Lake Towada has his own winter festival. While it doesn't match the Sapporo Snow Festival in scope, it is much closer and is worth the trip. The festival site is in the town of Yasumiya which is on the south-west side of the lake (near the statue of the two women).

You can go at any time of day but things get interesting after 5pm. You can go thru the snow maze, go inside a Japanese igloo and take advantage of a variety of food from both Aomori and Akita Prefectures. There is entertainment on an ice stage and a fireworks disply. The fireworks are said to be especially enjoyable against the white background of the snow-covered mountains.

Here are some of the things you can experience:

• Giant Snow Slide
• Fireworks at 8pm
• Nebuta Haneto Preformance
• Igloos and other snow sculptures
• Traditional Japanese Music 7-8pm.
• Local food specialties
• Horseback Rides on Saturday and Sunday

How to get there