Looking for a truly unique experience in Japan? Head to Iide Town in Yamagata Prefecture this July for the Shirakawa Dam SNOW EGG Festival, where you can enjoy all the fun of winter in the middle of summer.
Running for over 30 years now, this popular local event began as a way for young people to make the most of the heavy snowfall that blankets the area during the colder months. Today, it’s a creative celebration that brings natural snow to provide some reprieve from summer's heat and humidity.
Held at Shirakawa Dam Lakeside Park, the festival uses around 500 tons of snow, stored over winter in nearby snow rooms and delivered by dump truck, to create a 50 centimeter-deep snow court and a 2-meter snow slide. Visitors can try everything from snow tubing and snowball target games to a treasure hunt, capped off by building glowing snow lanterns. There’s even a snow sumo tournament, with divisions for both kids and adults.
Beyond the snow, festival-goers can browse the Yukidaruma Marche, which features numerous local and regional vendors selling tasty foods, drinks, and crafts. A mini stage will host dance and magic shows throughout the afternoon, while the evening wraps up with everyone dancing to the Hanagasa Ondo (a traditional folk song from Yamagata) together. A small fireworks display will also take place in the evening around 7.15pm.
For more details, please visit the festival's official Instagram account.
