Tokamachi Son-in-Law Throwing Event Mid Jan The Tokamachi muko (son-in-law) throwing event takes place on January 15th each year, and involves new husbands being thrown off..
Culture Itoigawa Anglerfish Festival Late Jan - Early Feb The Itoigawa region of Niigata is one of the prefecture's best spots for anglerfish, and the multi-venue Itoigawa Anglerfi..
Activities Koide International Snowball Fight Mid Feb The Koide International Snowball Fight is one of Japan's most unique festivals. Teams battle it out in groups of five to be..
Activities Tokamachi Snow Festival Mid Feb The Tokamachi Snow Festival has been held annually since 1950, and provides a fun way to enjoy the snow that this region of Japan..
Activities Ojiya Hot Air Balloon Festival Late Feb Ojiya, in Niigata's snow country, has an annual hot air balloon festival. There's both a hot air balloon competition, as..
Festivals Bishamondo Naked Man Festival, Urasa Early Mar The Naked Man Festival at Urasa's Bishamondo is one of the top bizarre festivals in Japan and a wonderful night out each year..
Culture Urasa Naked Man Festival Early Mar Urasa's Naked Man Festival lays claim to being one of Japan's most unique winter festivals. Participants push and jostle..
Culture Nagaoka Hodare Festival Early Mar Wishing for fertility? The annual Nagaoka Hodare Festival is said to bring luck to those trying for a child, or hoping for a bountiful..