Fun Family Activities at Matsumoto Winter Candy Festival 2026
Matsumoto transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland for visitors every January during the festival. The historic Ame-ichi festival fills the snowy streets with many sweet treats for families. You will find many exciting family activities at Matsumoto winter candy festival this year in 2026. This comprehensive guide helps you plan a memorable and fun trip for your young children.
Fun Family Activities at Matsumoto Winter Candy Festival
To plan your trip, review Matsumoto travel info.
For official information, visit Matsumoto Airport.
Many children love the interactive candy stalls found throughout the busy downtown festival area this year. You can watch skilled artisans pull and shape colorful sugar into many beautiful designs for visitors. Most candy making workshops cost between 500 and 1,000 yen for each person during the event. These fun sessions usually last about thirty minutes and always include a delicious sweet treat.Try the famous "Fukumame" or lucky beans which represent health for the new year in Japan. These traditional sweets provide a unique taste of Japanese culture for your young children to enjoy. Many local vendors offer free samples to families walking through the festive and snowy streets. Look for the best candy shops in Matsumoto along the historic Nakamachi Street.
The festival celebrates the important "Salt Road" history from many centuries ago in this mountain region. In the past, salt was as precious as gold for the local people in Matsumoto. Today, sweet sugar replaces salt in these festive celebrations held every January for the public.
Joining the Giant Tug-of-War Competition
The giant tug-of-war is a major festival highlight for every visiting family this winter season. This exciting event happens on the main street on the second festival day in January. It represents the historic struggle to bring vital salt to the mountain city of Matsumoto. Both local residents and international tourists can join the fun for free during the day.
Festival organizers divide the large crowd into two massive and energetic teams for the competition. You will pull a heavy straw rope with hundreds of other excited people together. This physical activity is very safe for older children and active teenagers to enjoy. It creates a wonderful sense of community and shared excitement for everyone in the city.
Learn how to participate in the tug-of-war before you arrive in the city. The competition usually starts around noon near the main city post office on the street. Winners often receive small prizes like traditional candy or lucky festival charms for their hard work.
Watching the Festive Shinto Parades
Brightly colored parades march through the city center during the entire festive weekend in January. You will see people dressed in traditional Edo-period costumes dancing in the snowy streets today. Musicians play wooden flutes and loud drums to energize the watching crowds during the parade. These traditional performances are perfect for taking many memorable family photos with your children.
Look for the "Mikoshi" or portable Shinto shrines carried by local groups through the city. Groups of strong men carry these heavy wooden structures on their shoulders during the event. They shout rhythmic chants to stay in sync while moving through the busy city streets. Children often find the high energy and bright costumes very exciting to watch from afar.
The parade route covers most of the main downtown shopping area for several hours each day. Arrive early to find a good viewing spot on the busy sidewalk for your family. The best views are often found near the historic Yohashira Shrine entrance in the center. Most parades take place between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on both festival days.
Practical Tips for Families Visiting in 2026
Winter weather in Matsumoto is very cold and dry during the entire month of January. Temperatures in January often stay near freezing for most of the daylight hours this year. Dress your children in several warm layers to stay comfortable while exploring the festival stalls. Wear sturdy boots to walk safely on the potentially icy city streets during your visit.
Most street food stalls only accept cash payments from their festival customers in the city. Carry small bills and coins for buying candy and warm winter snacks for your kids. Public restrooms are available in nearby department stores and city public parks for your convenience. Check the Matsumoto winter events guide for updated festival maps and schedules.
The city gets very crowded during the popular festival weekend in January every single year. Keep a close eye on your young children in the busy streets during the parades. Use a small stroller only if it is very easy to fold and carry.
Exploring the Historic Matsumoto Castle Nearby
No trip to this festival is complete without visiting the historic castle located nearby today. Matsumoto Castle looks stunning against the backdrop of the snowy Japanese Alps this winter. The castle grounds offer plenty of space for children to run and play safely together. You can take beautiful photos of the Crow Castle during the festive winter season here.
The walk from the main festival area to the castle is very short for families. It takes about ten minutes to reach the gate from the many candy stalls downtown. Entrance fees for adults are 700 yen while children pay 300 yen for the entry. The castle interior has steep stairs that might be difficult for very young toddlers.
Visit the nearby gift shop for more unique festival souvenirs and snacks for your friends. You can find castle-themed candy that is only sold during the winter months in Matsumoto. Enjoy the crisp winter air while viewing one of Japan's premier and oldest castles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 Matsumoto winter candy festival take place for families?
The festival usually occurs on the second weekend of January each year in Matsumoto. For 2026, you should plan to visit on January 10 and January 11. Most events start at 10:00 AM and continue until the sun sets in the evening.
Is there an entrance fee for the candy festival events in the city?
Most of the street events and parades are completely free for all visitors to enjoy. You only need to pay for candy, food, or specific workshops held in local shops. Some indoor activities might charge a small fee of 500 to 1,000 yen per person.
What are the best sweets for children to try during the festival?
Children should definitely try the traditional 'Fukumame' or lucky beans sold at many stalls. The colorful 'Ame-dama' hard candies are also very popular with young visitors during the winter. Many shops offer unique seasonal flavors that you can only find during the Ame-ichi event.
The Ame-ichi festival offers a sweet way to experience Japanese culture with your whole family. Plan your visit for January 2026 to enjoy the candy, parades, and historic castle views. Check our guide to Ame-ichi Candy Festival Matsumoto 2026 for more details. Enjoy your winter trip to Japan!