What to Do in Winter in Hokkaido? Don't Miss These 5 Stunning Winter Festivals

If you're wondering where to go during the holidays, Hokkaido is the quintessential winter destination in Japan. If you visit Japan during this season, you must not miss the diverse 'Snow Festivals' across the region! ❄️#SapporoSnowFestival One of Hokkaido's most iconic winter events is the Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February. You can enjoy different snowy worlds at three venues: Odori, Susukino, and Tsudome. ▪️Venue: Odori Site, Susukino Site, Tsudome Site ▪️Address: Odori Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido ▪️Date: February 4-11, 2025, lighting time TBD ❄️#JozankeiSnowLanternPath The Snow Lantern Path is a snow candle event held at Jozankei Shrine, symbolizing 'gathering together and sharing joy.' ▪️Address: Jozankei Shrine ▪️Time: January 27 - February 3, 2024, 18:00 - 21:00 ▪️Fee: 500 yen for high school students and above ❄️#LakeShikotsuIceFestival The Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is one of Hokkaido's most representative winter festivals. Local people use high-pressure water jets to create artworks from Lake Shikotsu's water, then spray them with paint to become modern art pieces, adorned with lights. During the festival, there are ice fireworks and taiko performances every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from 6:30 PM. ▪️Address: Lake Shikotsu Onsen ▪️Time: January 27 - February 25, 2024, 10:00-20:00 *Lighting time 16:30-20:00 *Fireworks and stage activities in 2024 will be canceled ▪️Fee: 500 yen for high school students and above (free for junior high school students and below) ❄️#OtaruSnowLightPath In Otaru, citizens welcome friends from other places with various ice and snow sculptures along the roadside. Every evening, the candles inside the sculptures are lit, illuminating the quiet town with a magical glow. ▪️Address: Otaru Canal ▪️Time: February 10-17, 2024 ▪️Fee: None ❄️#SounkyoIceWaterfallFestival The Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival is the most representative winter festival in the Daisetsuzan area, featuring ice sculptures with modern sound and light effects against the backdrop of the famous Sounkyo waterfalls frozen in winter. It includes fireworks, taiko, interactive games, and ice weddings. ▪️Address: Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa Town, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido ▪️Time: Late January to mid-March #WhereToGoInTheSnow #HokkaidoTravel #CustomHokkaidoTours #HokkaidoWinterSnowActivities