Times Of TIU

Writer: Samantha P.
Editor: Natsumi K.

As winter sets in, Tokyo International University (TIU) students are gearing up for a three-month winter break from January to March. If you aren’t planning to go back home to your home country, why not try exploring Japan during this winter break? This long holiday period offers a perfect opportunity for students to explore and immerse themselves in the rich culture of Japan. Engaging in the country’s winter festivals and traditions can be an enlightening and enjoyable way to spend this extended break while providing a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

1. Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり)
Location: Sapporo City, Hokkaido (Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome)
Date: February 4 to February 11
Train (Shinkansen): Ikebukuro Station – Odori Station (¥27,630)

The annual Sapporo Snow Festival is a spectacle of enormous snow and ice sculptures illuminated with vibrant lights. First, the main venue, Odori Park, offers several kinds of warm drinks and food choices in addition to sculptures that reach remarkable heights and widths. Next, Tsudome, the second-largest site, offers snowy activities, snow slides, and family-oriented diversions. It was closed in 2023 but will reopen in 2024. Lastly, Susukino, the smallest site, is home to the Ice Sculpture Contest and about 100 ice sculptures. Luckily, admission to all locations is free, inviting guests to experience the icy charm of the Sapporo Snow Festival. Additionally, the popular Crab Nabe hot pot, a hearty and flavorful delight in the frigid winter weather, is a must-try while you’re there.

2. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (小樽雪あかりの路)
Location: Otaru City, Hokkaido (Unga Kaijo, Temiyasen Kaijo)
Date: February 10 to February 17
Train (Shinkansen): Ikebukuro Station – Otaru Station (¥28,150)

The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival was founded in 1999 with the goal of creating a peaceful sanctuary for reflection. With thoughtfully placed candles creating a magical scene along the frozen waterfront and icy canal, the festival invites guests to ponder and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The festival has two main locations: Unga Kaijo, which highlights the town’s charming architecture, and Temiyasen Kaijo, which turns an 1880s railroad into an enthralling exhibit of sculptures and snow lanterns. The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival invites everyone to discover deep beauty in quiet times and is a monument to the timeless beauty of self-discovery and simplicity. The festival is known for its romantic ambiance, created by beautifully lit snow lanterns along the town’s canals. While visiting these places, you can enjoy local delights such as sushi, sweets, or seafood noodles while immersing yourself in the picturesque surroundings.

3. Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival (横手の雪まつり)
Location: Yokote City, Akita
Date: February 15 and 16
Train (Shinkansen): Ikebukuro Station – Yokote Station (¥14,680)

An annual 400-year tradition, the Kamakura Festival, transforms the Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival into a scene out of an epic fantasy every February. There are several Kamakura constructions dotting the city, some as tall as three meters and as wide as four. These structures resemble igloos, as illustrated in the picture. Also, locals provide freshly grilled mochi and amazake, a traditional sweet Japanese drink made from fermented rice, with minimal alcohol content, to their guests as they enter the igloos. These buildings, along with smaller Kamakura, create a mystical aura that leads people through the festival. They serve as both prayer locations for safety and success as well as shelters for local spirits.

4. Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (野沢温泉 道祖神祭り)
Location: Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
Date: January 15
Train (Shinkansen): Ikebukuro Station – Iiyama Station (¥8,970)
*Take a bus from Iiyama Station – Nozawa Onsen (¥600~¥700)

Combining fire and snow, the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, also known as Dosojin Matsuri, is widely recognized as one of Japan’s top three fire festivals. Using trees that were cut in October, over a hundred villagers build a large shrine, which culminates in an exciting “fire-setting battle” on January 15. The ritual, which can last up to four hours, involves the locals lighting the temple on fire while carrying torches. The celebration, which has been recognized as an important intangible folk cultural property, began as a harvest-related invocation and has now grown to incorporate blessings for good health, wealth, and a successful ski season. It is a yearly celebration that men between the ages of 25 and 42 organize to commemorate the birth of a family’s first child, fend off bad luck, and hope for successful marriages. Furthermore, savor local delicacies such as Nozawana Pickles, Soba Noodles, Shinshu Apples, and Oyaki, a stuffed dumpling that warms the soul.

5. Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival (弘前城雪灯籠まつり)
Location: Hirosaki, Aomori (Hirosaki Park)
Date: February 9 to February 12Train (Shinkansen): Ikebukuro Station – Hirosaki Station (¥17,660)

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival showcases local artistic talent along with contributions from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces as the castle is transformed with snow lanterns, kamakura, and snow sculptures. Highlights include the shimmering kamakura, the Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri artwork exhibits, the local specialties and fireworks for amusement. A snow-covered playground, rare winter fireworks, a large illuminated snow statue, and concerts throughout the park make this one of Japan’s best snow festivals an unforgettable experience for all. Take in the stunning scenery and savor regional specialties including Hirosaki Apples, Tsugaru Regional Cuisine (Kaiyaki-Miso, Tsugaru Jiru), Hirosaki Neputa Yaki, and Aomori Scallop.

In Japan, winter festivals showcase the rich cultural diversity and customs that define this distinct nation. Each festival offers an opportunity to try local dishes and see the artistry portrayed in ice and snow, from the stunning snow and ice sculptures to the colorful celebrations of historical traditions. As we, TIU students begin our winter break, participating in these events is more than simply a journey of discovery; it is also an immersion into the warmth of community and tradition Japan has. Take a short break from studying and let the winter wonders of Japan fill your vacation with lifelong memories.