MayNikko Toshogu Shrine Grand Spring Festival
Tokyo & Around ・ Nikko
Every year on May 17 and 18 (fixed dates as a Shinto ritual)
2027: May 17 (Mon) – May 18 (Tue)
Winter Scenery · Tokyo & Around
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura & Snow Scenery
NikkoHot spring town❄ Best season: Late Jan – Late Feb✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
At Yunishigawa Onsen, a mountain hot spring village with legends of Heike clan refugees, small kamakura (snow huts) line the snowy riverbank in winter, and at night a light is lit in each one. It is a winter tradition of Nikko and is also certified as a Japan Night View Heritage site.
- Address
- Yunishigawa, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2601
- Official website
- https://www.nikko-kankou.org/event/1210
Area weather
NikkoWeather and what to wear in Nikko →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to Go
Best seasonUsually late January to late February (Kamakura Festival period)
December
January
February
The amount of snow varies from year to year. The kamakura are lit only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, so plan your dates accordingly
This season’s events & operating dates
2027 Kamakura Festival January 29 – February 28; mini kamakura on the Sawaguchi riverbank lit on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only
Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.
Highlights
Highlights
On the Sawaguchi riverbank, lights glow in the mini kamakura lined up on the snow, wrapping the riverside in a magical scene. At nearby Heike no Sato, you can see snow-dusted thatched farmhouses and kamakura.
📷 Best views
Sawaguchi riverbank
The glow of mini kamakura lined up on the snowy riverbank
Heike no Sato
A village scene of snow-covered thatched farmhouses
Illumination
Illumination & winter lights
- Period
- Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from January 29 to February 28, 2027
- Hours
- 17:30–21:00
Lighting of the mini kamakura at the Sawaguchi riverbank venue
Hours
Opening hours
Mini kamakura lighting (2027)17:30–21:00
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only
Heike no Sato (winter)9:00–16:30
Last entry 16:00
In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The riverbank is snowy and hard to walk on, so wear non-slip, waterproof shoes
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Yunishigawa-Onsen Station (Yagan Railway Aizu Kinugawa Line)About 25 min by bus; the Sawaguchi riverbank is about 5 min on foot from the bus stop
- From major stations & airports
- Imaichi IC (Nikko-Utsunomiya Road): Car (About 60 min)
- Driving & winter roads
- Parking available. Trains and buses are recommended when crowded. Winter tires are mandatory
- Getting back
- The lighting is at night, so check the last return bus in advance or stay at a hot spring inn
Weather
Temperature & staying warm
- Typical temperatures
- January normals for Oku-Nikko (Lake Chuzenji shore): high -0.3°C, low -7.9°C; February: high 0.6°C, low -7.8°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). Yunishigawa is in a different location from Oku-Nikko, so use these as a rough guide
- What to wear & bring
- The riverbank is cold at night, so wear a down jacket, gloves, a hat and waterproof snow boots
Rules
Rules & safety
- !Drone flying is prohibited
- !No pets (except guide dogs)
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura & Snow SceneryPR
PR8.1亀の井ホテル 日光湯西川 オールインクルーシブホテル
★★★★Check rates on Agoda1,129 reviews0.1 km from center
PR9.0湯西川温泉 本家伴久
★★★★Check rates on Agoda271 reviews0.5 km from center
PR8.4桓武平氏ゆかりの宿 揚羽～ＡＧＥＨＡ～
Check rates on Agoda196 reviews0.6 km from center
PR8.8上屋敷平の高房
★★★Check rates on Agoda32 reviews1.1 km from center
PR8.8彩り湯かしき花と華
★★★Check rates on Agoda32 reviews1.0 km from center
PR7.9湯西川白雲の宿山城屋
★★★Check rates on Agoda46 reviews0.7 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Nikko
MayAttractions
Attractions in Nikko
Theme parkEDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura
Tokyo & Around ・ Nikko / Kinugawa
A cultural theme park that recreates an Edo-period townscape. Stroll through a town where staff dressed as villagers go about their lives, watch plays and ninja shows, and experience Edo culture firsthand. Popular with international visitors, it's a place to both watch and join in.
Theme parkTOBU WORLD SQUARE
Tokyo & Around ・ Kinugawa
A miniature theme park in Kinugawa Onsen that recreates famous buildings and World Heritage Sites at 1/25 scale. With 102 structures from 22 countries and regions, you can feel like you're traveling around the world in about half a day. Dogs are also welcome.
Winter Scenery
Winter Scenery in Tokyo & Around
Frozen waterfall & icicles
Frozen waterfall & icicles
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