How to choose a festival to visit as a couple. Tips for enjoying a festival even when you have different tastes in photos, yatai and viewing events
The person you go to a festival with may not be looking forward to the same things as you. One of you wants to take photos, while the other wants to enjoy the town as you walk. Even with differences like these, a festival can be a great chance to spend time together—as long as your plans don’t require one person to keep compromising.
First, decide how you want to spend your time—not which festival is most famous
First, talk about which sounds most appealing: “standing to watch for a long time,” “walking,” “watching while seated,” or “enjoying the lights at night.” A plan that suits a couple who want to walk and talk may not suit a couple who want to focus on a single performance. It’s also important not to base your expectations on details you haven’t confirmed, such as how many there will be.
At events like the Otaru Snow Light Path, where you can enjoy the lights while walking between several locations, you can plan a walking route with time for breaks. The official information for 2026 also introduced multiple venues. However, don’t plan to keep walking for a long time on a winter night. Choose an area that you can both explore comfortably.（Otaru Tourism Association, “The 28th Otaru Snow Light Path”）
Each choose one thing you absolutely want to see
At the Kawagoe Festival, for example, one person might want to look closely at the details of the , while the other enjoys the moments when the festival music comes together. Set aside a little time for both, and leave the rest flexible so you’re less likely to feel rushed by your schedule. Read the official festival guide together to decide what to see; it can help avoid mismatched expectations.（Kawagoe Festival official site, “Overview and History”）
| Different preferences | Examples of ways to combine activities |
|---|---|
| Taking photos and exploring | Choose one place to take photos, then spend the rest of the time walking around |
| Power and tranquility | Watch the main events briefly, with breaks in between |
| Day and night | Arrive in the afternoon, take a break, then focus on seeing the lights |
| Taking part or watching | Check which participation options are available, then decide where to meet after they finish |
In crowded places, agree on a meeting spot in advance
Simply agreeing to call if you get separated may not be enough to tell each other where you are. Rather than saying “by the station,” choose one specific spot, such as an information center or exit shown on the official map. Avoid places that may be subject to restrictions and entrances that would block the flow of people. At the Kawagoe Festival, you can use the pamphlet for that year to get familiar with where things are.（Kawagoe Festival official site, “Pamphlet”）
Even if one of you goes shopping while the other takes photos, it’s reassuring to agree on a time and place to meet again before splitting up. In a crowded area, it’s easier to stay in sync if you head to a spot you’ve already agreed on than if you walk in opposite directions looking for each other.
Make it an enjoyable day right through the journey home
What matters more than the number of photos you take or events you see is whether you both enjoy yourselves through to the end. Decide how you’ll get home, make time for a meal, and agree that heading home early is an option if you get tired. One small tip for a festival trip is not to make anyone feel bad for suggesting a break.
On your way home, tell each other what made the strongest impression. You may remember different scenes, even when you’re in the same place. Next time, focus on the lights; the time after that, go see the dancing. Those discoveries can help you choose your next festival.
Official information referenced
- Otaru Tourism Association, “The 28th Otaru Snow Light Path”
- Kawagoe Festival official site, “Overview and History”
- Kawagoe Festival official site, “Pamphlet”
This content is based on publicly available information from official sources, local governments, tourism associations and others. Information checked: 2026/10/01. Please check the official information for the year you plan to visit for event dates, venues, traffic restrictions and participation requirements.
