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Held on a Friday (the date depends on the snowfall so check in advance) in Shiramine, a historic mountain village at the foot of Mt. Hakusan. Locals build and decorate thousands of little snowmen and are illuminated after 5pm so the streets are aglow. Impossible not to smile as you wander around. This is a 100% locals created event so some interesting food/drink stalls. It is an 80minute drive from Kanazawa Station. https://experiencekanazawa.com/events/yukidaruma.html

‍If you can’t stay the night, drive to Yamanaka Onsen (another 80minute drive) to make a weekend out of it. Washu Bar Engawa is an excellent little restaurant and amazing sake list. Bookings recommended and ask to sit at the bar. English spoken. 

https://visitkaga.jp/plan-your-trip/meet-local-people/specialist-of-nihonshu