Jokamachi Tsuruoka Light-Up

Romantic nights at the Tsuruoka Winter Festival

Every year the Tsuruoka Winter Festival celebrates this time of year with a rich variety of events and a stunningly illuminated town.

The Kinbo Mountain Snow Garden Lantern Festival marks the opening of mountaineering season in the area. Many young couples come to view the snow lanterns; the locals refer to it as somewhat of a matchmaking event. Also noteworthy is the illumination of the Western-style buildings adjacent to Tsuruoka Park.

There is also ample opportunity to taste the delicious local produce. Join 20,000 hungry residents as they gather at the Nihonkai Kandara Festival to eat bowls of dongara-jiru soup served from huge steaming pans, or attend the Oyama New Sake Brewery Festival for the chance to taste sake from several different breweries.

How to get there

Tsuruoka is best reached via Niigata. An Inaho limited express train takes just under two hours from Niigata Station to Tsuruoka Station. The festival site is a further 20-minute walk.

Schedule

Held from early October to late February.
For more information, visit:
http://experiencetsuruoka.com/ 

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