Obihiro Ice Festival 2025: January 31-February 2 in Hokkaido

Obihiro Ice Festival: A Hokkaido Winter Highlight

The Obihiro Ice Festival is known as one of Obihiro’s three major festivals alongside the Plain Festival in August and the Chrysanthemum Festival held between late October to early November.

The festival is a charming time to experience the magical ambiance of beautifully crafted ice sculptures under the clear blue sky, known as Sunny Tokachi, amidst the subzero cold.

At the venue, there are activities including ice slides and revolving sleighs for all ages to enjoy.

There are also exhibits on Chise, traditional Ainu houses, and food booths, allowing attendees to thoroughly enjoy different sights in the day and night.

Obihiro Ice Festival’s History

The history of the Obihiro Ice Festival is surprisingly long. It was first held on February 8, 1964 on the grounds of Obihiro Elementary School, now present-day Central Park, during the Showa period (1926-1989).

Since the first festival, the festivities have bustled with a variety of events, attracting local attention and growing into a winter event that represents Hokkaido today.

The clarity and purity of the ice sculptures standing amidst the freezing cold captivate the hearts of many visitors, evoking a sense of awe. Additionally, the sight of children energetically running around the venue conveys the warmth of the ice culture deeply rooted in the region.

The Obihiro Ice Festival is not just a festival, but a source of pride for the region. It embodies the passion of Obihiro residents to uphold their creativity and preserve their traditions, even while facing the harsh cold of winter.

Obihiro Ice Festival’s Highlights

Obihiro’s unique charms are incorporated into various events that make up the highlights of the Obihiro Ice Festival.

Winter Street Performances

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The Obihiro Ice Festival 2025 will feature, for the first time, unique street performances as part of the winter festivities. The performances that will take place in the intense cold are sure to energize the entire venue.

Details of the programs will be released on the official website as they become available. Be sure to check it out if you’re interested!

Kachimai Winter Fireworks Festival

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The Kachimai Winter Fireworks Festival will take place over two days, marking the climax of the event. On the first day, you can fully enjoy the power of the fireworks without music, while the second day will feature a spectacular production combining music and fireworks.

The fireworks events showcase the enchanting beauty of the night, contrasting with the ice sculptures in the daytime. It will surely become an unforgettable winter memory.

Obihiro Ice Festival Dates and Overview

Category	Details
Dates	January 31, 2025 (Fri) / February 1 (Sat) / February 2 (Sun)
Time	10:00 – 20:00 (until 17:00 on the last day)
Place	Midorigaoka Park
Address	080-0846 Hokkaido, Obihiro, Midorigaoka 2
Official Website	Obihiro Ice Festival Special Page (Japanese)
Official Social Media	X/Facebook

The venue will span the entirety of Midorigaoka Park. In this special venue, where the clear winter air and magical ice scenery are spread across the park, various events welcome visitors. Experience the unique winter charms of Obihiro to the fullest in this expansive setting.

Access to the Obihiro Ice Festival

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Midorigaoka Park, the event venue, is located about a 30-minute walk from JR Obihiro Station. However, considering the winter cold, it is more convenient to take the free shuttle bus or a privately operated bus from the station.

The free shuttle bus has two stops: Obihiro Kosei Hospital and Tokachi Plaza East. As crowds are expected, it’s recommended to allow extra time in your schedule and check the timetables in advance on the official website.

If taking a privately operated bus, take the Tokachi Bus bound for Yokado from Obihiro Station Bus Terminal and get off at Green Park.

If driving, you use the parking lot at Obihiro Kosei Hospital. It’s a 20-minute walk from the parking lot to Midorigaoka Park, but parking near the venue can be extremely crowded, so parking at Obihiro Kosei Hospital will provide you a smoother experience.
* The parking lot will not be available on January 26.

Additionally, if you’re visiting Obihiro from Sapporo, the travel time is about two hours and 30 minutes by limited express train. The express bus takes about three hours and 30 minutes, while by car it takes about three hours. Be sure to choose the most suitable method of travel for your schedule and budget.

Main image by Pixta