Tokamachi Snow Festival／The 77th Tokamachi Snow Festival
Dates
Friday, February 20, 2026
Saturday, February 21
Sunday, February 22
*The judging for the Art Section of the Snow Art Exhibition will be held on the evening of Friday, February 20
Policy
・A “sustainable” snow festival created primarily by the local citizens.
・With the concept of “making snow friends and enjoying snow,” we are considering plans to allow visitors to enjoy interacting with the snowy atmosphere of Tokamachi City, a “snow country,” and simple hospitality.
Information
The Tokamachi Snow Festival has been held every February since 1950 and is a true celebration of all of the snow that Tokamachi receives. Rather than fighting the snow, wouldn’t it be more beneficial to befriend it? This is how Tokamachi residents feel!
This charming event is rooted in old traditions and focuses heavily on the amazing, handmade snow sculptures, and the friendliness of the local residents featured at every festival hiroba, or plaza area.
– What are the snow sculptures?
These sculptures are made entirely of snow by local residents. They vary in size and scope every year but are typically larger than cars!
– What are festival hiroba?
Every region of Tokamachi hosts a plaza area of sorts, also known as hiroba in Japanese. They usually feature different snow activities and good food.
Dates Held
This festival is typically held in mid to late February on a weekend.
Location: Tokamachi City, Niigata prefecture, Japan
*English-language brochures will be distributed at the venue on the day.
We will update the website for the next festival when more information is available!
How to Get Here
・BY TRAIN FROM TOKYO
The nearest station is Tokamachi Station. From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzuwa and transfer to the Hokuhoku Line to reach Tokamachi (about 2 hours total).
・BY TRAIN FROM OSAKA
From Shin Osaka Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo, then transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen headed for Echigo-Yuzuwa, and again transfer to the Hokuhoku Line to reach Tokamachi (about 4.5 hours total).
・BY TRAIN FROM KANAZAWA
From Kanazawa Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsumyoko Station, then transfer to the Myoko Haneuma Line (Echigo Tokimeki Railway) until Naoetsu Station, and again transfer to the Hokuhoku Line to reach Tokamachi (about 2 hours total).
INQUIRIES
JR East Customer Service Center: +81 50-2016-1600
official website
Hokuhoku Line (Tokamachi Station): +81 25-752-0770
official website
TAXIS/RENTAL CARS:
Taxi:
Showa Taxi: 025-768-2237
Tokamachi Taxi: 025-752-3184
Akashi Taxi: 025-757-3360
Jukko Taxi: 025-752-3146
Tobu Taxi (Matsudai area): 025-597-2254
Rental cars:
Please note you will need an international drivers license if you do not have a Japanese one.
Eki Rentacar: 025-752-2230
Toyota Rentacar: 025-752-6100
Lotas Rentacar: 025-757-2135
Hakuei Rentacar: 025-752-3465
Inquiry
251-17 Asahicho,Tokamachi-shi,948-0079
Tokamachi City Tourist Information Center
Tokamachi Snow Festival Executive Committee Secretariat
TEL：025-757-3100
FAX：025-757-2285
MAIL : snowfes@city.tokamachi.lg.jp
