This quietly beautiful festival takes place in the first week of February, bringing warmth into the cold winter night. The historic post town of Narai-juku is lined with ice candles and snow sculptures, imbuing the beautiful Edo Period town with a magical atmosphere. A fireworks display is the climax of the festival, which rising above the candle-lined historic streets of Narai, is a particularly charming sight.

The festival remains somewhat undiscovered by Japanese and international visitors so for the time being, retains a local and tranquil atmosphere. Just make sure to dress warmly as temperatures can drop as low as -10°C.