Tohoku · FukushimaSnow
An Edo-era post town of thatched roofs is buried in snow and lit by hundreds of candles for one magical winter weekend.
Overview
Ouchi-juku preserves the look of a feudal-era way station, its earthen-walled, thatched houses lined along a single street. During the snow festival the whole village is softened by drifts and warmed by rows of snow lanterns, with a torch parade and fireworks providing the drama. It is a compact, deeply photogenic event that pairs well with the Aizu region’s onsen and castle sights.
When & Where
The 2026 festival is held on February 14 and 15, running roughly 12:00 to 19:00 on the Saturday and 10:00 to 15:00 on the Sunday. The venue is the historic Ouchi-juku street in Shimogo Town, Fukushima. Nearest station: Yunokami Onsen on the Aizu Railway.
Getting There
From Aizuwakamatsu, take the Aizu Railway toward Yunokami Onsen, then a taxi or seasonal shuttle for the last 15 minutes to the village; by car it is about an hour from the Aizuwakamatsu interchange. Roads can be icy, so allow extra time and confirm return transport before dark.
What to Expect
- A snow-covered street of Edo-period thatched houses
- Rows of candle-lit snow lanterns after dusk
- A flaming torch parade on the first evening
- Fireworks over the village
- Local Aizu specialities such as negi soba eaten with a spring onion
Tickets & Access
The festival is free to attend. Bring cash for food, drinks and souvenirs, as the village is rural and card acceptance is limited.
Tips for Visitors
Stay until the candles are lit in the late afternoon, when the village is at its most beautiful. Footing is slippery and snow can be deep, so wear waterproof boots and warm layers.
Access and Map
| Dates | February 14 and 15, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Ouchi-juku, Shimogo Town, Fukushima |
| Nearest station | Yunokami Onsen Station (Aizu Railway) |
| Access | Aizu Railway to Yunokami Onsen, then taxi/shuttle (~15 min); ~60 min by car from Aizuwakamatsu |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Fukushima Travel (Fukushima Prefecture Tourism) |
Source: Fukushima Travel (Fukushima Prefecture Tourism)
Image: Photo: Hiroaki Kaneko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
