Winter in Hokkaido is pure magic. From late January through mid-February, Japan’s northernmost island transforms into a breathtaking wonderland of ice and snow, hosting some of the world’s most spectacular winter festivals. Whether you’re seeking massive snow sculptures, romantic candlelit paths, or the rare opportunity to witness drift ice from Siberia, Hokkaido’s winter festivals offer unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through 11 incredible winter festivals across Hokkaido, complete with dates, locations, access information, and insider tips to help you plan your perfect winter adventure.
1. Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival “SAIRINKA” (彩凛華)
Dates: January 24 – February 15, 2026
Time: 19:00 – 21:00
Location: Tokachigaoka Park, Tokachigawa Onsen, Otofuke Town, Hokkaido
What Makes It Special
Named after the thousands of swans that migrate to the Tokachigawa River each winter, the SAIRINKA festival is a mesmerizing display of light and sound. Over 600 triangular pyramid-shaped objects—made from agricultural thermal insulation material—illuminate the snowy landscape in synchronized harmony with music.
The festival features two distinct movements: a calming, contemplative section followed by a dynamic, energetic light show. Don’t miss the “Alley of Light” corridor and winter cherry blossoms along the forest promenade connecting Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen to the park.
Access & Admission
- From Obihiro Station: Take a bus bound for Tokachigawa Onsen, get off at Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen, then walk 10 minutes. By taxi: approximately 20 minutes
- Admission: ¥500 for junior high school students and above / Free for elementary school students and below / Free for guests staying at Tokachigawa Onsen
- Official Website: https://www.tokachigawa.net/ (Tokachigawa Onsen Tourist Association)
Insider Tip: After enjoying the light show, warm up in Tokachigawa Onsen’s rare “moor hot springs”—one of only a few in the world!
2. Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival (層雲峡温泉氷瀑まつり)
Dates: January 24 – March 8, 2026
Time: Weekdays 5:00-21:30 (last entry 21:15) / Weekends & Holidays 11:00-21:30
Location: Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa Town, Hokkaido
What Makes It Special
One of Hokkaido’s three major winter festivals, this event transforms the Ishikari River banks into a 10,000-square-meter frozen wonderland. The festival features approximately 30 massive ice sculptures, multi-story ice structures with interior mazes, a 13-meter observation deck, and an impressive ice tunnel that can stretch over 100 meters.
During the day, the ice glows with a stunning natural blue. At night, seven-colored illumination creates a magical, otherworldly atmosphere. Fireworks displays are held on selected evenings throughout the festival.
Access & Admission
- From Asahikawa Station: Direct bus (2 hours, ¥2,140)
- From Kamikawa Station: Local bus (30 minutes, ¥890). Free shuttle buses available during festival
- Admission: ¥500-¥1,000 (prices may vary for evening illumination)
- Official Website: https://sounkyo.net/
Insider Tip: Try the ice climbing experience and warm up at nearby Sounkyo Onsen hot springs after exploring the frozen wonderland!
3. Shikaribetsu Lake Kotan (然別湖コタン)
Dates: January 24 – March 15, 2026
Location: Lake Shikaribetsu, Shikaoi Town, Hokkaido
What Makes It Special
At 804 meters above sea level, Lake Shikaribetsu is Hokkaido’s highest lake—and in winter, it becomes home to a truly unique “phantom village” made entirely of ice and snow. This isn’t just a festival; it’s an entire village built on the frozen lake surface!
The kotan (Ainu word for “village”) features an ice bar where you can sip cocktails from ice glasses, an ice chapel for weddings, an ice concert hall, and the world’s only open-air hot spring bath built on ice. Yes, you read that correctly—a steaming hot onsen surrounded by ice and snow, under the stars!
Access & Admission
- From Obihiro Station: Shuttle bus (100 minutes, ¥1,650, 4 times daily during festival)
- By Car: 60 minutes from Doto Expressway Tokachi Shimizu IC
- Admission: ¥500 cooperation fee
- Official Website: https://kotan.jp/en/
Insider Tip: The ice onsen is open with mixed bathing hours (9:00-20:00) and separate hours (men 17:00-18:30, women 18:30-20:00). Don’t forget to bring your own towel!
4. Jozankei Onsen Yukitouro FINAL (定山渓温泉雪灯路)
Dates: January 27 – February 3, 2026
Time: 18:00 – 21:00 (gates open 17:20, lighting begins 17:40)
Location: Jozankei Shrine, Jozankei Onsen, Minami-ku, Sapporo
What Makes It Special
After 15 years of enchanting visitors, the Jozankei Snow Light Path holds its final event in its current format. Approximately 1,000 handmade snow candles illuminate the approach to Jozankei Shrine, creating a mystical, spiritual atmosphere in the deep snow.
Beyond the candle-lit path lies the “Forest of Prayer,” where nature merges with digital art in a stunning display. Visitors can participate in “Negai-no-akari” (Light of Wishes)—light a candle, make a wish, and carry it to the snow tower. If the flame doesn’t go out, legend says your wish will come true!
Access & Admission
- From Sapporo Station: Jotetsu Bus to “Jozankei Jinja-mae” stop (approximately 80 minutes), then 1-minute walk
- By Car: Approximately 50 minutes from Sapporo city center via National Route 230
- Admission: ¥500 cooperation fee for high school students and above / Free for guests staying in Jozankei area
- Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/en/event/yukitouro2026/
Insider Tip: This is the final year of the festival in its current location, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this 15-year tradition!
5. Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (支笏湖氷濤まつり)
Dates: January 31 – February 23, 2026
Time: 10:00 – 20:00 (illumination from 16:30)
Location: Lake Shikotsu Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido
What Makes It Special
Lake Shikotsu boasts some of the clearest water in Japan, and this clarity creates a stunning phenomenon: ice sculptures that glow with a natural blue color—known as “Shikotsu Blue”—during daylight hours. By night, the sculptures are illuminated in vibrant rainbow colors.
The festival features various zones including an ice shrine, ice kitchen, ice forest, and a magnificent ice chandelier. Activities include ice slides, ice skating, and evening fireworks. The unique natural blue glow of the ice during the day makes this festival particularly photogenic!
Access & Admission
- From New Chitose Airport: Taxi (40 minutes, approximately ¥7,000) or Lake Shikotsu Line bus (55 minutes, ¥1,260)
- From Sapporo: Approximately 60 minutes by bus from JR Chitose Station
- Admission: ¥1,000 for junior high school students and above / Free for elementary school students and below
- Official Website: https://hyoutou-special.asia/ (Chitose Tourism Association)
Insider Tip: Warm up at nearby Lake Shikotsu Onsen after exploring the ice sculptures—the area is famous for its hot springs!
6. Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり)
Dates: February 4-11, 2026
Location: Three main sites in Sapporo: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome
What Makes It Special
The Sapporo Snow Festival is THE winter event in Hokkaido—and one of Japan’s most famous festivals worldwide. What started in 1950 with six snow sculptures made by high school students has grown into a massive event attracting over 2 million visitors annually.
Three Main Venues:
- Odori Park Site: The main venue featuring spectacular large snow sculptures (some over 15 meters high!), an international snow sculpture competition, ice skating rink, and food stalls. The 1.5-kilometer park transforms into a winter wonderland with illumination until 22:00.
- Susukino Site: The nightlife district showcases beautiful ice sculptures and an ice sculpture contest. The “Finding Delight in Interacting with Ice” theme creates a magical neon-lit atmosphere.
- Tsudome Site: Perfect for families! Features giant slides, snow rafting, indoor activities, and gourmet food booths. This site typically opens a few days before the official festival start.
Access & Admission
- Odori Site: Direct access from Odori Subway Station (multiple subway lines)
- Susukino Site: One stop south of Odori on Namboku Line
- Tsudome Site: Toho Line to Sakaemachi Station, then shuttle bus or 10-15 minute walk
- Admission: FREE
- Official Website: https://www.snowfes.com/english/
Insider Tip: Visit both day and night for completely different experiences! The illuminated sculptures at night are breathtaking.
7. Asahikawa Winter Festival (旭川冬まつり)
Dates: February 6-11, 2026
Time: 17:00 – 21:00 (some activities during daytime)
Location: Asahibashi Riverside Venue and Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, Asahikawa
What Makes It Special
Hokkaido’s second-largest winter festival is famous for having one of the world’s biggest snow sculptures! The giant sculpture—which has even made it into the Guinness World Records (a Korean fortress in 1994)—serves as a stage for concerts and performances.
The festival features two main sites:
- Asahibashi Site: Home to the massive snow sculpture, plus ice slides, snowmobile rides, and horse-drawn sleigh rides
- Heiwa-dori Site: About 50 ice sculptures in a competition display, beautifully illuminated at night
Fireworks mark both the opening and closing of the festival, and the “Winter Marche” offers delicious local Asahikawa cuisine!
Access & Admission
- From Asahikawa Station: Free shuttle buses run every 30 minutes to Asahibashi Site
- Heiwa-dori Site: 1-minute walk from JR Asahikawa Station
- From Sapporo: 80-minute train ride via JR Limited Express
- Admission: FREE
- Official Website: https://asahikawa-winterfes.jp/
Insider Tip: Time your visit for evening to enjoy both the illuminated sculptures and the spectacular fireworks!
8. Onuma Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival (大沼函館 雪と氷の祭典)
Dates: February 7-8, 2026 (weekend event)
Location: Onuma Park, Nanae Town, near Hakodate
What Makes It Special
This charming two-day festival in Onuma Quasi-National Park offers a more intimate winter experience. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Komagatake, the festival features approximately 60 snow sculptures created by local elementary and junior high school students.
The highlight is the 20-meter jumbo ice slide made from ice cut directly from Lake Onuma—and yes, adults can slide too! Other activities include ice fishing for pond smelt (wakasagi), snowmobile rides, sleigh tours, and ice carving demonstrations. Food stalls serve local Hakodate specialties.
Access & Admission
- From JR Hakodate Station: Direct train to Onuma-Koen Station (approximately 30 minutes)
- Free parking available on-site
- Admission: FREE
- Official Website: http://onumakouen.com/en/ (Onuma International Tourism Convention Association)
Insider Tip: This is perfect for families with children and offers a less crowded alternative to the larger festivals!
9. Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival (あばしりオホーツク流氷まつり)
Dates: February 7-8, 2026
Location: Abashiri Commercial Port Wharf, Abashiri City
What Makes It Special
Witness the incredible natural phenomenon of drift ice (ryuhyo) from Siberia! The Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival celebrates the arrival of this rare ice with spectacular ice sculptures carved from the drift ice itself.
The festival is held under the theme “SAVE THE ICE SAVE THE EARTH,” raising awareness about climate change’s impact on this natural wonder. Activities include viewing the drift ice from shore, ice sculpture exhibitions, fresh seafood from the Sea of Okhotsk (famous king crab and scallops!), and various winter activities.
Consider booking an Aurora icebreaker boat tour to experience crushing through the drift ice—an absolutely unforgettable experience!
Access & Admission
- From Abashiri Station: 10-minute bus ride on “Tourist Facility Rounds Route” to “Ryuhyo Saihyosen Terminal” stop, then 10-minute walk
- From Memanbetsu Airport: 30 minutes by car or bus
- Admission: FREE (separate fees for icebreaker boats and other activities)
- Official Website: https://visit-abashiri.jp/en/ (Abashiri Tourism)
Insider Tip: Best drift ice viewing is typically mid-to-late February. Check the drift ice forecast before your visit!
10. Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival (もんべつ流氷まつり)
Dates: February 8-11, 2026 (No event on Monday, February 10)
Location: Hokkaido Ocean Park, Monbetsu City
What Makes It Special
Monbetsu’s festival turns the harsh cold into a celebration! The main ice sculpture is crafted from natural ice with meticulous attention to transparency, creating stunning crystal-clear displays. Various entertainment shows by popular performers, a taste market with food stalls, and evening illumination create a festive atmosphere.
The festival is smaller and more intimate than Abashiri’s, offering a local community feel. You can also take the Garinko icebreaker boat from Monbetsu to experience the drift ice up close.
Access & Admission
- From Monbetsu Airport: Approximately 10 minutes by car
- From Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway Ukishima IC: Approximately 90 minutes
- Admission: FREE
- Official Website: https://mombetsu.jp/ (Monbetsu Tourism)
Insider Tip: Combine this festival with a Garinko icebreaker cruise for the ultimate drift ice experience!
11. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (小樽雪あかりの路)
Dates: February 8-15, 2026
Time: 17:00 – 21:00
Location: Multiple venues in Otaru: Otaru Canal, Former Temiya Railway Line, Mount Tengu
What Makes It Special
Perhaps the most romantic of all Hokkaido’s winter festivals, the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival creates an intimate, spiritual atmosphere with thousands of hand-made snow candles illuminating the historic port city.
Three Main Venues:
- Unga (Canal) Venue: The iconic Otaru Canal lined with floating ball candles on the water and snow lanterns along the path—an incredibly romantic photo spot!
- Temiyasen Venue: An old railway line from the 1880s transformed into a candlelit path with snow sculptures and a snow tunnel
- Tenguyama Venue: Take the ropeway up Mount Tengu for spectacular night views of Otaru city combined with illuminated snow decorations—perfect for couples!
The festival attracts many volunteers from overseas who help create the snow candles, making it a wonderful cultural exchange experience.
Access & Admission
- From Sapporo Station: Direct trains run every 15 minutes (approximately 40 minutes)
- Unga Venue: 10-minute walk from Otaru Station
- Tenguyama Ropeway: 20-minute bus ride from Otaru Station (¥1,600 round trip)
- Admission: FREE
- Official Website: http://yukiakarinomichi.org/ (includes English page)
Insider Tip: The festival coincides with the Sapporo Snow Festival, making it easy to experience both! Otaru is also famous for sushi, sake, and glassworks—perfect for a full day trip.
Planning Your Hokkaido Winter Festival Trip
Best Time to Visit
The peak season for Hokkaido winter festivals runs from late January through mid-February 2026. The first week of February is particularly busy as multiple major festivals overlap, including Sapporo Snow Festival, Asahikawa Winter Festival, and Otaru Snow Light Path.
What to Pack
- Extreme cold weather gear: Temperatures can drop to -10°C to -20°C or below
- Layered clothing: Thermal underwear, fleece mid-layers, waterproof outer layer
- Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction
- Warm accessories: Hat, gloves, scarf, hand/foot warmers
- Camera with extra batteries (cold drains batteries quickly!)
Getting Around
Most festivals are accessible by public transportation, though some remote locations like Lake Shikaribetsu are easier to reach by car or organized tour. The JR Pass can be very economical if you plan to visit multiple cities.
Accommodation Tips
- Book early! Hotels in Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Otaru fill up months in advance during festival season
- Consider staying at onsen hotels to warm up after cold festival visits
- Booking.com, Rakuten Travel, and Jalan.net are good resources for Japanese accommodations
Final Thoughts
Hokkaido’s winter festivals offer some of the most magical experiences you’ll ever have. From the grandeur of Sapporo’s massive snow sculptures to the intimate glow of candlelit paths in Otaru, from the rare drift ice of the Okhotsk Sea to the unique ice village on Lake Shikaribetsu—each festival brings its own special charm.
Most festivals are completely free to enter, making this an accessible adventure for all budgets. Don’t forget to warm up at Hokkaido’s amazing hot springs between festivals, and sample the incredible local cuisine—from fresh seafood to hearty ramen to sweet treats.
Winter in Hokkaido isn’t just about enduring the cold—it’s about celebrating it, transforming ice and snow into art, community, and unforgettable memories.
Which festival are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments!
Additional Resources
- Hokkaido Tourism Official Website: https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/
- Japan National Tourism Organization – Hokkaido: https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/hokkaido/
- Weather Forecast: Check https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html for the latest conditions
Have questions about visiting Hokkaido’s winter festivals? Book a personalized consultation with me, or download my comprehensive Hokkaido Winter Travel Guide for more tips, itineraries, and insider recommendations!
All information current as of January 2026. Please check official websites for the most up-to-date information, as schedules and details may change.
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