Visiting Hokkaido this winter? Then why not check out a local winter festival!

Here are the 12 best winter festivals in Hokkaido - schedules in 2025, locations, and admission fees as well as hotel recommendations near the festival sites for you.

I’ll also share with you pro tips at the end to help you enjoy winter festivals like a local.

Let’s dive in!

The 12 Best Winter Festivals in Hokkaido

Sapporo Snow Festival
Jozankei Snow Candles
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hakodate Winter Festival
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Sounkyo Icefall Festival
Abashiri Drift Ice Festival
Akan Ice Festival
Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan
Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival
Kushiro Winter Festival

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Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival is an iconic winter event held in Sapporo, Hokkaido every year in early February. It attracts over 2.5 million visitors from both Japan and abroad. The festival is known for its grand snow sculptures, ice slides, and features many local food stalls and stage performances.

📅 February 4-11, 2025
📍 Multiple locations in Sapporo - Odori Park, Susukino, Tsudome support center
🎟️ Admission free
ℹ️ Official website

🍶 Local Izakaya Hopping

Want to enjoy the night like a local? Join Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour with MagicalTrip! Their local guides have been carefully selected to give you an authentic experience. They are friendly and outgoing, and enjoy meeting international travelers. A small group tour makes your experience much more personal.

Where to Stay in sapporo

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
⭐4 stars ♨️Hot spring 🏢Excellent Location
An urban city hotel with a great location directly connected to JR Sapporo station, shopping malls nearby, and a natural hot spring spa. Only 10 min walk to Odori Park.
ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo
⭐3.5 stars 👩‍❤️‍👨For Couple ♨️Hot spring
A modern onsen city hotel with simple and stylish rooms, located just 5 min away from Odori Park.
Mercure Hotel Sapporo
⭐4 stars 🏢Excellent Location 👟Fitness Room
A city hotel conveniently located in Susukino, a popular spot for local restaurants and bars.

PRO TIP

🚆 Get JR Hokkaido Rail Pass to take unlimited rides across Hokkaido!

📍 Traveling just around Sapporo? Then Sapporo-Furano Area Pass or Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass are for you✨

💰 Save money by booking your pass online in advance - It's cheaper than buying in Japan!

Jozankei snow candles

In the winter, a shrine in Jozankei, an onsen town near Sapporo, transforms into a magical world of snow candles. These warm candlelights create an enchanting and mystic atmosphere, guiding you to an illuminated snow-covered forest through the candle area.

If you're staying in a Jozankei hotel, you'll receive a free admission ticket, and there's also a complimentary shuttle bus service from town hotels to the shrine. Don't miss this magical winter experience!

📅 January 25 - February 1, 2025, 6 pm - 9 pm
📍 Jozankei Shrine
🎟️ 500 yen (a free ticket will be provided if you stay at a hotel in Jozankei)
ℹ️ Official website

Where to stay in Jozankei

Chalet Ivy Jozankei
⭐4 stars, 👀 Beautiful View, 🛁Private Onsen
Forest retreat with private onsen in every suite and amazing hospitality
Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, ✨Modern Design
A report spa hotel surrounded by a quiet forest.
Jozankei View Hotel
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👨‍👩‍👧For Family
The biggest spa resort in Jozankei, offering two onsens with views as well as a huge heated pool area with lots of fun attractions for kids.

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is a winter event that casts a gentle, magical glow over the snow-covered landscape. Around 200 floating ball candles illuminate the Otaru Canal, and snow candles light up the walking paths, lending the entire area a nostalgic, retro ambiance. If you visit there in the evening, be sure to take a ropeway up to Mount Tengu, where you can see the beautiful city lights as well as illuminated snow decorations, making a romantic date night with your loved one.

📅 February 8-15, 2025
📍 Multiple locations in Otaru - Otaru Canal, Otaru Art Village, Mount Tengu
🎟️ Admission free
ℹ️ Official website

Where to stay in Otaru

Grand Park Otaru
⭐4 stars, 👀 Beautiful View, 🛍️ Shopping
A seaside resort hotel, directly connected to a shopping mall, Wing Bay Otaru.
Hotel Nord Otaru
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, 👀 Beautiful View
A classic, elegant Western-style hotel located right in front of the Otaru Canal, 7 min walk from JR Otaru Station.
Dormy Inn Premium Otaru
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast
A city hotel offering a natural hot spring and a popular breakfast buffet including fresh seafood.

Lake Shikotsu ice festival

The Ice Festival held at Lake Shikotsu boasts features a variety of ice sculptures. During the daytime, these ice formations glisten with the lake's signature blue hue, while at night they take on a fantastical appearance as they are illuminated by colorful lights. Visitors can also enjoy the high-quality hot springs located around the venue.

📅 February 1-24, 2025, 10 am - 8 pm (illumination starts at 4.30 pm)
📍 Lake Shikotsu Onsen Town
🎟️ 1000 yen
ℹ️ Official website

Where to stay in Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Bessou AO no ZA
⭐4 stars, 💖Luxury Stay, 👀 Beautiful View
A stunning onsen hotel located next to the serene Lake Shikotsu, offering open-air private onsen for all rooms.
Shikotsuko Onsen Lake Side Villa SUIMEIKAKU
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👩‍❤️‍👨For Couple
Known for its high-quality, smooth hot spring water, the hotel offers an in-room onsen for all 8 guest rooms. An outdoor private onsen is also available.
Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🧡Amazing Hospitality
A modern wellness onsen resort offering a healthy buffet, fitness room and sauna.

Hakodate winter fesival

The "Goryo Hoshi no Yume" (Five-pointed Star Dream) event is held at the special historic site of Goryokaku, known for its unique star-shaped moat. This enchanting illumination can only be seen in winter and covers the 1.8km perimeter of the Goryokaku moat with approximately 2,000 light bulbs. Visit the observation deck of the Goryokaku Tower for the best view. Fireworks take place at 8 pm on Saturdays, February 3, 10, 17 and 24 at Midorinoshima Park.

If you are traveling to Hakodate, why not try taking Shinkansen, Japan’s famous bullet train? Your comfortable journey is guaranteed!

📅 December 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025
📍 Multiple locations in Hakodate - Goryokaku Park, Kaiko Street, JR Hakodate station, etc.
🎟️ Admission free
ℹ️ Official website

Where to stay in Hakodate

Century Marina
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast
A high-end hotel with an infinity outdoor onsen and a high-quality breakfast buffet. Great access to the major tourist attractions in the town.
Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Breakfast, ✨Modern Design
A mid-range hotel with onsen and seafood breakfast buffet
Tokyu Stay
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring
All rooms have a laundry machine & microwave, offer a breakfast ticket for the morning market

PRO TIP

🚆 Get JR Hokkaido Rail Pass to take unlimited rides across Hokkaido!

📍 Traveling just around Sapporo? Then Sapporo-Furano Area Pass or Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass are for you✨

💰 Save money by booking your pass online in advance - It's cheaper than buying in Japan!

Asahikawa winter festival

Embrace the chilly winter in Asahikawa at the Winter Festival! In one of the coldest cities in Hokkaido, you'll discover a mesmerizing world of snow, ice, and dazzling lights. The festival boasts world-class large snow sculptures, with the main snow sculpture stretching an impressive 140 meters wide and standing 20 meters tall. As night falls, breathtaking fireworks add a touch of magic. You'll also find charming market stalls for delicious local treats.

📅 February 6-11, 2025, 5 pm - 9.30 pm
📍 Tokiwa Park
🎟️ Admission free
ℹ️ Official website

Where to stay in Asahikawa

HOTEL AMANEK Asahikawa
⭐4 stars, ✨Modern Design, 🏢Excellent Location
A newly-built modern hotel located 5 min walk from JR Asahikawa offering a public bath with a view
Dormy Inn Asahikawa
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast
A city hotel located 10 min walk from JR Asahikawa, with a natural hot spring and great breakfast buffet

Sounkyo Icefall Festival

Sounkyo Icefall Festival features an array of ice sculptures crafted to take advantage of the extremely cold climate. Attractions abound, such as the Ice Tunnel where you can walk through an ice cave, the Northern Ice Bar where you can enjoy drinks inside an ice sculpture, and the Ice Slide, which is especially popular among children. Some days also feature fireworks, so be sure to check the official website for details!

📅 January 25 - March 9, 2025, 17:00-21:30 on weekdays, 11:00-21:30 on weekends
📍 A designated festival area in Sounkyo
🎟️ 1000 yen
ℹ️ Official website

Where to Stay in Sounkyo

Hotel Taisetsu Onsen & Canyon Resort
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, ✨Modern Design
A cozy and stylish onsen resort hotel with three restaurants catering to your preferences, as well as a cafe and bar.
Sounkyo Kanko Hotel
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👨‍👩‍👧For Family
A family-friendly hotel offering one of the biggest onsen in Hokkaido. An open-air onsen allows your loved ones, both men and women, to relax together with bathing wear!

Abashiri Drift Ice Festival

Head to Abashiri for a winter festival filled with icy slides, stunning snow sculptures, and even a drift ice sauna. Try your luck at games with seafood prizes, savor local gourmet delights from food trucks and vendors, and enjoy the magical glow of illuminations and ice sculptures after dark. Don't miss this unique celebration!

📅 Februrary 8-9, 2025
📍 Festival site

Where to stay in Abashiri

Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet
A relaxing onsen resort hotel featuring Ainu art in its well-designed interior
Kagariya
⭐3 stars, 🛁Private Hot Spring, 🍴Local Food Dining
An onsen ryokan with a lake view, offering seafood Kaiseki dinner and breakfast.
Dormy Inn Abashiri
⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring
A budget business hotel with 7-eleven nearby

Akan Ice Festival

Akan is a small, cozy onsen town right next to Lake Akan. When the lake freezes between January and March, it becomes a winter wonderland! Lots of fun winter activities await you - you can try ice fishing (and tempura the fish), snowmobile, banana boat, ice skating, etc. During nighttime, enjoy the Ainu traditional performance at 7.30 pm and fireworks at 8 pm every day.

📅 Mid-January to March 31 (depending on the condition of the lake ice)
📍 Lake Akan
🎟️ Admission free
ℹ️ Official website

Where to stay in Akan

Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza
⭐4 stars, 🛁Private Hot Spring, 🍷Fine Dining
All 25 rooms come with a private hot spring with a beautiful lake view. Dinner features fresh local and seasonal ingredients.
Akan No Mori Tsuruga Resort Hana Yuuka
⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring
A cozy lake-side onsen hotel offering delicious buffet meals with various options.
Hotel Gozensui
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
A classic Japanese-style onsen hotel overlooking the lake.

Useful Resources

✨Planning a winter trip? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner

✨Traveling to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Eastern Hokkaido Travel Planner

✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice

Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan

Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan is a magical, temporary village constructed on the frozen surface of the lake. All the buildings are made solely from the lake's ice and snow. At an ice bar, you can sip drinks from ice glasses and open-air onsen surrounded by nature. On clear nights, the sky is filled with stars, further immersing you in an extraordinary world unlike any other.

📅 Late January to early March (date TBC)
📍 Lake Shikaribetsu
🎟️ 500 yen
ℹ️ Official website

Where to stay in Lake Shikaribetsu

Shikaribetsu Kohan Onsen Hotel Fusui
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View
A classic onsen ryokan located right in front of Lake Shikaribetsu, surrounded by beautiful nature.

Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival

Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival “Sairinka” is a magical winter event that lights up the Tokachi River onsen town. Apart from the enchanting show of sound and light that illuminates the winter night, visitors can also indulge in local Tokachi gourmet food at various booths and enjoy winter outdoor activities.

📅 January 25 - February 15, 2025, 7 pm - 9 pm
📍 Tokachigaoka Park
🎟️ Admission free
ℹ️ Official website

Where to stay near otofuke

Tokachigawa Moor Onsen Seijyakubow
⭐4 stars, 🛁Private Onsen, 👨‍👩‍👧For Family
A luxurious onsen resort hotel surrounded by pine trees in the peaceful Tokachi Plain
Sanyoan
⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🧡Amazing Hospitality
A luxury spa resort offering a relaxing stay and excellent services in Tokachigawa Onsen
Kangetuen
⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast
A mid-range hotel with newly renovated onsen and sauna facilities.

Kushiro Winter Festival

Get ready to dive into the winter festivities in Kushiro! This snow wonderland comes alive with exciting activities like tubing down snow slopes, stunning ice and snow sculptures, and fireworks at night. There's something for everyone, including the little ones. There will be kid-friendly snow activities as well!

📅 February 1-2, 2025
📍 Kushiro Tourism and International Relations Center
🎟️ Admission free
ℹ️ Official website

Where to stay in Kushiro

ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro
⭐3 stars, 🍴Breakfast Buffet, 🏢Excellent Location
Conveniently located near JR Kushiro Station, offering great guest services and a breakfast buffet using fresh local ingredients.
Comfort Hotel Kushiro
⭐3 stars, 🍴Breakfast Buffet, 🏢Excellent Location
A modern city hotel just a 2-min walk away from JR Kushiro Station.

Tips to enjoy winter festivals like a local

1. Layer up and stay warm

Many of Hokkaido’s winter festivals happen in February, the coldest month of the year, so dress warm!

Wear multiple layers and make sure to cover your ears, neck, and hands—these areas are often overlooked, but keeping them warm makes a huge difference. Don’t forget sturdy shoes with good grip to walk on the icy festival grounds safely.

2. Get heat packs for extra warmth

A must-have for anyone staying outside for a while is what we call Kairo in Japnese, which is a small, disposable heat pack. You can find them at convenience stores, and they heat up when shaken.

Just pop a few in your pockets or hold them in your hands to stay warm. Trust me, they’ll be your lifesaver in the cold!

3. Timing is Key

To avoid big crowds, plan your visit for a weekday. Weekends, as well as the first and last days of festivals, tend to be the busiest.

If you're hoping to catch special events like fireworks or evening light-ups, keep in mind that these attract large crowds too.

And since the sun sets before 5 PM in February, arrive earlier in the day if you want to take photos under daylight.

4. Check Transportation Options

Driving to festival venues can be tricky—parking fills up fast, and roads may be closed off, especially for larger events like the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Instead, take public transportation. It's more convenient and you’ll avoid the hassle of navigating traffic. Just be sure to check the return schedules, so you can easily make it back to your hotel.

You don’t want to stand in the cold and wait for your next bus too long!

THAT’S ALL!

Hope you will enjoy some of these festivals on your winter trip to Hokkaido! If you are looking for destination ideas, check out my Hokkaido destination guide.

Also join my Hokkaido Travel Newsletter to receive more tips & local news exclusive to my subscribers!