Yuzawa Snow Festival - 3 March 2012

In its 60th year this year, it is the Yuzawa Snow Festival on Saturday March 3rd 2012. Not only is it the 60th anniversary of the start of this festival, it is also 100 years of skiing in Yuzawa so there will be a great deal of  effort put into this year's celebrations.

There is always lots going on: a torch light descent from the top of Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort, fireworks, and local businesses competing to make the best snow lanterns. A portable shrine will be taken around the town and to the ski resorts.

It is usually a boisterous affair with many sake-fuelled locals lending a hand to help the shrine on its journey around town.

As with all snow festivals there will be plenty of food, drinks and friendly faces. Head towards the Nunoba Ski Ground from 1800 to see the action (with the torch light descent scheduled for about 2040.)