Tokamachi Snow Festival／The 77th Tokamachi Snow Festival
Dates
Friday, 20th February, 2026
Saturday, 21st February
Sunday, 22nd February
*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 made possible primarily by the dedication of the local citizens
・Embracing the concept of “Treat snow as your friend and have fun together”, we are always looking for new ways to create an inviting atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the snowy charm of Tokamachi City, a renowned ‘Snow Country,’ and experience the warmth of its genuine hospitality.
Information
The Tokamachi Snow Festival has been held every February since 1950 and is a true celebration of the abundant snowfall that graces Tokamachi. “Rather than fighting the snow, wouldn’t it be more rewarding to befriend it?” This is the feeling shared by the residents of Tokamachi!”
This charming event is rooted in long-standing traditions and places a strong emphasis on the intricate handmade snow sculptures, as well as the warm hospitality of the locals, which can be experienced at every festival hiroba, the festival plazas.
– What are the snow sculptures?
These impressive sculptures are made entirely of snow by local residents. Their size and design change every year, but they are usually larger enough to exceed the dimensions of a car!
– What are festival hiroba?
Different areas of Tokamachi host venues, also known as Hiroba in Japanese. At these venues/Hiroba, visitors can usually enjoy a variety of snow activities, eat good food, and admire beautiful snow sculptures.
Dates Held
The Tokamachi Snow 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 venues on the day of the event.
We will update the website with more details about the next festival as soon as more information are 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
