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January 26, 2026 at 10:00 am
Event date:
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January 26, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Beppu Tsurumi-dake Cold Weather Competition (べっぷ鶴見岳大寒がまん大会) is a winter event held at the scenic Tsurumi-dake mountain in Beppu, Oita Prefecture. Beppu is well-known for its hot springs, but the region also embraces cold-weather festivities that bring locals and visitors together during the chilly months.
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Contact Jasumo Now →This festival began as a local tradition to celebrate the winter season and encourage community participation in fun, unusual challenges. Over the years, it has grown in popularity and now draws participants from across Kyushu and beyond. The festival highlights the playful spirit of winter in Beppu while promoting the local culture and natural beauty of Tsurumi-dake.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the event has a long-standing connection with winter endurance and camaraderie. Local residents take pride in the unique challenges, which have become a symbolic way of embracing the cold season with excitement and humor.
Overview
The Beppu Tsurumi-dake Cold Weather Competition 2026 will take place on January 26th, 2026, at Beppu Ropeway. The event features a series of quirky winter competitions designed to test participants’ resilience to cold while providing plenty of fun for spectators.
Participants can try their hand at shaved ice and somen noodle speed-eating challenges, a shochu tasting contest, and the daring icicle cling competition. The icicle contest is particularly thrilling, requiring participants to hold onto a 2-meter-long icicle with bare hands and feet for as long as possible.
With its combination of unique competitions, scenic mountain views, and community spirit, the festival provides a memorable winter experience for both participants and visitors.
Highlights
- Shaved ice and somen noodle speed-eating competitions.
- Shochu tasting challenge to guess the correct ingredient.
- Icicle cling contest, testing endurance against the cold.
- Spectacular winter scenery of Tsurumi-dake and Beppu Ropeway.
- Participation fee includes ropeway round-trip fare, insurance, and souvenir.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Engage in unique and fun winter challenges that are not found elsewhere.
- Experience the scenic Tsurumi-dake mountain in winter.
- Enjoy Beppu’s winter culture and meet locals celebrating the season.
- Family-friendly and great for spectators to watch entertaining competitions.
- Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a memorable cold-weather event.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan and need help with custom tours, experiences, transportation, or ticket bookings, just contact us via the Jasumo contact page.
Schedule
- Event Date: Sunday, January 26th, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (competitions scheduled throughout the day)
- Location: Beppu Ropeway, Tsurumi-dake
Pricing
- Participation Fee: ¥1,700 (includes ropeway round trip fare, insurance, and souvenir)
- Spectator Entry: Free
Location
- Venue: Beppu Ropeway
- Address: 字寒原10−7 Minamitateishi, Beppu, Oita 874-0000, Japan
How to Get There
- By Car: 5 minutes from Beppu Interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway
- By Public Transport: Approximately 20 minutes by bus from Beppu Station
Accommodation Options
Beppu offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors:
- Onsen Hotels & Ryokan: Approx. ¥8,000–15,000 per night, often including access to hot springs.
- Budget Hotels & Guesthouses: Approx. ¥4,000–7,000 per night, suitable for short stays and solo travelers.
Staying near Beppu Station or Tsurumi-dake provides convenience for attending the festival and exploring Beppu’s famous hot spring attractions.
FAQs
What is the Beppu Tsurumi-dake Cold Weather Competition?
A winter festival featuring unique contests like shaved ice eating, shochu tasting, and an icicle cling challenge at Tsurumi-dake mountain.
When is the 2026 festival held?
The festival is on Sunday, January 26th, 2026.
How much does it cost to participate?
Participation costs ¥1,700, which includes ropeway fare, insurance, and a souvenir. Spectator entry is free.
How do I get to Beppu Ropeway?
By car: 5 minutes from Beppu Interchange. By bus: About 20 minutes from Beppu Station.
Are the competitions suitable for families?
Yes, there are fun competitions for participants and entertaining events for spectators of all ages.
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