Who said that you have to stay inside for the winter? Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Around late January and February, winter festivals are all the rage in Japan. You’ve probably heard of the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, but did you know that there were other winter festivals in Japan? Every region has a distinct festival different from other regions. Let’s take a look at some of those festivals.

The Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival is located in Akita Prefecture (秋田県,). It’s famous for the various igloos that can serve as bars, small museums or a cozy place to take pictures. The igloos are compact and store heat, making it surprisely warm for visitors. The festival was first held to honor Suijin (水神) or the water god. Visitors can sample some sweet sake and rice cakes; which were originally offerings to the water god.

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival begins in late January and is located in Hokkaido (ほっかいどう). Admission is free of charge, but the food and drinks are unfortunately not free. At night the whole place is a sea of color. Ice sculptures both big and small, simple and detailed, are lit up at night. This is further intensified by the fireworks display. There’s also an area where you can enjoy the hot springs.

The Hachinohe Enburi Festival is located in Aomori Prefecture (青森県). The festival showcases a traditional harvest dance. The dance mimics the movements of harvesting crops. The locals perform this dance to usher in the arrival of spring. The locals visit a shrine and make offerings to the gods for a speedy spring season. Visitors can view a parade full of people in colorful costums holding various harvest tools.