Winter blankets the whole of Yamagata in snow
And a unique experience distinct to Yamagata’s southern region of Okitama and Kaminoyama city, which face harsh, chilly winters, awaits you!
Have a shot at a journey to Okitama and Kaminoyama so warm that it will thaw your very heart! Complete the survey on the LINE app to win all sorts of prizes too!
For more details, check out the campaign website.
Yonezawa Event Information
Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival
Held at the Uesugi shrine’s premises, the dreamy candle lights illuminate Yonezawa’s snowscape.
For more information, do check out the event website (Japanese).
Event dates: 10th February 2024 (Saturday) – 11th February 2024 (Sunday)
Venue: Uesugi Shrine grounds, Matsugasaki Park
Entry Fee: Free
Contact: Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival Committee
TEL: 0238-22-9607
Sasano Kannon Junanadou Festival
Also known as the New Year’s Eve festival, it was traditionally held on the 17th (jushichi-nichi) of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. Stalls selling woodcrafts like otakapoppo, dragon zodiac figures, the deities Ebisu and Daikokuten, and many more, will be open for the day. Plus, you can participate in firewalking, which is believed to ward off diseases, at the Kannon temple premises.
Date: 17th January 2024 (Wednesday)
Venue: Sasano Kannon (Koutokuin)
Entry Fee: Free
Contact: Sasano Kannon (Koutokuin)
TEL: 0238-38-5517 (Japanese)
Onogawa Onsen Kamakura Village
Snow huts known as kamakura are built in the onsen town’s square! You can have a bowl of Yonezawa ramen in the snow!
Dates: Mid-January ~ Mid-March 2024
Contact: Onogawa Onsen Ryokan Association
TEL: 0238-32-2740
Kuriko Tunnel – Ice Troll Sightseeing and Trekking Tour (Booking required)
Kuriko Tunnel which connects the cities of Yonezawa and Fukushima on the expressway, transforms into a wonderland filled with naturally forming ice structures in the winter! Also known as ice trolls, these icicles sprout from the ground en masse when water freezes after dripping from the ceiling and they can grow over a meter upwards, forming a picturesque scenery that can only be seen during winter.
Dates: 24th February, 2nd March, 9th March 2024 (Saturdays)
Contact: Yonezawa Tourism & Convention Bureau
TEL: 0238-21-6226
Hinamatsuri Celebrations – Toko Sake Brewery
Hina dolls made in the Kyoho era of the Edo period will be put on display. These dolls were handed down from generation to generation in the Kojima family which runs the Toko Sake Brewery. Have a look while you tour the brewery!
