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19 Best Hokkaido Snow Festivals 2025/26 – Dates, Locations & Travel Tips

19 Best Hokkaido Snow Festivals 2025/26 - Dates, Locations & Travel Tips

Winter in Hokkaido is like something straight out of a movie. The ski resorts are jam-packed with powder chasers, and the whole place lights up with winter illuminations, massive snow sculptures, Christmas lights and ice villages. It’s a dream escape for anyone keen on adventure, nature, romance or just a bit of winter magic.

In this guide to Hokkaido’s best winter festivals, you’ll find 19 of the very best Hokkaido snow festivals, from the world famous Sapporo Snow Festival to the chilled, candle-lit charm of Otaru’s Snow Light Path. We’ve got the festival dates, locations and handy travel tips to help you plan out what festival to experience on your days off the mountain and soak up the island’s winter celebrations.

Start planning your trip to Japan’s ultimate winter wonderland today. Share this guide, save your favourite festivals, and prepare to experience the magic of winter at the best events and winter festivals in Hokkaido.

Kutchan Yukitopia

Two cheerful mascots wearing red and blue hats labelled “KUTCHAN” pose in the snow before a large snowman under a bright winter sky at the Kutchan Yukitopia Festival.Yukitopia Snow Festival (yuki (snow) + utopia) in Kutchan is a fun local festival that brings the town together to celebrate the winter culture, capturing the friendly spirit of Hokkaido. This family friendly event offers plenty of fun with games, snow tubing, snowmobile-towed rafts, arts & craft, live performances, and local food stalls, making it perfect for the whole family.

Unlike the larger city festivals, Yukitopia maintains a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, where locals come together to enjoy the snowy season. With its playful energy and scenic mountain backdrop, the Yukitopia Snow Festival provides an authentic and fun Hokkaido winter experience.

Yukitouro (Snow Candle Path) in Jozankei

Glowing candles encased in ice form a heart-shaped path in the snow, creating a warm, romantic winter scene at the Jozankei Snow Light Path Festival in Hokkaido.Just outside Sapporo in the snowy onsen town of Jōzankei, Snow Candle Path or Yukitouro features around 1000 snow candles crafted by local residents and hotels, illuminating the grounds of Jōzankei Shrine. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, unwind in nearby hot springs, and enter the photo and video contest for a chance to free accommodation prizes.

Lake Toya Illumination

A tunnel of shimmering blue, green, and white lights leads to large “TOYA” letters, creating a dazzling walkway at the Lake Toya Illumination Street in Hokkaido.Starting in November, a 70 metre long tunnel lights up the heart of the hot spring resort with thousands of lights, turning the area into a magical winter attraction. This glowing spectacle has become a favourite destination for couples and families looking to experience the romantic charm of Lake Toya in winter.

 

Otaru Light Path – “Yuki Akari no Michi”

People stroll beside Otaru Canal at night, where floating lanterns and snow-covered warehouses create a warm, glowing scene during the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.Otaru Snow Light Path has been a winter tradition in Otaru since 1999, where the historic canal city of Otaru turns into a glowing winter wonderland. Thousands of flickering lanterns and floating candles illuminate the snow-covered streets and waterways, creating a warm atmosphere that feels both peaceful and romantic, with a nostalgic feeling from early 20th century Japan.

Unlike the larger and busier snow festivals, Otaru offers a more intimate and leisurely “local” experience, perfect for an evening stroll and taking photos along Otaru’s historic canal, JR Temiya railway and many more locations across the city (see here for a list of venues).

It’s an easy day trip from Niseko, and easy to tie in with a trip to Sapporo Snow Festival for an off-mountain day trip the whole family can enjoy!

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Vibrant lights illuminate towering ice sculptures and igloos in vivid colours at night, creating a magical frozen landscape at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is one of Hokkaido’s iconic winter events, featuring an array of ice sculptures created by spraying water from Lake Shikotsu and allowing it to freeze over a long period of time.

Just an hour drive from Niseko, the ice festival is held around the end of January until the end of February every year and is an ideal option for an off-mountain day trip with the family.

Alternatively, people visiting Sapporo can take a train to JR Chitose Station, and from there take a shuttle bus directly to Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

 

German Christmas Market in Sapporo

People stroll through a snowy Christmas market at dusk in Sapporo, Japan, with festive lights and stalls glowing beneath the illuminated TV tower.Experience a touch of Bavarian warmth in the heart of Hokkaido at the Sapporo German Christmas Market. This enchanting event transforms Odori Park into a traditional European Christmas marketplace filled with the scent of mulled wine, roasted nuts and freshly baked bretzel. Stroll past charming wooden stalls offering German beer, handmade crafts and festive decorations, perfect for picking up a few Christmas gifts to bring back home like the  commemorative mugs which change design each year.

Thanks to Sapporo’s partnership with Munich (Sapporo’s sister city since 1972), the market captures an authentic European atmosphere, complete with cheerful music and Christmas deco.

 

Sapporo White Illumination

A large illuminated Christmas tree and glowing light displays shine beside Sapporo TV Tower at night, creating a festive winter scene at one of the top Hokkaido snow festivals.The Sapporo White Illumination marks the beginning of winter in Hokkaido, transforming Odori Park and its surrounding streets into a glittering cityscape. First held in 1981 with only 1000 light bulbs, this spectacular event has grown into one of Japan’s most iconic winter illuminations, with over 800,000 LED lights illuminating the snow covered park, creating dazzling tunnels, sparkling trees, and intricate light sculptures that capture the magic of the season.

 

Sapporo Snow Festival

Performers in colourful dresses sing and dance on stage before a grand snow sculpture of a mansion, watched by a large crowd at Sapporo Snow Festival.The Sapporo Snow Festival is Hokkaido’s most celebrated winter event, attracting over two million visitors from Japan and overseas every year. Held across Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome, the festival transforms the centre of Sapporo into a mesmerising world of snow and ice sculptures. Towering artworks, intricate carvings and illuminated displays showcase incredible craftsmanship and creativity.

Since its debut in 1950, the festival has become a global symbol of Japan’s winter culture. Visitors can enjoy snow slides, local cuisine, night-time illuminations, and watch musicians, idol groups and cultural performances on a huge stage made of snow, making Sapporo Snow Festival an absolute must-see highlight of Hokkaido’s winter celebrations.

Shiroikoibito Park Illumination in Sapporo

The Shiroi Koibito Park in Sapporo glows with golden fairy lights, Christmas trees, and snowman decorations, creating a festive winter wonderland atmosphere.

During the “Sweet Illumination” event, the park’s courtyard transforms into a colorful wonderland of lights, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for couples, families and friends. People visiting on their birthday can receive a free shiroikoibito ice cream.

 

 

Asahikawa Winter Festival

A vast snow sculpture shaped like a grand fortress stands under a blue sky at the Asahikawa Winter Festival, showcasing detailed craftsmanship and icy architecture.
Credit: asahikawa-winterfes.jp
Asahikawa Winter Festival is one of Hokkaido’s most impressive snow events, rivaling the scale and spectacle of the Sapporo Snow Festival. Each February, the city transforms into a frozen wonderland filled with giant snow sculptures, intricate ice carvings, and a lively food market serving local delicacies. Its famous “Great Snow Sculpture” often breaks size records, with the 1994 sculpture of a Korean fortress making it in to the book of Guinness World Records.

2026’s festival will include a meet and greet with Alolan Vulpix – the “official Pokémon” of Hokkaido.

Furano Snow Night Fantasy

Chill out in the Furano Winter Village, a snow and ice fantasy village located in front of the Shin Furano Prince Hotel. Open from around late-December to late-February, the Furano “Kan Kan Mura” Snow Night Fantasy features activities like Japan’s longest snow-tubing ride, snow rafting, banana boat rides, and snowmobiling. Wander through a glowing winter forest, meet Hokkaido’s red foxes and white rabbits, and relax with a drink served in an ice mug at the Snow Dome Bar or Ice Café. A must-visit Hokkaido winter attraction for all ages.

Tomamu Ice Village

People skate on an illuminated ice rink surrounded by glowing igloos and snow sculptures, as colourful fireworks light up the night sky at Tomamu Ice Village.The Tomamu Ice Village at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu invites visitors into a winter village crafted entirely from ice and snow. This enchanting village features ice domes, an ethereal ice chapel, an ice bar, sweets shop and even an ice hotel for those seeking a truly unforgettable stay. Each structure is illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Combining luxury and Arctic adventure, Tomamu Ice Village offers one of Hokkaido’s most unique winter experiences, perfect for couples, families, and travellers chasing the beauty of Japan’s frozen north.

Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival

A sightseeing icebreaker ship navigates through thick sea ice under a clear blue sky, carrying passengers across the frozen Sea of Okhotsk during winter in Hokkaido.
Credit: Abashiri Tourism Association (visit-abashiri.jp)
The Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival celebrates the arrival of Siberian drift ice along the coast of this small Hokkaido port town. Visitors can admire large snow and ice sculptures created by skilled artists while sampling local specialties such as scallops and king crab. Fresh seafood is also available for purchase at the produce hall.

In addition to the festival, Abashiri offers various winter activities, including drift ice cruises on icebreaker ships, horseback trekking, ice fishing, eagle watching, and snowshoeing through the natural beauty of the region.

Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival

A grand ice sculpture of Notre Dame cathedral stands tall under a partly cloudy sky, showcasing intricate frozen architecture at the Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival.
Credit: Monbetsu Tourist Information Center (tic.mombetsu.net)
Just along the coast from Abashiri, Monbetsu aka the “town of drift ice” holds the Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival every February. The festival, which began in 1963, features an impressive variety of ice sculptures created by talented artists. Previous highlights include a detailed replica of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and a collection of popular character sculptures such as Totoro, Donkey Kong, and Kirby, delighting both children and adults alike.

You’ll also find food stalls serving local specialties, including Monbetsu crab, a highly regarded delicacy throughout Japan.

Lake Akan Ice Festival

Crowds gather on a snowy field watching colourful fireworks burst across the night sky, celebrating the Lake Akan Ice Festival in Hokkaido, Japan.
Credit: Kushiro and Lake Akan Tourism (ja.kushiro-lakeakan.com)
The Lake Akan Ice Festival in Hokkaido offers a twist on Japan’s winter fireworks. Held annually from early February to early March, the event takes place on the frozen surface of Lake Akan, creating a truly unique spectacle. Every evening, around 300 fireworks illuminate the clear winter sky, free from city lights and crowds. Visitors can also discover the traditions of the Ainu people, enjoying traditional music, dance and cuisine that celebrate Hokkaido’s rich cultural heritage.

Lake Shikaribetsu Igloo Village

Visitors walk among snow-built igloos on a frozen lake surrounded by forested hills under clear blue skies at the Lake Shikaribetsu Igloo Village in Hokkaido.Every winter, a village of igloos is built entirely on the frozen surface of Lake Shikaribetsu. In the Ainu language, Kotan means “village”, and every structure, crafted from clear ice and pure snow, reflects the area’s beauty. Highlights include an ice bar serving drinks in ice glasses, an open-air hot spring bath built on ice, and a romantic ice chapel where real weddings take place. Visitors can also enjoy snowmobiling, snow rafting, and other Hokkaido winter activities through the Shikaribetsu Lake Nature Centre.

Tokachigawa Swan Festival “SAIRINKA®”

The Tokachigawa Swan Festival “Sairinka” celebrates the graceful migration of swans that gather along the Tokachi River each winter. Set in the snowy landscape, this captivating event blends nature and technology through spectacular laser shows, vivid light displays, and illuminated snow art. The combination of natural beauty and creative illumination creates an enchanting atmosphere unlike any other in Hokkaido. Visitors can stroll through glowing installations, enjoy local delicacies, and witness the harmony between wildlife and innovation that makes the Tokachigawa Swan Festival a Hokkaido winter highlight.

Shirogane Blue Pond Winter Illumination

Bare trees glow in soft blue and purple light beneath a starry sky at the illuminated Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei, creating a serene winter night scene.Every winter, nighttime illuminations light up the ice covered water of Biei’s Blue Pond (Aoiike in Japanese) in vivid colour. Surrounded by a forest of submerged trees, the pond gained worldwide fame after photographer Kent Shiraishi’s iconic image was featured as an Apple Mac wallpaper in 2012. Located a few hours north of Sapporo, it is now one of Hokkaido’s most photographed locations.

Hoshi no Yume (Star Dream) Illumination in Hakodate

An aerial night view of Hakodate’s Goryokaku Fort shows its star-shaped moat glowing with lights, surrounded by snow and cityscape during the Hoshi no Yume Illumination.
Credit: Hakodate Travel (www.hakodate.travel)
Each winter, Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate glows under thousands of golden lights for the Hoshi no Yume Illumination (“Dream of Stars”). From early December to late February, over 2,000 bulbs outline the fort’s distinctive star-shaped moat, creating a dazzling winter spectacle. Visitors can stroll the 1.8km promenade for close-up views or head up to the Goryokaku Tower to see the illuminated star from above, especially beautiful after snowfall. Built during Japan’s Edo period in the mid-19th century, Goryokaku was Japan’s first Western-style fortress and remains one of Hokkaido’s most striking and unique attractions.

Summary & Travel Tips

  • November – December: Illuminations and Christmas markets
  • January – February: Major snow and ice festivals
  • Late February – March: Nature-focused drift-ice and lake events
  • What to Wear: Dress in layers, e.g. thermal base, insulating mid layer, waterproof outer shell, long snow boots with solid grip. Expect temperatures as low as –15 °C inland.
  • Getting Around: Use trains, JR Hokkaido Rail Passes, city buses and regional flights, or rent a car. Book accommodation early during the Sapporo Snow Festival, and we really mean early – it’s one of the most popular events in Japan attracting over 2 million visitors.
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