Family-friendly events in Japan 2026–2027: illuminations, festivals and snow fun
Upcoming events across Japan that are fun with children, from theme-park holiday seasons and illuminations to snow festivals, listed by date.
Events by date (22)
Shizuoka / Gotemba
Tokinosumika Illumination
Fri, October 9, 2026 – Sun, March 7, 2027
Shizuoka / Shuzenji
Nijinosato Illumi the Night 2026
Sat, October 10, 2026 – Wed, March 31, 2027
Mie / Kuwana
Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination
Sat, October 17, 2026 – Mon, May 31, 2027
Okinawa / Okinawa City
Okinawa Tropical Illumination at Southeast Botanical Gardens
Fri, October 23, 2026 – Sun, May 23, 2027
Tokyo / Inagi
Yomiuriland Jewellumination 2026
Thu, October 29, 2026 – Sun, April 4, 2027
Saga / Saga City
Saga International Balloon Fiesta
Fri, October 30, 2026 – Tue, November 3
Nagasaki / Sasebo
Huis Ten Bosch: The Starlight Million
Fri, November 6, 2026 – Thu, February 25, 2027
Osaka / Universal City
Universal Holiday Wonders at Universal Studios Japan
Fri, November 13, 2026 – Sun, January 17, 2027
Kanagawa / Lake Sagami
Sagamiko Illumillion
Sat, November 14, 2026 – Sun, May 9, 2027
Hokkaido / Sapporo
Sapporo White Illumination
Fri, November 20, 2026 – Sun, March 14, 2027
Kanagawa / Yokohama Kannai
BALLPARK Xmas Yokohama Kannai
Fri, November 20, 2026 – Fri, December 25
Fukuoka / Kokura
KOKURA Christmas Market & Castle
Fri, November 20, 2026 – Fri, December 25
Tokyo / Shin-Toyosu
Tokyo Christmas Market in Shin-Toyosu
Fri, November 20, 2026 – Fri, December 25
Tokyo / Roppongi
Tokyo Midtown Christmas 2026
Thu, November 26, 2026 – Fri, December 25
Hokkaido / Hakodate
Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
Tue, December 1, 2026 – Fri, December 25
Hokkaido / Lake Shikotsu
Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Sat, January 30, 2027 – Tue, February 23
Hokkaido / Sapporo
Sapporo Snow Festival
Thu, February 4, 2027 – Thu, February 11
Nagasaki / Shinchi Chinatown
Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Fri, February 5, 2027 – Sun, February 21
Hokkaido / Asahikawa
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Sat, February 6, 2027 – Thu, February 11
Aomori / Hirosaki
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Wed, February 10, 2027 – Sun, February 14
Akita / Yokote
Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival
Fri, February 12, 2027 – Sat, February 13
Niigata / Tokamachi
Tokamachi Snow Festival
Fri, February 19, 2027 – Sun, February 21
Good to know
- Evening illuminations get crowded right after sunset; arriving early is easier with small children.
- Snow festivals are cold even in the daytime, so bring warm layers, gloves and spare socks for kids.
- Check stroller rules and rest areas on the official sites before you go.