Hokkaido in winter hosts numerous events filled with magical beauty despite the cold. Winter festivals that showcase Hokkaido’s unique traditions and natural winter scenery are a must-see part of any winter trip to the region. In this article, we introduce five recommended winter festivals in Hokkaido. To travel efficiently across this vast area, renting a car is your best option. Let’s enjoy the winter festivals of Hokkaido in comfort!
Sapporo Snow Festival
Period: Early February
Location: Sapporo City (Odori Park, Susukino, etc.)
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Hokkaido’s largest winter events, drawing visitors from across Japan and abroad. Massive snow sculptures and ice carvings line the streets, beautifully illuminated at night to create a dreamlike atmosphere. There are also ice bars and slides, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival
Period: Mid-February
Location: Various areas around Abashiri City
This is one of the few events in Japan where you can enjoy drift ice. The Abashiri Drift Ice Festival features huge ice sculptures modeled after drift ice and stalls offering local gourmet foods, allowing visitors to fully experience the unique Hokkaido scenery. The illuminated ice at night is especially mystical, glowing with vivid colors. A drift ice cruise is also available and highly recommended as a combined experience.
Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival
Period: Late January to early March
Location: Around Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa Town
The Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival is themed around frozen waterfalls (“ice falls”), creating a fantastical world of ice. Natural frozen waterfalls, ice tunnels, and ice sculptures are on display, offering visitors an extraordinary experience. At night, the entire area is lit up in a spectrum of colors, showing a completely different look from the daytime. With hot springs nearby, it’s a perfect spot to warm up your body after exploring the icy scenery.
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Period: Mid-February
Location: Around the Otaru Canal
The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is a magical event that weaves together snow and candlelight. Candles are placed along the Otaru Canal and throughout the city, enveloping the nighttime townscape in a warm glow. The romantic atmosphere created by the small flickering lights in the snow offers a heartwarming experience, distinct from other winter festivals.
Yuki-Touro (Snow Candle Path)
Period: Late January to early February
Location: Jozankei Shrine, Sapporo City
Held at Jozankei Shrine in the Jozankei hot spring area of Sapporo, the “Yuki-Touro” festival features snow candles that gently light up the shrine grounds, creating a special winter event. The Snow Candle Area glows with soft candlelight, while the “Forest of Prayer” projects lights and visuals into the natural setting, evoking a serene and mystical mood. You can fully enjoy the ambience of the hot spring town by staying overnight and spending a relaxed winter evening there.
GO!GO! Tour Car Rental Hokkaido Information
GO!GO! Tour Car Rental Hokkaido offers excellent support for tourists and allows for smooth reservations.With a wide range of vehicle types available, you can choose a car that fits your driving style. Many locations are conveniently situated for accessing winter festivals, so renting a car allows you to enjoy sightseeing on a flexible schedule. Use GO!GO! Tour Car Rental for a comfortable Hokkaido trip.
Enjoy Hokkaido’s Winter Festivals Even More with a Rental Car
Hokkaido’s winter festivals are rare opportunities to experience magical scenery created by snow, ice, and light. Make the most of your trip by immersing yourself in the unique winter beauty of Japan’s northernmost region.
