Festivals in February

Snow festival at Koiwai Farm featuring snow sculptures and winter activities.

A towering display brings donated hina dolls together in Katsuura, Tokushima.

Hina dolls decorate shrine steps and streets throughout Katsuura.

Musicians and dancers perform on raised platforms during Katsuyama's winter celebration.

Pyramid-shaped doll displays celebrate the Hinamatsuri season in the doll-making town of Konosu.

Ramen festival featuring Kumamoto's rich tonkotsu ramen.

Ancient Noh performed by farmers at Kasuga Shrine in Yamagata.

Namahage dances and rituals take place amid snow and fire at Shinzan Shrine in Oga.

Candy-decorated branches and market stalls brighten Odate during its traditional winter candy fair.

Romantic snow candle festival along Otaru's historic canal.

White-clad participants carry torches down the steep stone steps of Kamikura Shrine.

Visitors fill Shirakawa's streets to buy locally made daruma dolls for good fortune.

Participants dressed as deities parade through Takachiho in a celebration of local mythology.

Niigata's snow festival, one of Japan's three great snow festivals.

Snow lanterns and small candlelit snow structures illuminate winter evenings around Uesugi Shrine.

Festival celebrating the 'ice monsters' — snow-covered trees at Zao Onsen.