter Festival

Image credit: Asahikawa Winter Festival | Official Website

If you prefer a slightly less crowded alternative to Sapporo, Asahikawa is the place to be. This festival holds the record for the largest snow sculptures in the world. The massive main stage, made entirely of snow, hosts music and dance performances. Don't miss the spectacular opening and closing fireworks, or the giant snow slide that is free for everyone to enjoy.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: While dedicated Halal restaurants are fewer here, Asahikawa is famous for seafood. Look for grilled fish or vegetarian noodle options, but always double-check with staff regarding the use of mirin or alcohol in sauces.

Dates: February 6 – 11, 2026
Location: Asahibashi Riverside Venue (Tokiwa Park), Asahikawa.

3. Otaru Snow Light Path

Image credit: Yuki Akari no Michi | Official Website

Otaru offers a romantic and intimate atmosphere that contrasts with Sapporo's grandeur. The historic Otaru Canal is adorned with hundreds of floating glass candles (made from old fishing floats), creating a nostalgic glow on the water. Along the old Temiya railway line, locals build small snow statues housing flickering candles. Walking here with loved ones amidst light snowfall is an unforgettable experience.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: Otaru is a port city renowned for fresh seafood. You can find excellent kaisen-don (seafood rice bowls) near the canal. Be sure to request soy sauce without alcohol or bring your own Halal soy sauce packets.

Dates: February 7 – 14, 2026
Location: Otaru Canal & Temiya Railway Line, Otaru.

4. Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Image credit: Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival | Official Website

Celebrating the pristine waters of Lake Shikotsu, this festival features ice sculptures created not by carving, but by spraying lake water until it freezes naturally. By day, the ice glows with a natural "Shikotsu Blue"; by night, colorful illuminations turn the frozen pillars into a surreal fantasy world.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: There is a prayer room available at the New Chitose Airport, which is the main transport hub to reach this lake. It is advisable to pray there upon arrival or departure.

Dates: January 31 – February 23, 2026
Location: Lake Shikotsu Hot Springs, Chitose, Hokkaido.

5. Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro

Image credit: Jozankei Tourist Association | Official Website

Located in a hot spring town just outside Sapporo, this festival offers a spiritual retreat. Thousands of snow candles, handcrafted by local residents, illuminate the Jozankei Shrine area, creating a sacred atmosphere. After braving the cold, nothing beats warming up in a traditional onsen.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: Many ryokans (inns) in Jozankei offer "Kashikiri" (private rental baths), which is perfect for Muslim travelers seeking privacy.

Dates: January 27 – February 3, 2026
Location: Jozankei Shrine, Sapporo.

Yamagata: The Snow Monsters

6. Zao Snow Monster Illumination

Image credit: Stay Yamagata | Official Website

Witness a rare natural phenomenon where Siberian winds freeze snow onto pine trees, creating unique shapes known as juhyo or "Snow Monsters." You can take a ropeway to view these thousands of frozen figures from above. At night, illuminations cast mysterious shadows over the mountain, creating a breathtaking sight.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: As this is a ski resort area, Halal food can be scarce. It is recommended to stick to seafood options or pack Muslim-friendly instant meals. However, some hotels in Yamagata may cater to dietary requests if booked in advance.

Dates: Late December 2025 – Late February 2026
Location: Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata.

Fukushima: A Step Back in Time

7. Ouchi-juku Snow Festival

Image credit: Ouchijuku Tourism Association | Official Website

Ouchi-juku is a preserved Edo-period post town famous for its thatched-roof houses. During the festival, snow lanterns are placed outside every home, making the village look like a classic ink painting. Enjoy traditional yosakoi dances and taiko drumming, followed by fireworks over the ancient village.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: The local specialty is negi soba (buckwheat noodles eaten with a leek). Since the broth usually contains bonito stock and soy sauce, check with the vendor about the ingredients or opt for grilled river fish sold at stalls.

Dates: February 14 – 15, 2026
Location: Ouchi, Shimogo, Fukushima.

Tochigi: The Igloo Tradition

8. Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival

Image credit: Nikko City Tourism Association | Official Website

This festival is a "Japan Night View Heritage" site. Hundreds of mini kamakura (snow igloos) lined up along the Sawaguchi riverbed are lit with candles, creating a mesmerizing glow. Visitors can also book a private BBQ experience inside a large igloo. Nearby, the Heike no Sato village offers a glimpse into traditional rural life.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: If you plan to book the BBQ igloo experience, contact the organizers in advance to see if you can bring your own Halal meat or if they offer a seafood or vegetarian menu.

Dates: January 30 – March 1, 2026
Location: Yunishigawa, Nikko, Tochigi.

Yamanashi: Mt. Fuji Views

9. Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks

Image credit: Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism | Official Website

Fireworks are usually a summer tradition in Japan, but the clear winter air at Lake Kawaguchi makes them even more spectacular. Watch the vibrant colors explode against the backdrop of a snow-covered Mt. Fuji.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: The Lake Kawaguchi area is very Muslim-friendly. You can find the Fujisan World Heritage Center which has a prayer room. For dining, Alladin serves delicious halal Indian curry right near the lake.

Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday, January 24 – February 24, 2026 (starts at 20:00)
Location: Oike Park, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi.

10. Saiko Ice Festival

Image credit: Fujikawaguchiko Town Tourism | Official Website

Held at Lake Saiko, this festival showcases towering "Ice Trees" that reach up to 10 meters, formed by freezing water spray. The view of Mt. Fuji from here remains unobstructed and majestic, offering a wilder, more natural vibe than other festivals.

Dates: January 31 – February 11, 2026
Location: Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi.

Nagano: Fire and Spirit

11. Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival

Image credit: Nozawa Onsen | Official Website

Prepare for an adrenaline rush at one of Japan’s three major fire festivals. This intense ritual involves a battle between villagers carrying torches and 25-year-old and 42-year-old men (considered unlucky ages) defending a massive wooden shrine. The night ends with the shrine being set ablaze, creating a massive bonfire in the snow.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: This event gets extremely crowded. It is advisable to perform your prayers at your accommodation before heading out.

Dates: January 15, 2026
Location: Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen, Nagano.

12. Iiyama Snow Festival

Image credit: Shinshu-Iiyama Tourism Bureau | Official Website

Located in one of Japan's heavy snowfall regions, this festival has a warm, community feel. The streets are lined with snow sculptures made by locals and schoolchildren. It is a perfect laid-back alternative for families who want to avoid the massive crowds of Sapporo.

Dates: February 7 – 8, 2026
Location: Iiyama City, Nagano.

13. Nagano Lantern Festival (Tomyo Festival)

Image credit: Nagano Lantern Festival | Official Website

Commemorating the 1998 Winter Olympics, this festival lights up the historic Zenkoji Temple in the five Olympic colors. The approach to the temple is lined with beautiful paper lanterns featuring kiri-e (paper cutting art), creating a peaceful and artistic atmosphere.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: Zenkoji Temple offers shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) in its surrounding lodges. This is generally plant-based, making it a safe option for Muslim diners (confirm no alcohol is used in cooking).

Dates: February 20 – 23, 2026
Location: Zenkoji Temple, Nagano City.

Nara: Mystical Ancient Traditions

14. Setsubun Mantoro

Image credit: Kasugataisha | Official Website

The Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara is famous for its 3,000 lanterns, which are lit only twice a year. One of these times is during setsubun (the beginning of spring) in February. The sight of thousands of lanterns glowing in the ancient forest is mystical and sacred. It is said that prayers made here during the festival are likely to be answered.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: Nara is very accommodating to Muslim tourists. Visit the Nara City Tourist Information Center for a prayer space. For food, Naramachi Jinniyah offers an authentic Japanese ramen experience.

Date: February 3, 2026
Location: Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara.

15. Mt. Miune Rime Ice Festival

Image credit: Mitsue Village Tourism Association | Official Facebook

For nature lovers and hikers, this festival celebrates the "Rime Ice" (muhyo) phenomenon on Mount Miune. Hikers climb the mountain to see the trees covered in frozen fog, looking like white coral. At the mountain base, locals sell warm products to comfort hikers.

Muslim-Friendly Tip: Since this is an outdoor adventure, it is best to pack your own Halal bento or snacks.

Dates: Late January – Mid-February 2026
Location: Mitsue Youth Travel Village, Nara.

Also read: Muslim-Friendly Winter Guide to Shirakawago, Japan's Magical Snowy Village

Japan in winter is truly a sight to behold. These festivals showcase the resilience and creativity of the locals in the face of the cold. Remember, temperatures drop significantly at night, so wear thermal layers (Heattech is recommended), non-slip boots, and heavy coats. With these tips in hand, you are ready to enjoy the frosty magic of Japan!