How to Enjoy Japan’s Winter Festivals on a Budget

Snow might not be the first thing you picture when you think of Japan, but should it be?

Japan really comes alive in winter, with twinkling lights, comfort food and some of the best powder snow in the world. However, where it truly shines is in its incredible winter festivals.

From dramatic snow sculptures to ethereal lanterns, here’s how to see them for less.

Budget-friendly winter festivals in Japan

We know your wallet can take a beating in Japan, so we’ve collected a bunch of winter festivals that you can enjoy for free! All you need to do is get there (bring warm clothes and a camera).

Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido)

Japan’s most famous winter festival is also free to attend. Held every year in February, Hokkaido’s capital city transforms into a winter wonderland of sculptures and festivities.

• See giant snow sculptures of anime characters, animals and more in Odori Park
• Head to the nightlife district of Susukino for beautiful illuminated ice sculptures
• Enjoy many illuminations around the city, or just soak up the party atmosphere

Bring money for snacks (there are lots of cheap stalls), and book way in advance or stay outside of Sapporo unless you want to pay huge hotel rates. It can be a squeeze if you get the train!

Where: Sapporo, Hokkaido
When: 4th-11th February 2026

Tadami Snow Festival (Fukushima)

Although smaller and less famous than Sapporo’s Snow Festival, Tadami’s Snow Festival offers a more traditional, intimate slice of Japanese culture. Once again, it’s completely free to attend.

• See snow sculptures and monuments lovingly carved over a 20-day period
• Traditional displays like drumming, dancing, and theatre, plus locally made gifts
• Enjoy a spectacular firework display and multiple bonfires to huddle around

More than 20,000 visitors a year attend Tadami for the festival, so book early if you want to stay in town. It’s a peaceful area with impressive snowfall, if you want to get some winter hiking in.

Where: Tadami, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima
When: 13th-15th February 2026

Yokote Kamakura Festival (Akita)

This unforgettable winter festival in Japan has been a tradition for over 450 years! Kamakura are little huts made of snow, and once a year, many visitors come to Akita to experience their magic.

• Residents begin making the kamakura in January, ready for the February festival
• Each kamakura houses a Shinto altar, where the Shinto Water Deity is enshrined
• Children in traditional dress welcome you inside and treat you to wine and cake

This is a really special festival in Japan, made more atmospheric by the orange glow from inside the kamakura. Remember, you can save money by staying outside Yokote and getting the train.

Where: Yokote, Akita
When: 15th-16th February 2026

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (Hokkaido)

If you’re staying in Hokkaido for the Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru is under an hour’s ride away from Sapporo. This festival sees Otaru’s historic streets and canal illuminated by candles.

• The town’s canal is decorated with real candles floating in small glass buoys
• Around the town are small snow and ice sculptures, also illuminated by candles
• Local traders decorate with lanterns and serve delicious, winter festival food

As well as the canal, an abandoned railway line and Mount Tenguyama are also candlelit. Otaru is a historic port town and is well worth a visit – wait until after dark to see the free illuminations.

Where: Otaru, Hokkaido
When: 7th-14th February 2026

Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival (Kyoto)

Just a short drive from Kyoto, the stars of this winter festival are traditional thatched farmhouses, decorated with snow lanterns. This intimate event is ideal for enjoying Japan at a slower pace.

• The thatched farmhouses (kayabuki) are decorated with lanterns and sculptures
• Build your own snow sculpture, or rent tools to create your own glowing lantern
• Try a warm, locally made dish from a stall, or soak up the fairytale atmosphere

Miyama is a region in the mountains, so parking needs to be booked ahead if you’re visiting by car. You can also get there by train, but check the timetables as they can be quite infrequent!

Where: Kayabuki no Sato, Miyama, Kyoto
When: 19th-23rd January 2026

Now we’ve given you five winter festivals in Japan, here’s how to spend less when visiting them.

Save money while travelling there

Make the most of public transport

If you’re exploring Japan by train, a JR Pass will save you some money. Choose regional passes, rather than the full JR Pass, unless you’re planning some serious nationwide travel!

Overnight buses can also be a game-changer if you’re travelling in Japan on a tight budget.

Travel off-peak and wrap up warm

Winter festivals in Japan get popular, so travel early or on weekdays to avoid big crowds of locals and tourists. Remember to dress warmly and bring your hiking boots to avoid high taxi fares.

Always check timetables to avoid getting stranded, especially in rural mountainous areas.

Find budget-friendly accommodation

Stay outside the city centre

Accommodation prices tend to spike around festivals, especially for cities like Sapporo and Kyoto. You can save money by staying in a nearby town or suburb and commuting by train.

Again, overnight buses aren’t only cheap, but can double as a place to sleep between festivals.

Try cheaper accommodation options

Consider cheaper accommodation like hostels, capsule hotels and small inns (ryokan) outside the city centre. Japan has a wide range of hostels, which are ideal for solo travellers. If you’ve never tried a capsule hotel or ryokan in Japan, we recommend giving them a go at least once!

Splitting an Airbnb between friends (or a group of ALTs on break) can also help cut costs – you might lose the authenticity of staying in a guesthouse, but they can be cheaper than hotels.

If you’re staying somewhere with self-catering facilities, you can also make your own food.

Book early or last-minute deals

Winter festivals in Japan can attract thousands of visitors, so book early for the best choice. If you’re very flexible with your dates, you may be able to grab a last-minute deal at a hotel.

Some guesthouses offer festival packages, combining accommodation with a shuttle service.

Enjoy cheap street food and snacks

Japanese festivals mean Japanese pop-up stalls, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for tasty things to eat. Scout out the small local stalls, rather than fancy restaurants, for some warm street food.

Look out for some of these classic winter favourites (or create your own to take with you).

• Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles)
• Takoyaki (octopus balls)
• Oden (simmered stew)
• Yakiimo (roasted sweet potatoes)
• Nikuman (steamed buns)
• Ramen (hot noodle soup)
• Zenzai (sweet red bean soup)

These cosy dishes are a must-try and a big part of enjoying the Japanese party atmosphere!

Get good deals on gifts and souvenirs

It’s easy to overspend on gifts at festivals, especially in the main areas where prices can be inflated. Wander out to local shops and smaller vendors, which are just as good (but cheaper).

Convenience stores, train station shops, and 100-yen shops are also great places to pick up affordable Japan-themed gifts like stationery or seasonal items. Regional snacks and sweets also make great gifts and are easy to pack – saving you money and valuable bag space.

More tips for winter festivals in Japan

Ask coworkers for recommendations

If you’re working as an Interac ALT (Assistant Language Teacher), you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask your coworkers and students for their recommendations. They might know some local traditions and events unique to the area, alongside the best times to visit.

Look into volunteering opportunities

Some regional festivals in Japan welcome volunteers to help with set-up, guiding visitors, or simple tasks. You might get free access, food, or behind-the-scenes experiences – plus a deeper cultural insight. Remember to wrap up warm, as you might be out in the snow for a long time.

Combine festivals with local sightseeing

Many winter festivals are held near onsen (Japanese hot springs) towns, scenic hiking routes, or historic sites. Pairing a festival visit with nearby attractions helps you make the most of your time off without extra travel costs. Many shrines and temples are free and are always worth a look.

Use festivals as cultural learning

Take photographs where appropriate, ask locals thoughtful questions, and learn the stories behind the festival. If you’re teaching English, these real experiences can make great classroom talking points and can help students see English as a tool for sharing their own culture.

Plan around the school holidays

If you’re an ALT, winter can include quieter school periods. Planning longer trips around these times allows you to travel to multiple winter festivals without using up too much paid leave.

Looking for more money-saving tips? Check out our blog on budgeting while living in Japan.

Explore Japan’s winter festivals as an ALT

If you’re eager to experience Japan’s winter festivals, why not apply to teach English in Japan?

Working as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Japan not only builds transferable skills, but also allows you to travel in Japan in your free time. Whether you want to teach in Hokkaido or visit a snow festival one weekend, working for Interac allows you to explore on your own terms.

Apply Now