Mountain & highlandWinter Scenery · Chubu & Hokuriku
Narai-juku
Kiso Valley (Tsumago & Magome)Old town❄ Best season: Early Feb✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
Narai-juku is a post town on the Kisoji section of the Nakasendo, with old townscapes stretching about 1 km from north to south. Every year on February 3 in winter, a festival is held in which handmade ice candles light up the streets.
- Address
- Narai, Shiojiri, Nagano
- Official website
- https://www.naraijuku.com/
Peak Time
When to Go
Best seasonThe Ice Candle Festival is held every year on February 3
December
January
February
The amount of snow depends on each year’s weather. Check the Narai-juku Tourism Association for the latest festival information
Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.
Highlights
Highlights
At the Ice Candle Festival, about 2,000 handmade ice candles light the post town from Narai Station to Shizume Shrine, creating a magical scene. The simultaneous lighting ceremony at the 200 Jizo statues and fireworks are also highlights. By day you can visit Shizume Shrine, the Kiso no Ohashi Bridge, the Nakamura Residence and more.
📷 Best views
Narai-juku townscape
The post town lit by ice candles from Narai Station to Shizume Shrine
Kiso no Ohashi Bridge
A wooden arched bridge over the Narai River
Illumination
Illumination & winter lights
- Period
- Every year on February 3
About 2,000 handmade ice candles light the streets, with a simultaneous lighting ceremony at the 200 Jizo statues and fireworks
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The streets in town can freeze, so walk in non-slip shoes
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Narai Station (JR Chuo Main Line)About 3 min on foot
- From major stations & airports
- Shiojiri IC (Nagano Expressway): Car (About 35 min)
- Driving & winter roads
- Use free parking lots such as Michi-no-Eki Kiso no Ohashi. On festival day it gets very crowded, so arriving early or taking the train is recommended
- Getting back
- On festival day, check your return train times in advance
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Parking lots get extremely crowded on the day of the Ice Candle Festival
Weather
Temperature & staying warm
- Typical temperatures
- February normals for the Nagiso observation station: high 6.4°C, low -4.3°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Nagiso is in the southern Kiso Valley, some distance from Narai-juku
- What to wear & bring
- The evening festival is cold, so wear a heavy jacket, a hat, gloves and non-slip shoes
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
Frozen waterfall & iciclesFukuji Onsen Aodaru Ice Pillars
Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Okuhida, Gifu
❄ Best season: Late Dec – Late Feb
✦ Illumination
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
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
