As has taken place for years now, Matsumoto’s most popular winter festival will be held in front of Matsumoto Castle and at different locations around city. The event will take place for three days and will be an opportunity for visitors to admire the work of skilled ice sculptors and enjoy a unique winter display.
Matsumoto Ice Sculpture Festival
Overview
As is now tradition, this year offers another opportunity to celebrate one of the most important winter events in Central Japan – the Matsumoto Ice Sculpture Festival. Sculptors from around Japan and overseas guests will begin sculpting from late in the evening and through the night to take advantage of freezing overnight temperatures; and from early the next morning, their work will be on display in front of the historic Matsumoto Castle.
The show itself is breathtaking, especially after nightfall. For the second time in the festival’s history, ice sculptors will have the chance to work in front of the castle, illuminated by an impressive winter light show!
Three Days of Events
While the most impressive artworks will be crafted from the evening of Saturday 27th until Sunday 28th – when the sculptures will be removed or have melted - the event will start one day before on Friday the 26th. Sculptures are also carved right in front of Matsumoto Station, a perfect way to welcome our visitors!
The 2023 Matsumoto Ice Sculpture Festival will be held from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th at different locations in downtown. Admission is free.
Plenty of Reasons to Visit in Winter!
Take the opportunity to enjoy a full weekend in Matsumoto while enjoying other wintertime attractions! The new Matsumoto Castle Laser Illumination will be held during this period from 18:00pm to 21:00pm.
And for those who are looking for more to do, we offer an exclusive winter night tour that combines the castle illumination with our popular samurai sword fighting workshop. During the ice sculpture event, our tour provides an even more immersive night in the city. One that blends the legends of the past with the modern illuminations and technology of the present.
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