
If you are looking to experience the best winter festivals in Japan, one festival that comes to mind first is the Yunishigawa-Onsen Festival. It’s a must-visit in Tochigi Prefecture, just north of Tokyo.
What is the Yunishigawa-Onsen Kamakura Snow House Festival?
This Japanese winter festival is held every year from late January to early March across key locations in Yunishigawa-Onsen, a small hot spring town in the mountains of Tochigi. In 2025, the festival takes place between January 31 and March 2.
ALSO READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO IN WINTER
What happens during Yunishigawa-Onsen Kamakura Festival?
During the festival, hundreds of tiny snow houses (called kamakura) are lit up by candle lights. These illuminated mini-kamakura are spread throughout different venues across Yunishigawa-Onsen, transforming this small onsen town into a different dimension during winter.
While the lights happen at night, you can still enjoy snow activities during the day, including sleighing. And of course, as a town filled with onsen, you can dip your toes or take a hot bath as you enjoy the snow-filled mountains.
There are also bigger snow huts where you can enjoy a unique dining experience at night.
ALSO READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN JAPAN IN WINTER
Venues of Yunishigawa-Onsen Kamakura Snow House Festival 2025
Here are the venues and lighting schedule for the Yunishigawa-Onsen Kamakura Festival:
1. Sawaguchi Riverside
This location is declared a Japan Night Vie Heritage Site, making it one of the most picturesque sceneries in Tochigi. Locals carefully line hundreds of small kamakura huts along the riverbed during the festival. Don’t miss the view of the river from the bridge!
Lighting Date: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays between January 31 and March 2, 2025
Lighting Hours: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Admission: Free
2. Heike-no-Sata Village
The main venue for the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is transformed into a winter wonderland at night.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Lighting Date: January 31 - March 2, 20245
Admission: 510 yen for adults, 250 yen for students
3. Yunishigawa Mizu-no-Sato Park
Located at the entrance of Yunishigawa-Onsen, this roadside hot spring offers an incredible winter night view.
Opening Dates: February 2 - March 2, 2025 (closed on Wednesdays)
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Admission: 1,200 yen for adults, 600 yen for children (including sledding fee and hot spring bathing fee)
Hot Spring Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
How to Get to Yunishigawa Onsen
To get there, take a direct bus trip from either Kinugawa Onsen Station (which takes about 60 minutes) or Yunishigawa Onsen Station (which takes about 30 minutes).
From Shinjuku Station, JR and Tobu Railway have a direct limited express train to Kinugawa Onsen Station. This would take about 2 hours.
Join the Yunishigawa-Onsen Kamakura Snow House Festival Tour to experience this unique winter festival in Japan. Your local tour guides are here to give you a fantastic evening during this winter tradition.
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