The winter version of the lantern festival mirrors the autumn celebration held during the Obon holidays in August. According to local legend, the legendary 11th emperor of Japan visited the region ...

SAPPORO—The Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Hokkaido’s most popular winter events, opened here on Feb. 4, overcoming what had been a record low snowfall this season. About 140 snow statues are ...

SAPPORO -- Concerns are growing over whether the upcoming Sapporo Snow Festival, an annual winter tradition for Hokkaido's ...

Japan can expect a freezing cold winter with lots of snow due to an apparent La Nina weather phenomenon likely to last until the season's end, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced on Nov. 10.