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January 21, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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February 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Mount Miune Rime Ice Festival celebrates one of Japan’s most delicate and stunning natural winter phenomena—rime ice. This occurs when supercooled water droplets freeze upon contact with surfaces, forming frost-coated trees, fences, and shrubs that create an ethereal, almost magical winter landscape.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Mount Miune, located in Nara Prefecture, is renowned for its ideal conditions for rime ice, especially near the summit. Over the years, local communities have organized the festival to share the beauty of rime ice with visitors, encouraging appreciation for nature and promoting regional tourism.
The festival also emphasizes local culture, with small vendors selling regional products, and activities designed to enhance visitor engagement, such as commemorative summit cards and hot spring (onsen) coupons to warm up after exploring the frosty mountains.
Overview
The Mount Miune Rime Ice Festival 2026 is scheduled from late January to mid-February 2026, primarily on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Visitors can witness spectacular rime ice formations along hiking trails near the summit, which are often referred to as “snow monsters” due to their intricate and frosty shapes.
Beyond the natural wonder, festival attendees can purchase local products, receive commemorative summit cards, and take advantage of onsen discount coupons. These small touches make the experience not only visually stunning but also interactive and culturally enriching.
The area is especially popular with photographers, families, and nature enthusiasts, who flock to Mount Miune for its winter scenery and tranquil atmosphere.
Highlights
- Spectacular rime ice formations on trees, fences, and the landscape.
- Commemorative summit cards for festival visitors.
- Sales of local products including snacks and crafts.
- Onsen discount coupons to warm up after exploring the mountain.
- Perfect for photography, hiking, and nature appreciation during winter.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Witness one of Japan’s most beautiful and rare winter phenomena.
- Enjoy a tranquil winter hike with breathtaking views.
- Support local communities by purchasing regional products.
- Family-friendly and accessible for photographers, couples, and groups.
- Conveniently reachable from Kintetsu Haibara Station, with bus service to the festival site.
If you’re coming to Japan or already here, and you need any kind of help—from custom tours and experiences to transportation or booking tickets and more—just contact us using the Contact Us page on Jasumo.
Schedule
Festival Period: Late January – Mid-February 2026
Likely Dates (Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays):
- January: 24th, 25th, 31st
- February: 1st, 7th, 8th, 11th (Public Holiday), 14th, 15th
Time: Daytime, typically 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Exact times may vary depending on weather conditions)
Note: The mountain summit area may be cold and icy; visitors should dress warmly and wear proper footwear.
Pricing
Admission: Free
Extras: Optional purchases of local products and souvenirs, onsen visits with discount coupons provided
Location
Venue: Mount Miune, Nara Prefecture
Trailhead / Access Point: Mitsue Youth Travel Village (御杖青少年旅行村)
How to Get There:
- By Bus: Approximately 1 hour from Kintetsu Haibara Station using Kirihi Bus.
- Reservations: Bus reservations are required in advance.
- By Car: Limited parking is available at the trailhead; winter driving precautions are recommended.
Accommodation Options
Visitors can stay nearby to fully enjoy the festival and surrounding areas:
- Local inns and ryokans in Mitsue Village and Nara Prefecture offer traditional Japanese-style rooms and hot spring facilities.
- Guesthouses or small hotels provide budget-friendly accommodations for travelers and photographers.
Average nightly rates range from ¥6,000 to ¥15,000, depending on room type, meals, and onsen access. Staying nearby allows for early access to the trails to witness rime ice at its most photogenic in the morning.
FAQs
When is the Mount Miune Rime Ice Festival 2026?
The festival runs from late January to mid-February 2026, mainly on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Where on Mount Miune is the festival held?
The festival activities are centered near the Mitsue Youth Travel Village and along the trails leading to the mountain summit.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Admission to the festival and rime ice viewing is completely free.
What can I see at the festival?
Visitors can see rime ice formations, also known as snow monsters, enjoy local product stalls, collect commemorative summit cards, and use onsen discount coupons.
How do I get to Mount Miune for the festival?
Take the Kirihi Bus from Kintetsu Haibara Station (approx. 1 hour). Reservations are required for the bus service. Driving is possible but parking is limited, and winter road conditions should be considered.
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