The annual autumn event "Kanda Sports Festival 2026," which has been held since 1995, will take place on October 24th (Sat) and 25th (Sun) at the Kanda Ogawacho sports shopping district and Chiyoda Ward Ogawa Plaza in Tokyo. This event, which showcases the appeal of outdoor activities and various sports, will be held for the 32nd time this year. In 2025, approximately 7,100 people attended over the two days, and every year many skiers and snowboarders come to gather information and shop before the season starts
This year, the Kanda Sports Festival is launching a new initiative. The theme is "Protecting Snow." It will showcase decarbonization and sustainable activities being undertaken by ski resorts across the country, creating an opportunity for skiers and ski resorts to think together about the future of the snow-covered mountains
The changing snow-covered mountains: 23 ski resorts showcase their environmental initiatives
The underlying reason for this is the problem of snow shortage caused by climate change
A study conducted by Hokkaido University and the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, which surveyed 349 ski resorts nationwide, found that, assuming only natural snow cover, only 7 ski resorts would be able to fully operate if the temperature rise reached 4°C. On the other hand, if the temperature rise was limited to 2°C, 53 resorts would be able to fully operate, demonstrating that the future of ski resorts will change significantly depending on the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
In response to this situation, at this year's Kanda Sports Festival, 23 of the 39 participating ski resorts that have declared their environmental policies will showcase their efforts at their respective booths. They will inform visitors about the activities they are taking to protect the snow-covered mountains, such as introducing renewable energy and reducing waste
Even if you have the opportunity to visit ski resorts all over the country, you might not often learn about these kinds of initiatives. This is a great opportunity to learn about the activities of multiple ski resorts at once, so be sure to check it out along with discounted lift tickets and the latest slope information
POW JAPAN is also participating. Vote for the ski resort action you want to support!
There will also be programs that visitors can participate in. "POW JAPAN," which works to protect winter from climate change, will have a booth and talk sessions, as well as a voting project in collaboration with Patagonia and Goldwin
The initiative targets ski resorts that are members of the Sustainable Resort Alliance (SRA), a decarbonization and sustainability promotion network operated by POW JAPAN. The SRA was launched in 2023 and has now expanded to 52 ski resorts nationwide. Each ski resort is carrying out unique activities, such as introducing "POW Tickets," where a portion of the lift ticket price is donated to environmental conservation activities, forest maintenance, and providing on-site meals powered by 100% renewable energy
From these initiatives, visitors can vote for the actions they want to support. By conveying the voices of skiers to the ski resort, the aim is to broaden interest in and participation in activities that protect the snow-covered mountains
From a town that selects tools to a town that considers the future of snow-covered mountains
Mikio Kakutani, chairman of the Kanda Sports Stores Liaison Council, commented on this initiative as follows:
"Because Kanda is a town that has connected ski resorts and skiers, we want to spread the movement to protect snow from here. We want to involve everyone who skis in a way that is fun and engaging."
Kanda Ogawacho has long been a link between ski resorts and skiers. From a place to choose equipment and prepare for winter, it's becoming a place to learn about, think about, and act on the future of snow-covered mountains. Explore the booths with a new perspective, considering what you can do to keep your favorite gear and continue skiing on the slopes for as long as possible
On the day of the event, there will be plenty of fun activities, including a raffle where you can get a "fun prize ticket" when you shop at participating stores, a stamp rally, comedy shows, talk shows, workshops, and more! Enjoy the festive atmosphere, learn something new, and have a fruitful weekend
Kanda Sports Festival 2026
Date and Time: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 11:00-17:00;
Sunday, October 25, 2026, 11:00-16:30
Venue: Yasukuni-dori Kanda Ogawacho Sports Shop Street (Ogawacho Intersection to Surugadai-shita Intersection), Chiyoda Ward Ogawa Plaza
Access: Tokyo Metro "Awajicho" and "Shin-Ochanomizu" stations, Toei Shinjuku Line "Ogawacho" station, etc.
Admission: Free, no advance registration
required Organizer: Kanda Sports Shop Liaison Council
Official Website:https://sports-kanda.com/ksf2026/
Inquiries: Kanda Sports Shop Liaison Council Secretariat (TEL: 03-3233-7032 / email:info@sports-kanda.com)