Tsunan Snow Festival

**Sky lantern logistics:** Attendees receive a paper lantern (約1m tall), bamboo frame, and fuel pad. You write a wish/prayer on the lantern with provided markers, assemble the frame, ignite the fuel pad, and release when the internal heat creates lift (約2 min). The coordinated mass release occurs 18:00 at sunset — staff with megaphones count down. Bring winter gloves; handling the fuel pad with bare hands in −5°C is painful. **Photography position:** The official photography area is 100m from the launch field, elevated on a snow bank. Arrive 17:00 to secure front-row position. Use fast lens (f/1.8–2.8) as light is minimal at 18:00 in March. A tripod is nearly impossible due to crowd density — brace against the snow bank and shoot handheld at high ISO (3200–6400). **Accommodation scarcity:** Tsunan Town has 15 small ryokan; all book out 6+ months ahead for festival weekend. Most attendees stay in Echigo-Yuzawa (40 min drive) or do a Tokyo day-trip (depart 12:00, return 22:00). The festival provides heated waiting tents and hot sake/amazake vendors.