What is the Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival?

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Matsumoto travel info.

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Matsumoto travel info.

The event is unique because visitors can watch the artists work throughout the night before the main display. This live carving session creates an energetic atmosphere despite the freezing temperatures in late January. You can hear the sounds of saws and chisels echoing through the quiet castle grounds. Most of the carving happens on a Friday night to prepare for the weekend crowds.

Admission to the outer gardens where the sculptures are displayed is typically free for all visitors. This makes it an accessible event for families and solo travelers exploring the Chubu region. You should prepare for large crowds during the peak hours of Saturday and Sunday morning. The sculptures remain on display until the sun begins to melt the delicate ice details.

Festival Dates and Best Times to Visit

The festival usually takes place during the last weekend of January or the first weekend of February. For 2026, you should plan your visit for the final days of January to ensure the best views. The most exciting time to arrive is late Friday evening to see the carving process. Check our Matsumoto winter weather guide to stay warm during your visit.

Early morning on Saturday is the best time to photograph the completed sculptures before they melt. The rising sun creates a beautiful glow through the transparent ice and highlights the fine details. You will also find fewer people at the castle gates at 6:00 AM than at noon. The light at dawn offers a soft purple hue that complements the black castle walls.

Temperatures in Matsumoto during this time often drop well below freezing, especially during the nighttime carving sessions. You must wear high-quality thermal layers and windproof jackets to enjoy the outdoor festival comfortably. Heat packs, known as kairo in Japan, are very helpful for keeping your hands and feet warm. The festival continues regardless of light snow, which adds to the magical winter aesthetic.

How to Get to Matsumoto Castle Festival

Reaching the Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival 2026 is easy thanks to the efficient Japanese rail system. You can take the Limited Express Azusa train directly from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Matsumoto. This scenic journey takes about two and a half hours through the mountains. We provide a detailed look at how to get to the festival using various transport modes.

Once you arrive at Matsumoto Station, the castle is only a fifteen-minute walk from the east exit. The route is well-marked with signs and takes you through the charming downtown area of the city. You can also use the Town Sneaker bus, which stops directly in front of the castle grounds. For more local travel information, visit the Visit Matsumoto official tourism website.

If you are traveling from Nagoya, the Limited Express Shinano offers a fast and comfortable connection. This train ride provides stunning views of the Kiso Valley during the winter months. Driving to the festival is possible, but parking near the castle can be very difficult during the event. We recommend using public transportation to avoid traffic delays and the stress of finding a spot.

Photography Tips for the Ice Sculptures

Capturing the beauty of the Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival 2026 requires some preparation and the right gear. A sturdy tripod is essential if you plan to take photos during the nighttime carving sessions. The low light requires longer exposure times to capture the movement of the artists. Review our photography tips for ice sculptures to improve your festival shots.

Try to find an angle that includes both the ice sculpture and the castle reflection in the moat. This classic shot is a favorite among professional photographers who visit the festival every year. You should also bring extra batteries for your camera because the cold weather drains them quickly. Keep your spare batteries in an inner pocket close to your body heat.

The sculptures are illuminated with colored lights during the evening, which creates a vibrant and festive look. You should experiment with different white balance settings to get the most accurate colors in your images. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the scale of the castle and the sculptures together. Be patient and wait for gaps in the crowd to get a clean shot.

Food Stalls and Local Dining Options

No visit to the festival is complete without sampling the delicious local food sold at the event. You will find several stalls set up near the castle entrance offering hot snacks and drinks. Popular choices include steamed buns, grilled skewers, and bowls of hot miso soup to keep you warm. You can learn more about whether there are food stalls available this year.

Matsumoto is famous for its buckwheat soba noodles, which are a must-try for any food lover. Many traditional soba shops are located within walking distance of the castle and offer warm noodle dishes. You should also try the local oyaki dumplings, which are filled with vegetables or sweet bean paste. These hearty snacks are perfect for a quick lunch while you explore the city.

If you need a break from the cold, there are several cozy cafes located on Nakamachi Street nearby. These shops serve hot coffee and local sweets in beautifully preserved traditional warehouse buildings. Many restaurants in the area offer special winter menus featuring seasonal ingredients from the Nagano region. Booking a table in advance is recommended for dinner on the festival weekend.

Other Winter Attractions in Matsumoto City

While the ice sculptures are the main draw, Matsumoto offers many other winter activities for visitors to enjoy. The city streets are often decorated with beautiful lights as part of the winter illumination program. You can follow our matsumoto city illumination 2026 guide to find the best spots. These light displays create a romantic atmosphere throughout the downtown area.

The Matsumoto City Museum of Art is another great indoor destination to visit during your winter trip. It features a large collection of works by Yayoi Kusama, who was born in this historic city. You can easily recognize the museum by the giant, colorful tulip sculpture standing outside the main entrance. The museum provides a warm and inspiring environment to escape the winter chill for a few hours.

For those who want to relax, there are several excellent hot spring areas located just outside the city. Asama Onsen is a short bus ride away and offers many public baths with healing waters. Soaking in an outdoor bath while watching the snow fall is a quintessential Japanese winter experience. These day trips provide the perfect way to end your festival visit on a relaxing note.