Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 2026

Event date:
February 8, 2026 at 11:52 pm
Event end:
February 15, 2026 at 11:52 pm

Every winter, the charming canal city of Otaru transforms into a fairy-tale wonderland for the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival. Softly glowing lanterns, delicate snow sculptures, and twinkling candlelights create a romantic and dreamlike atmosphere, drawing visitors from across Japan and beyond.

🔥 Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
✔ Magical Candlelit Scenery: Thousands of handmade snow lanterns and flickering candles illuminate the streets, canals, and historical buildings.
✔ Otaru Canal’s Enchanting Glow: The festival’s main venue, Otaru Canal, is lined with floating candle-lit buoys, reflecting beautifully in the water.
✔ Charming Snow Sculptures: Discover intricate, handcrafted snow art scattered across the city, lovingly created by locals.
✔ Romantic Winter Atmosphere: The festival’s warm, intimate ambiance makes it a perfect destination for couples and families.
✔ Local Delicacies & Hot Drinks: Enjoy steaming bowls of Hokkaido ramen, fresh seafood, and warm amazake (sweet rice wine) to keep cozy.

🎌 What to Expect
🔹 Two Main Illumination Areas:

Otaru Canal Area: A picturesque stretch of floating candles and softly glowing pathways along the famous canal.
Temiyasen Kaijo Area: A former railway line transformed into a mesmerizing snow-lit pathway, featuring charming sculptures and lanterns.

🔹 Community Spirit & Handcrafted Beauty: Unlike massive commercial festivals, this event maintains a local, heartwarming touch, with volunteers and residents creating each lantern and display.

🔹 Gentle, Peaceful Atmosphere: Unlike the crowded Sapporo Snow Festival, the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival offers a tranquil and intimate experience, perfect for a quiet evening stroll.

🎯 Tips for Visitors
✔ Bundle Up Warm: February in Hokkaido is extremely cold—wear thermal layers, waterproof boots, and gloves to stay comfortable.
✔ Visit Early or Late at Night: Early evenings (before 7 PM) are busiest, so for a quieter experience, go later at night when the lights still glow beautifully.
✔ Combine with a Trip to Sapporo: The festival takes place around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival, making it a perfect winter getaway combo.
✔ Enjoy Local Specialties: Try Otaru’s famous sushi, seafood bowls, and LeTAO cheesecake to complete your magical winter night.

🎟 How to Join
The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival is free to attend, and the illuminations run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily. Whether you’re a photography lover, a couple looking for romance, or a traveler seeking winter magic, this festival offers an unforgettable snowy spectacle in one of Hokkaido’s most beautiful cities.