Come enjoy a winter wonderland in Tohoku this season, just outside the city of Yamagata. The Yamagata Snow Festival takes place over the first weekend in February, with various events occurring over the three days.

More details about the planned events can be found at the festival website.

Event Report

A brief rundown of the 2019 schedule is below:

• Opening Friday Time: 16:30 - 20:00 During the opening night, a Snow Stage will host a variety of entertainment while a "Shining River" of illuminated lights brightens up the winter evening.
• Saturday Time: 10:00 - 20:00 Saturday has events that run most of the day, with a particular highlight being the Snowland play area, open until 16:30, where you can go snow tubing among other activities. The Shining River will again be alight this evening after dusk, while the skies will be brightened by fireworks beginning at 19:00.
• Sunday Time: 10:00 - 16:00 Sunday festival goers can also enjoy a full day of play at Snowland and entertainment at the Snow Stage. For those that want to linger, the Shining River will stay lit until 21:00.