With the relentless heat of midsummer, many people may be planning trips to cooler destinations to escape the scorching temperatures. If you’re looking for a refreshing getaway, we highly recommend the “Summer Sky Snow Festival in Hakkaisan” held in Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture!
You might be surprised to hear about a snow festival in summer, but this special event takes advantage of the natural snow remaining near the summit of Mount Hakkaisan at an altitude of 1,147 meters. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy winter activities in the midst of summer!
Let’s take a closer look at what you can experience at the “Summer Sky Snow Festival in Hakkaisan.”
Event Details for 2025
Source: Niigata Tourism Navi
Event Dates
August 3 (Sunday) – August 10 (Sunday), 2025
Location
Near the summit of Hakkaisan Ropeway, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture
Access Information
By Train
- Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to “Echigo-Yuzawa Station” (approximately 75 minutes)
- From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, take a shuttle bus (about 30 minutes) to the Hakkaisan Ropeway
By Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from the Muikamachi IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
- Parking available (both free and paid areas)
Ropeway
- Approximately 7-minute ride from the base station to the summit station
Private Historical Walking Tour of Niigata Port Town
What is the Summer Sky Snow Festival?
The “Summer Sky Snow Festival in Hakkaisan” is a unique event held in early August every year, allowing visitors to enjoy winter activities in the middle of summer. Taking the Hakkaisan Ropeway up to the summit reveals a breathtaking snowy landscape! The high altitude ensures a cool temperature, making it a perfect escape from the summer heat.
The biggest appeal of this festival is the chance to experience winter fun in summer! You can engage in activities such as snowball fights and sledding, making it a one-of-a-kind event.
Activities You Can Enjoy at the Snow Festival
Have Fun with a Snowball Fight!
One of the main attractions of the event is the “Snowball Fight.” Form teams with your family and friends to engage in an exhilarating battle that will make you forget about the summer heat! This activity is enjoyable for both children and adults, fostering intergenerational bonding.
There will also be a tournament-style competition where teams compete for victory. The winning team will receive local specialty products as prizes. Strategic gameplay will make the experience even more exciting!
Experience the Thrill of Sledding!
Source: Niigata Tourism Navi
When it comes to snowy mountains, sledding is a must! Experience the exhilaration and speed that make it hard to believe it’s summer. There are multiple courses available, ranging from gentle slopes for beginners to steeper, more thrilling runs for the adventurous.
Compete with friends, or pair up with a family member to enjoy the ride together. No matter how you choose to experience it, sledding is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure!
Build a Snowman and Relive Winter Memories!
For families with young children, building a snowman is a great way to enjoy the festival. Playing with snow in the middle of summer is sure to be a novel and exciting experience for kids!
A special contest will be held where participants can decorate their snowmen using provided accessories. The most unique creations will win special prizes!
Enjoy Delicious Food at the Festival!
Source: Niigata Tourism Navi
Food Stalls & Dining Booths
The festival offers a variety of food stalls featuring local specialties and exclusive festival dishes. From warm meals to refreshing cold sweets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t miss out on limited-time dishes such as “Yukimi Udon” (snow-viewing udon) and “Chilled Amazake,” which can only be tasted at this event!
Enjoy Stage Events!
The festival stage will feature traditional local performances and live music. Checking the schedule in advance will help you make the most of your visit.
Look forward to live performances by local artists and powerful taiko drum shows. As the grand finale, fireworks will light up the night sky, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the snowy landscape.
Explore Nearby Tourist Spots
Climb Mount Hakkaisan
Hakkaisan is one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains and offers well-maintained hiking trails. If you have the stamina, consider taking on the challenge. The summit provides a breathtaking panoramic view of nature. There are beginner-friendly routes available, so even first-time climbers can participate with ease.
Ride the Hakkaisan Ropeway
Take a 7-minute ropeway ride to the summit while enjoying stunning views of lush greenery below. It’s a perfect way to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Enjoy Gourmet Food & Hot Springs at Uonuma no Sato
At the foot of Hakkaisan, “Uonuma no Sato” is a complex featuring sake breweries, soba restaurants, and hot springs. Savor delicious local sake, enjoy handmade soba noodles, or relax in a soothing hot spring.
Conclusion
The “Summer Sky Snow Festival in Hakkaisan” is a rare event where you can enjoy snow play in the peak of summer. Activities such as snowball fights, sledding, and snowman building offer the ultimate summer-winter fusion experience.
With plenty of surrounding attractions, you can spend an entire day having fun.
Why not create refreshing summer memories at Hakkaisan this year? Gather your family and friends and experience a unique and unforgettable adventure!
