Ouchijuku Snow Festival

Every year in February, a mystical snow festival lighted up by snow lanterns is held in Ouchijuku in Minamiaizu, an area designated as a national preservation district for groups of traditional buildings. The highlight of the Ouchijuku Snow Festival held over 2 days is undoubtedly the “Gojinkataika” event that takes place in the evening on the first day. Men in loincloths cleansed before the gods receive the gojinka (sacred fire) from an altar and then go around lighting up the snow lanterns erected on the grounds one by one. The scene is indeed majestic and profound. The settlement is gently enveloped in the warm glow of the sacred fire. Date: Second Saturday and Sunday of February