AprilSpring Takayama Festival (Sanno Matsuri)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama
Every year April 14 and 15
2027: Apr 14 (Wed) – Apr 15 (Thu), 2 days
Winter Scenery · Chubu & Hokuriku
Fukuji Onsen Aodaru Ice Pillars
Okuhida, GifuFrozen waterfall & icicles❄ Best season: Late Dec – Late Feb✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
Aodaru is a winter mountain phenomenon in which water dripping from rocks freezes and looks like a band of blue water. At Fukuji Onsen in Okuhida, these ice pillars are recreated artificially and illuminated on winter nights.
- Address
- Fukuji, Okuhida Onsengo, Takayama, Gifu
- Official website
- https://okuhida.or.jp/
Area weather
TakayamaWeather and what to wear in Takayama →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to Go
Best seasonLate December to February 28 in 2026–27 (December 24 to late March in 2025–26)
December
January
February
How the ice grows depends on the weather. Check the Okuhida Onsengo Tourism Association for the latest information
This season’s events & operating dates
2026–27 illumination from late December to February 28, 2027. Ice walking path illumination February 4–14
Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.
Highlights
Highlights
The highlight is the thick, bluish ice pillars lit up against the night. In the 2026–27 winter they are illuminated from late December to the end of February, and in February there is also an illumination of the ice walking path and performances of local folk arts.
📷 Best views
Aodaru
Blue ice pillars near the Fukuji Onsen bus stop. Illuminated at night
Illumination
Illumination & winter lights
- Period
- Late December 2026 – February 28, 2027
- Hours
- 17:00–22:00
- Admission
- Free
The Aodaru ice walking path illumination runs February 4–14, 2027, 19:30–21:00, with shishimai lion dance performances on February 12 and 13. May be cancelled depending on the weather
Admission
Admission & fares
ViewingFree
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Roads in the area ice up easily, so walk in shoes with good grip
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Fukuji Onsen (Nohi Bus)Aodaru is near the bus stop
- From major stations & airports
- Takayama Nohi Bus Center: Nohi Bus bound for Shinhotaka Onsen (About 70 min)
- Driving & winter roads
- Parking for regular cars available (no large buses). About 50 min from Takayama IC and about 65 min from Matsumoto IC. Winter tires and other snow-road equipment are essential in winter
- Getting back
- Local buses are infrequent at night, so staying at Fukuji Onsen or a nearby hot spring area makes it easier to visit
Weather
Temperature & staying warm
- Typical temperatures
- January normals for Takayama: high 3.2°C, low -4.8°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Fukuji Onsen is in the mountains and even colder than central Takayama
- What to wear & bring
- You will be viewing at night, so wear a heavy jacket, a hat and gloves, and waterproof, non-slip snow boots
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Fukuji Onsen Aodaru Ice PillarsPR
PR8.6奥飛騨ガーデンホテル焼岳
★★★Check rates on Agoda276 reviews1.2 km from center
PR9.1旅館 山水
★★★Check rates on Agoda198 reviews1.7 km from center- PR9.8
Motoyu Magokuro
★★★Check rates on Agoda68 reviews1.7 km from center - PR9.0
山里のいおり 草円
★★★★Check rates on Agoda93 reviews1.6 km from center - PR9.3
湯元 長座
★★★★Check rates on Agoda63 reviews1.8 km from center - PR9.4
隠庵ひだ路 (大人専用)
★★★★Check rates on Agoda53 reviews1.6 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Takayama
April
OctoberAutumn Takayama Festival (Hachiman Matsuri)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama
Every year October 9 and 10
2026: Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 10 (Sat), 2 days
Attractions
Attractions in Takayama
ExperienceHida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama
An open-air museum in Takayama where more than 30 buildings, including thatched- and shingle-roofed farmhouses relocated from across the Hida region, are arranged like a village. It's about 9 minutes by Sarubobo Bus from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Takayama's old town.
Winter Scenery
Winter Scenery in Chubu & Hokuriku
Mountain & highland
Mountain & highland
Park & natureJigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagano / Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen
❄ Best season: Mid Dec – Late Feb
Park & natureKenroku-en Garden Yukitsuri
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Kanazawa
❄ Best season: Mid Dec – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Mountain & highland
Snowy villageShirakawa-go Ogimachi Gassho-zukuri Village
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Shirakawa-go
❄ Best season: Late Dec – Early Mar
✦ Illumination
Snowy villageGokayama Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Gokayama, Toyama
❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Snowy villageGokayama Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Gokayama, Toyama
❄ Best season: Early Jan – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Snowy villageHida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama
❄ Best season: Mid Jan – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
Old town
Frozen waterfall & iciclesSeasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
