Winter Magic in Hokkaido: Experience the Annual Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Hokkaido's most famous events, held in early February. The event features huge, intricate snow and ice sculptures, set up in multiple locations around the city, ranging from snow-covered recreations of famous buildings to cute characters and animals.

The main venue is Odori Park, where the snow sculptures are lit up at night and shine beautifully. The attraction is strolling around with a hot drink in hand and enjoying the lights reflecting off the snow. There are also activities for both children and adults, such as snowball fights and snow slides. It's the perfect event to enjoy the beauty and creativity of winter.

Sapporo Snow Festival

8-chome, Odori Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042

Overview of the 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival (75th)

1. Name: 2025 Sapporo Snow Festival (75th)

2. Period: 8 days from Tuesday, February 4th to Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 (National Holiday) 3. Venue: Odori Park (Odori Nishi 1-chome to Nishi 11-chome) Tsudome (885-1 Sakaemachi, Higashi-ku) Susukino (Sapporo Ekimae-dori) (Minami 4-jo to Minami 6-jo Nishi 3-4-chome)

4. Structure of the Odori Venue The Odori Venue will feature five large snow sculptures that are symbols of the Sapporo Snow Festival, as well as small and medium-sized snow sculptures, snow sculptures made by local residents, and winter attractions.

Asahikawa Winter Festival

The Asahikawa Winter Festival is held in Asahikawa, about an hour and a half by train from Sapporo. Asahikawa is one of the coldest places in Japan, making it the perfect place for an ice festival. The highlight of this festival is the gigantic snow sculptures, some of which are several stories tall.

Another highlight is the ice sculpture contest, in which artists from all over the world participate. You'll be amazed at the artistry of the intricately crafted ice sculptures, as they are lit up at night, casting a fantastic light into the winter sky. Although it is not as large as the Sapporo Snow Festival, its warm atmosphere attracts visitors.

Otaru Snow Light Path

For those looking for a quieter festival, we recommend the Otaru Snow Light Path. This festival, held in the seaside town of Otaru, has a romantic and relaxed atmosphere. Otaru is famous for its canals, and during the festival, hundreds of lanterns line the waterways and streets, casting a warm glow over the snowy scenery.

Many of the lanterns and snow sculptures are handcrafted by locals, adding a warm touch to the event. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful lights while visiting the shops and cafes along the canal. The festival runs until mid-February and overlaps with the Sapporo Snow Festival, so you can visit both events.

Otaru Snow Light Path website

Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival

The Sounkyo Ice Festival is a little different from other festivals, as it's an event that celebrates the beauty of frozen waterfalls and ice formations. It takes place in Daisetsuzan National Park, and visitors can explore ice caves, tunnels, and even an ice shrine. At night, the waterfall is lit up, creating an extraordinary and magical atmosphere.

You can also try your hand at ice climbing. It's a little difficult to get to, but if you're looking for a unique winter experience, the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival is a must-see. Just make sure you dress warmly.

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is a great event for families. The ice sculptures made from Lake Shikotsu, one of the clearest lakes in Japan, have a special crystal-clear quality. There are plenty of attractions for both children and adults to enjoy, including ice castles, tunnels, and slides.

At night, the ice sculptures are lit up with colorful lights of pink, blue, and green, creating an even more fantastical atmosphere. Fireworks displays are also held on weekends, further enhancing the excitement of the festival. The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, which combines the beauty of nature with the fun of winter, is recommended for all ages.

Event period: February 1, 2025 (Saturday) to February 24 (Monday, national holiday)

Opening hours: 10:00-20:00

Illumination: 16:30-20:00

Venue: Shikotsu Lake Onsen, Chitose City, Hokkaido

Admission fee: 1,000 yen for junior high school students and above (free for elementary school students and below)

Contact: 0123-23-8288

For details of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival 2025, click here

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

What makes Hokkaido special in winter?

There's more to Hokkaido in winter than just the cold. The snow festivals are a reflection of how much the region loves winter, and each one has its own unique charm. From giant snow sculptures to tranquil lantern paths, each festival offers a different experience, so you'll never get bored, no matter how many times you visit.

The festival is not just for viewing, there are plenty of activities you can take part in, such as snowball fights, snow slides, or simply admiring the ice sculptures with a hot cup of cocoa.

Winter is also a great time to enjoy Hokkaido's gourmet cuisine. Fresh seafood, miso ramen, and other hearty dishes will warm you up, body and soul. Many festivals also have food stalls, so you can enjoy the scenery while sipping on tasty snacks.