Snow Magic Returns to Nagoya
Missing the snow? Well, get ready because a slice of winter wonderland is coming to Nagoya! This coming weekend, Moricoro Park will transform into a fluffy white paradise thanks to a special delivery of snow from Myoko City in Niigata Prefecture. On Saturday, February 1st, and Sunday, February 2nd, the annual "Moricoro Park Snow Play" event will return to bring winter joy to our snowless metropolis.
A Weekend of Winter Magic
The highlight of this event is sledding down a snowy slope featuring real snow brought in from the mountains of Niigata. The sledding will take place on the Great Lawn (Ō-shibafu Hiroba) from 10:00 to 15:00 on both days. Best of all, entry is free, making it the perfect weekend activity for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy winter magic. Please note that although you cannot bring your own sled, the event's sled slope will have communal sleds (monitored by staff) for short, shared usage.
More Than Just Snow!
While sledding and playing in the snow are the main attractions, there are many things to do. On February 1st, entertainment will be provided by the powerful rhythms of taiko drums performed by Nihon Fukushi University High School students and the Self-Defense Forces. Local kindergarteners will warm hearts with their delightful dance performances. You can also take in the captivating "Toyone Village Shimokurokawa Flower Festival," recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
Winter Treats!
Nothing builds an appetite quite like playing in the snow, and the festival offers a variety of warming winter treats! Each day features special culinary highlights that capture the essence of Japanese winter comfort food.
On Saturday, warm up with a steaming bowl of imoni—a hearty winter soup perfect for chilly days. The festival volunteers will also be pounding fresh mochi, offering these chewy rice cakes while they're still warm and perfectly soft.
Sunday brings its own special flavor with piping hot bowls of tonjiru, a rich pork and miso soup loaded with vegetables that will chase away any winter chill. The best part? These warming treats are offered free of charge (while supplies last, starting from 11:00)!
There will also be the "Aichi Marutto! Marche" food village, where local vendors showcase the best of regional cuisine. From steaming bowls of soup pasta to crispy sweet potato balls and craft beer to artisanal desserts, there's something to satisfy every craving. Food trucks will line the venue, offering everything from traditional festival favorites to creative modern dishes.
Interactive Fun for Everyone
Beyond the snow play area, visitors can engage in a variety of fun. Guests have the unique opportunity to meet JGSDF members and try on their uniforms for memorable photo opportunities. Additionally, firefighting demonstrations will be showcased, allowing kids to try on mini firefighter gear, making it an educational experience. Attendees can also watch live confectionery-making demonstrations that highlight delicious craftsmanship. And for those looking for an adrenaline rush, the "Namazu-gō" earthquake simulation truck will be available on February 1st, weather permitting, providing an immersive experience of seismic activity.
Whether you're sledding down the slopes, sampling local food, or enjoying festive performances, Moricoro Park's Snow Play is a rare chance to experience winter fun!
Stage Schedule
(Sat. Feb. 1 Only)
Times and performances are subject to change.
(No stage program Feb. 2.)
Time | Performer | Performance |
---|---|---|
9:40 |
Opening
Nihon Fukushi Univ. Affiliated H.S. Wadaiko Club “Rakko” |
Japanese Drum Show |
9:45 | Opening Ceremony | |
10:00 | Sakuragi Kindergarten | Drum & Fife |
10:10 | Nakayama Matsumoto Kindergarten | Bamboo Drums |
10:20 | Shikatsu Hana-no-Ki Kindergarten | Handbell Performance |
10:30 | Miyoshi Kita Kindergarten | Dance |
11:30 |
Shimo-Kurokawa Hanamatsuri (Toyone Village) |
Traditional Flower Festival |
12:05 |
Kasugai “17 Segaki-jin” Taiko (SDF) |
Taiko Drums |
12:45 | Studio Ajira | Hula Dance |
13:15 | Nishiharu & Shikatsu Kindergartens | Naruko Odori (Clapper Dance) |
13:45 | Fuji-en Kindergarten | Japanese Drumming |
14:00 | Homi-ga-oka Kindergarten | Marching |
14:20 |
Nihon Fukushi Univ. Affiliated H.S. Wadaiko Club “Rakko” |
Drum Show Finale |
Pro Tips
• Wear warm clothing and don't forget gloves
• The event runs rain or shine (light rain won't stop the fun!)
• Arrive early to enjoy free food giveaways starting at 11:00
The Details
Moricoro Park Snow Play 2025
(モリコロパーク雪遊び2025)
Dates: Sat, Feb. 1 and Sun, Feb. 2
Times: 10:00 - 15:00 (both days)
Location:
Aichi Expo Memorial Park (Moricoro Park)
The Event will be held around the Great Lawn Square (Ō-shibafu Hiroba)
Admission: Free
Website
Contact: 0561-64-1130
(Moricoro Park Administration Office, 8:30 - 17:00)
Notes:
Although you cannot bring your own sled, the event's sled slope will have communal sleds (monitored by staff) for short, shared usage.
The event will be held even in light rain but may be canceled in severe weather conditions.
Getting There
Address: 1533-1 Otsu, Ibaragabasama, Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture
Given the event's popularity and potential parking congestion, public transportation is recommended if possible. If driving, consider arriving early to secure parking.
By Subway / Rail From Nagoya Station:
• Take the Higashiyama Subway Line (yellow line)
• Ride to the terminal station: (Fujigaoka Station)
• Transfer to the Linimo (Aichi High-Speed Transit Tobu Kyuryo Line)
• Get off at Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen Station
• The park entrance is just a 1-minute walk south.
• Head to the Great Lawn (Ō-shibafu Hiroba)
By Car:
Via Tomei Expressway (shorter):
• From Nagoya IC (Tomei Expressway)
• Drive east for approximately 20 minutes
• Follow signs to Moricoro Park
Via Nagoya-Seto Expressway (alternative route):
• Take the Tomei Expressway to Nisshin Junction
• Transfer to Nagoya-Seto Expressway
• Exit at Nagakute Interchange
• Drive approximately 5 minutes to the park
Parking:
Capacity: Approximately 3,000 spaces
Weekend Rates:
Standard vehicles: ¥1,000
Large vehicles: ¥3,400
The first 90 minutes are free
Note: Parking lots may fill up quickly during events
MAP
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