Winter is an exciting time for us here. While other countries seem to quiet down a bit over the cold season (ya know, natural hibernation) we are the opposite. Hokkaido seems to burst with life all over, and the winter festivals are a huge part of that.
Check below for our favorite ones..
Sapporo Snow Festival
The most popular and famous of them all – the big mama, as I like to call it. This brings in crowds from all over the globe because of it’s super huge and magnificent displays.
Covering the entirety of Odori Park (right in the centre of Sapporo city) this is a great one stop shop for any winter festival goer. The festival itself actually has 3 sites – Odori is the main one. If you haven’t been to this festival, then you really didn’t do a real winter in Hokkaido.
There’s so much to know about this festival, which is why we’ve dedicated an entire article on just this festival alone. Check it out for more info & just some general tips.
Otaru Snow Light Path
This is a beautiful festival held in Otaru, a neighboring town only 1 x 40min JR ride from Sapporo station.
Held on the Otaru canal and amongst the surrounding streets and alleys, beautiful ice and snow sculptures are brought to life with candle light in the dark. The place is lined with them, and brings a beautiful feeling of warmth and comfort during one of the coldest winters about.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
A winter festival that is lesser known to the outside & foreign world, but arguably one of the most picturesque and instagrammable.
Next to the 2nd deepest lake in all of Japan, Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is open from day to night displaying beautifully crafted ice caves and displays, including ice chandeliers and its own ice ‘forest’. We love this festival because it is all created and run by the locals. The sculptures themselves are made from the water from the lake, and this year took 72 days to complete.
Nakajima Park Candle Light Path
If you’re wanting to see a snow light path (like the one in Otaru) but are looking for something a little more local or personal then this one is for you.
Amongst the trees and beautiful snow fall, the paths of Nakajima park are all lit delicately with candles and the quaint decorations that come with them. If your dates don’t match to go to Otaru snow light path, I highly recommend seeing if your dates match for this one and go here instead.
Tomamu Ice Village
One of the most picturesque of them all. This ice village has it all, a lit up pathway through the forest, an interactive light display, an ice slide, a tubing slide, a walk on skate rink, ice sculptures, igloos filled with souvenirs, snacks and even a bar!
Although not run by locals, Tomaru Resort puts on a beautiful display for all.
Lake Shikaribetsu Ice Village
About an hour away from Tomamu Resort (so we do this in combo when we go out), Lake Shikaribetsu sits in the middle of Daisetsuzan National Park – the largest national park in all of Japan.
On top of the frozen lake, the locals build igloos (and more) of all shapes and sizes, each one with their own hidden purpose. The most popular one of them all is the Ice Bar, where you can buy your own ice mug, or better yet chisel one out yourself! You can also enjoy snowmobiling or the outdoor ice onsen (bring a towel & your togs!)
Among the list above are a bunch more local festivals, but the list could go for days, I’m telling you! Those are some of our favorites, and I hope that they become some of yours too.
Don’t forget to wrap up warm & have the best time!
