Hokkaido's Best Winter Festivals

Winter festivals in Hokkaido are nothing short of spectacular, with world-famous events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival and Sounkyo Ice Festival, alongside more local and quaint festivals such as at Otaru and Lake Shikotsu. 

Below is a list of the most popular winter festivals, but there are many more spread out across Hokkaido. Let us know which winter festivals interest you the most, and we'll include them in your private custom-made tour.

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Sapporo Snow Festival

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​Sapporo's Yuki Matsuri is a world-class event and one of the largest winter festivals in Japan. Massive snow-statues & building replicas line Odori Park, while intricate ice-sculptures adorn Susukino as the city becomes a winter wonderland. There are three main sites in the city, and many other installations and snow-themed parks in the outskirts. 
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Winter 2020 Dates: Jan. 31 - Feb. 11

Otaru Snow Festival 

​Stroll along Otaru's romantic canal and historic side-streets while snapping pictures of adorable snow statues and staying warm with hot mugs of tea, coffee and cocoa. Otaru's Snow Festival offers a more relaxed and much less crowded alternative to Sapporo's.
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Winter 2020 Dates: Feb. 9 - 16

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Only 40 minutes from Sapporo, Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is great for the entire family: Ice sculptures, ice slides, horse riding, hot springs and fireworks will keep everyone entertained.  
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Winter 2020 Dates: Jan. 24 - Feb. 16

Asahikawa Winter Festival

The winter festival in Asahikawa is similar to Sapporo's snow festival. Although smaller in scope, the relative lack of crowds and easy access to Daisetsuzan National Park make this festival a good choice when heading north. 
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Winter 2020 Dates: Feb. 6 - 11

Sounkyo Ice Festival

Jozankei Snow Candle Festival

Sounkyo's Ice Festival is popular for its sculptures, ice caves and traditional Japanese cultural activities. There are Ainu dance shows, Japanese drum performances and nightly fireworks displays. Outside of the village center are Hokkaido's most famous frozen waterfalls, and of course, when you've had your fill, you can take a long soak in a local hot spring.  
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Winter 2020 Dates: Jan. 23 - Mar. 15

Experience the atmosphere of a small-town festival at Jozankei, a hot spring resort town about 30 minutes from Sapporo. Ice lanterns illuminate the local shrine, live fire shows are held and fireworks light up the night. Jozankei also has innumerable hot spring baths. We'll bring you to our favorite: Houheikyo Onsen. 
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​Winter 2020 Dates: Jan. 28 - Feb. 3

Hakodate Illumination

​Hakodate's historic streets and Goryokaku Fort are illuminated nightly as this southwestern city turns into a winter wonderland. The Hakodate Illumination is one of the prettiest times to see Hakodate, the oldest city in Hokkaido.  
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Winter 2019-2020 Dates: 
​Nov. 30 -  Feb. 29

Lake Akan Ice Festival

​Try your hand at building an igloo, ice-cutting or making a snowman at the Lake Akan Ice Festival. Other activities include ice-fishing, snowmobiling, playing family games and soaking in the local hot springs. There are daily Ainu ceremonies and fireworks displays as well. 
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Winter 2020 Dates: Feb. 1 - Mar. 3

Sapporo's Christmas Market & Illumination

Come December, the holiday season is heartily welcomed by Sapporo's residents as they flock downtown to vist the Munich Christmas Market, a German-themed event lining Odori Park where hundreds of vendors compete with local and international cuisine. Simultaneously, Sapporo's downtown area is lit by countless lights during the Illumination Festival. 


Winter 2020 Dates: Nov. 22 - Dec. 25