The Kagamino Tourism Bureau in Okayama Prefecture will hold the "2026 Onbara Kogen Ice Pattern Snow Battle Tournament" on February 8, 2026. This new winter event replaces the annual "Onbara Kogen Ice Pattern Festival" and targets participants of all generations from elementary school age and above. The event aims to create new community connections and promote interaction through the utilization of precious winter snow resources.
Background
This event was planned based on the "Winter Kamisaibara Support Team Executive Committee," consisting of multiple local businesses. The Kagamino Tourism Bureau promotes "Kagamino Wellness," which connects tourism and health through health programs and products utilizing regional natural resources, including activities. Through this event, they aim to enhance the appeal of winter Kamisaibara, increase awareness, and expand ways to utilize local resources.
Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Onbara Kogen Ski Resort Panorama Gelände 2037 Kamisaibara, Kagamino Town, Tomata District, Okayama Prefecture |
| Date & Time | February 8, 2026 (Sunday) 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
| Participation Fee | 5,000 yen per team |
Program & Content
Each match lasts 3 minutes in a preliminary group league format, with all teams guaranteed to play at least 2 matches.
The winning team will receive 30kg of rice as a prize! The 2nd and 3rd place teams will also receive "luxury prizes," and all teams will receive participation awards.
A snowman building contest will be held exclusively for snow battle tournament participants. Additionally, a mini snowman building space will be available for general participation, creating a snow event enjoyable for all generations. Local gourmet food stalls will be set up inside Crystal Palace. Come join this unique snow event where the collaboration of winter's crisp air and powder snow creates a fantastic atmosphere!
Main Schedule:
- 9:30 AM – Registration begins
- 10:00 AM – Opening ceremony
- 10:15 AM – Snow battle tournament competition begins
- 10:30 AM – Snowman building contest production begins (ongoing)
- 12:15 PM – Snow battle tournament competition ends
- 1:30 PM – Snowman building contest production ends
- 1:45 PM – Awards ceremony
- 2:00 PM – Event ends
※The schedule may be canceled or partially changed depending on snow conditions at the venue.
Snowman Building Contest
The "Snowman Building Contest" is exclusively for teams participating in the snow battle tournament.
Luxury prizes will be awarded to the winning team selected by the judges.
A mini snowman building space will also be available for general participation, allowing visitors who come for skiing or snowboarding to enjoy snowman building as well.
How to Participate
- Application Method: Apply through the registration form on the "Kagamino Travel and Life" tourism & relocation comprehensive website event page "2026 Onbara Kogen Ice Pattern Snow Battle Tournament" at https://www.kagamino.holiday/event/siteseeing/entry-1029.html
- Participation Limit: First 16 teams (3 members per team)
- Application Deadline: January 25, 2026 (Sunday)
Comment
Keisuke Takemoto, Chief of Fan Creation & Public Relations, General Affairs Department / Kagamino Tourism Bureau
This year, the "Onbara Kogen Ice Pattern Festival" that had been held annually was canceled. Local residents approached us about creating an event to replace the "Onbara Kogen Ice Pattern Festival" using resources like snow at the slope venue. Local businesses gathered and established the "Winter Kamisaibara Support Team Executive Committee."
First, we used the snow battle tournament as the main event, which has an established track record and know-how. The executive committee exchanged ideas and refined the event by adding value with luxury prizes such as rice.
We hope that this event will become established as a new winter snow event and help promote the appeal of the Kamisaibara area.
