Winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu transforms into a silver-white wonderland, like stepping into another world. Experience the unique charms of this snow country: snow festivals where you can enjoy the totally white scenery, local cuisine savored around a traditional hearth, and hot spring inns where you can enjou landscapes from open-air baths. Why not try a special experience exclusively available in winter?
Winter Scenery and Enchanting Winter Festivals
Winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu unfolds a magical landscape blanketed in snow, captivating all who visit. The winter festivals held during this season offer special experiences alongside the snowy scenery. At the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival, the thatched-roof village is illuminated by snow lanterns. Additionally, the Aizu Candle Festival illuminates Tsurugajo Castle with traditional lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. Furthermore, the Nishi-Aizu Snow Country Festival unfolds as a heartwarming winter celebration where locals welcome visitors with warm hospitality. These festivals provide the perfect opportunity to fully savor the charm of winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu.
Ōuchi-juku Snow Festival｜Snow Lanterns Illuminate the Thatch-Roofed Village
The Ōuchi-juku Snow Festival is held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of February. This village, lined with traditional thatch-roofed houses, becomes blanketed in snow, enveloped in an atmosphere unique to this place. During the festival, handmade snow lanterns are lit throughout the village, creating a breathtaking scene.
You can also enjoy local specialties and regional cuisine at the Snow Festival.
Approximately 60 minutes from the Aizu-Wakamatsu Interchange on the Ban-etsu Expressway!
Aizu Candle Festival｜Traditional Lights Illuminating Tsuruga Castle
The Aizu Candle Festival, known as a winter tradition in Aizu-Wakamatsu, is held every February, illuminating Tsurugajo Castle in a fantastical light. During this festival, rows of handmade painted candles transform the snow-covered castle and its surroundings into beautiful light art.
The festival’s highlight is the magical scenery created by the candlelight surrounding Tsurugajo Castle, blending with the whiteness of the snow. Booths selling local traditional crafts and delicious regional cuisine also add to the festive atmosphere.
The Aizu Candle Festival is an essential event when visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu in winter. Experience the beautiful sight of Tsurugajo Castle enveloped in light at this festival.
Take the Haikara-san or Akabee Bus and get off at “Tsurugajo Iriguchi” or “Tsurugajo Sannomaru-guchi”. It’s a 5-minute walk from there!
Western Aizu Snow Country Festival｜A Warm Winter Celebration Unique to Snow Country
The Nishi-Aizu Snow Country Festival is a traditional local festival held every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of February, featuring events unique to snow country. The venue showcases beautiful snow sculptures and enchanting light displays. Stalls lining the festival offer local specialties and regional cuisine, with warm drinks and food helping to ease the cold.
The festival’s highlight is the traditional dances and performances by local residents. Its charm lies in the atmosphere where all participants can enjoy themselves as one, feeling the local culture.
The Nishi-Aizu Snow Country Festival is more than just a tourist event; it’s a valuable opportunity to deepen connections with the local community. This heartwarming experience, which makes you forget the winter cold, is one spot you’ll definitely want to visit when in Aizu-Wakamatsu.
About 5 minutes by bus from JR Nozawa Station!
Local Cuisine Unique to Snow Country
Winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu is a season to enjoy not only snowy landscapes but also heartwarming local cuisine. On cold days, we especially recommend enjoying dengaku dishes around a traditional hearth. These dishes, made with local ingredients, warm you right down to your core. At Yunokami Onsen Station, you can savor local cuisine around the hearth in the station building. Furthermore, the original bentō box rice from Takino is not only visually stunning but also a dish that warms both heart and body. In wintertime Aizu-Wakamatsu, be sure to indulge in the delicious cuisine unique to snow country.
MITSUTAYA｜Irori-Grilled Dengaku to Warm You on a Snowy Day
To fully enjoy the winter charm of Aizu-Wakamatsu, don’t miss the dengaku cuisine at Mitsutaya, served around a warm irori hearth. As snow falls outside, the crackling fire and the aroma of miso-grilled tofu and vegetables create a cozy and heartwarming experience.
Dengaku is a traditional local dish where tofu or mochi is skewered, coated with savory miso, and slowly grilled over charcoal — simple yet deeply flavorful. You can also try local specialties like shingorō (rice balls with miso glaze), and the shop sells their original dengaku miso, perfect as a souvenir.
When visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu in winter, enjoy this special hearthside meal at Mitsutaya for a truly warming and memorable snowy-day experience.
Business hours are from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and closed on Wednesdays!
Yunogami Onsen Station｜Local Cuisine Enjoyed Around the Station Building’s Irori
Yunokami Onsen Station is one of the best places to experience the winter charm of Aizu-Wakamatsu. Inside the station, a traditional iroriーsunken hearth once used in Japanese homes for both heating and cooking— offers warmth and comfort, inviting visitors to enjoy local dishes in a nostalgic setting.
Meals prepared with fresh local ingredients—such as savory grilled rice balls—are slowly cooked over the hearth, filling the air with a delicious aroma. Pair your meal with local sake or tea for an even richer flavor. The cozy atmosphere of the station also makes it a great spot to chat with locals and share a moment of warmth.
When visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu in winter, stop by Yunokami Onsen Station to enjoy hearty regional dishes by the irori, all while gazing out at the snow-covered scenery—a truly memorable experience.
Grilled rice balls are available for 150 yen!
TAKINO｜Warm Your Heart and Body with the Original Bentwooden Lunchbox Rice
Enjoying local cuisine is an essential part of winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu. Among the regional dishes, the bentwood lunchbox rice at “Takino” comes highly recommended. Bentwood lunchboxes, traditionally crafted in the Aizu region, are made by thinly shaving wood and bending it into shape.
Here, they serve steamed rice dishes like salmon parent-and-child rice or five-ingredient rice, packed with Aizu rice and various ingredients inside these curved boxes. Enjoy this Mageda Wappa Rice to the fullest, served with two appetizers, miso soup, and pickles.
The restaurant has a calm atmosphere with the warmth of wood, allowing you to enjoy your meal while gazing at the winter snowy scenery. When visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu in winter, be sure to stop by.
Business hours are 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM!
Hot Spring Inns in Aizu Worth Staying at During Winter
To truly enjoy winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu, a stay at a hot spring inn is essential. You can spend luxurious moments relaxing both body and mind while gazing at the snow-covered scenery. Particularly at Shosuke no Yado Takinoyu, the snow-viewing open-air bath is popular, allowing you to warm up while immersed in a world of silver. At Okawaso, breathtaking views unfold, allowing guests to simultaneously enjoy the beauty of the valley and the snowy landscape, captivating all who visit. Furthermore, at Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki, an atmospheric lodging experience awaits, illuminated by snow-viewing candles.
Shousuke no Yado Takinoyu｜A Historic Inn with a Healing Snow-View Open-Air Bath
To fully experience winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Shosuke no Yado Takino-yu is a must-visit. This historic inn is famous for snow-viewing open-air baths, allowing you to soak in the hot springs while gazing out at the winter wonderland.
The hospitality is also exceptional. You can choose your yukata within the inn, warm your own manju buns as part of the welcome service, and sample local sake for free at the tasting corner. There’s also a footbath. With multiple open-air baths available, why not try bathing at different times throughout the day?
Dinner at this inn is also a highlight, featuring generous use of locally sourced Aizu ingredients for a luxurious dining experience. With its comprehensive services, it’s a recommended inn for leisurely and lavishly enjoying Aizu.
20-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu IC!
Ookawaso｜A Scenic Hot Spring Overlooking a Snowy Gorge
Located in a beautiful valley of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Ookawaso is a renowned hot spring inn that shines even brighter in winter. The inn has drawn attention for its resemblance to the “Infinite Castle” from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, with its stunning multi-level architecture and breathtaking interior design that delights visitors at every turn.
Guests can enjoy a luxurious kaiseki dinner in private dining rooms, featuring an array of beautifully prepared seasonal dishes. The open-air baths, surrounded by untouched nature, offer pure relaxation—especially the private outdoor baths available by reservation.
When visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu this winter, immerse yourself in the snowy hot spring experience at Ookawaso, where beautiful scenery and heartfelt hospitality await.
5-minute ride by free shuttle bus from Ashinomaki Onsen Station!
Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki｜A Charming Inn Illuminated by Snow Candles
Mukaitaki, located in the Higashiyama Onsen area, is a traditional inn that exudes a magical atmosphere in winter. As night falls, candlelight glows softly against the pure white snow, creating a serene and romantic winter scene.
The inn features elegant wooden architecture, with rooms offering views of a peaceful inner garden. Some rooms include private open-air baths with natural flowing hot spring water, perfect for a truly relaxing stay. Guests can also savor seasonal kaiseki cuisine featuring Aizu’s beloved local dishes such as kozuyu (a clear soup with vegetables and seafood) and nishin no sansho-zuke (herring pickled with Japanese pepper)—traditional recipes that have been passed down and refined over generations.
Spend a slow, peaceful winter moment in this refined Japanese retreat. A stay at Mukaitaki will surely turn the cold season into a warm and luxurious memory.
15-minute ride from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station on the “Haikara-san” or “Akabe” sightseeing bus!
Enjoy Winter Activities
Winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities. Nango Ski Resort features diverse slopes catering to everyone from beginners to advanced skiers, perfect for families and friends to enjoy skiing and snowboarding together. Taketsue Ski Resort, renowned for its excellent snow quality, offers challenging courses that provide a satisfying skiing experience. Furthermore, Hoshi no Sato Hotel awaits as a relaxing hot spring inn set against the snowy landscape, providing the perfect space to unwind after your activities.
Nango Ski Resort｜Slopes for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers
Nango Ski Resort is a ski area where you can fully enjoy the winter charm of Aizuwakamatsu. It offers a diverse range of courses suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, making it ideal for families and groups of friends.
The gentle beginner slopes are especially designed for those just starting out on skis or snowboards, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will also find plenty to challenge them, with steep slopes and areas perfect for enjoying powder snow. Equipment rentals, including ski sets and clothing, are available, so you don’t need to worry if you don’t have your own winter gear.
At the restaurant, you can enjoy hearty, warm meals like Aizu’s famous sauce katsu don (pork cutlet rice bowl) and tomato ramen, a popular B-grade gourmet dish.
40-minute drive from Aizu-Tajima Station!
星の郷ホテル｜雪原に映える癒しの温泉宿
The Hoshi no Sato Hotel, where you can fully experience the charm of winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu, is located right next to Nango Ski Resort. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of skiing.
The hot springs feature the luxury of flowing water directly from the source, warming you to your very core. Soaking in the open-air bath while watching snowflakes drift down is a truly special experience unique to winter. We also offer stargazing sessions, guided by a star guide and open to everyone.
The Hoshi no Sato Hotel will be an ideal base for visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu in winter.
A free shuttle bus runs from Aizu-Tajima Station!
Takatsue Ski Resort｜A Premier Destination for Perfect Powder Snow
If you want to make the most of winter in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Takatsue Ski Resort is a must-visit spot. Known for its excellent snow quality, this full-scale ski resort offers a wide range of courses suited for everyone—from beginners to advanced skiers.
The resort is fully equipped with ski schools and rental shops, making it easy and safe even for first-timers. Families and groups of friends can enjoy the spacious slopes, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing in the snow in their own style.
With around five restaurants and cafés on-site, you can take a relaxing break or enjoy a hearty meal between runs. Experience the best of winter activities and create warm, unforgettable memories at Takatsue Ski Resort.
About a 30-minute drive from Aizu-Kogen Oze-guchi Station.
Unique Snow Country Spots in Aizu-Wakamatsu
Aizu-Wakamatsu boasts numerous special spots only accessible during winter. Beyond the beautiful snow-covered landscapes, places where you can experience local culture and traditions are also a major draw. At Ouchi-juku, traditional thatched-roof houses are enveloped in snow. At the Aizu Candle Festival, fantastical lights against the backdrop of Tsuruga Castle illuminate the winter nights. Furthermore, the Nishi-Aizu Snow Country Festival brings locals together to enjoy warm dishes and traditional performances.
These spots are more than just tourist destinations; they are places where the life and culture of Aizu-Wakamatsu’s people thrive. Amidst the winter chill, immerse yourself in heartwarming experiences to fully savor the charm of Aizu-Wakamatsu. The beautiful scenery unique to a snow country and interactions with the local people will surely make your winter memories even more special.
