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January 21, 2026 at 11:00 am
Event date:
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March 10, 2026 at 9:30 pm
Event end:
History
The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival began over 40 years ago as a way to embrace Hokkaido’s extreme winter conditions and transform the frozen landscape into a celebration of ice art. Local residents started crafting sculptures from the abundant snow and ice along the Ishikari River, turning the harsh season into a tourist draw.
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Contact Jasumo Now →What started as a small community event has grown into one of Japan’s premier winter festivals, attracting visitors with towering illuminated structures and family-friendly activities. The festival reflects Sounkyo’s identity as a resilient mountain onsen village surrounded by Daisetsuzan National Park.
Each year, the event preserves traditional ice-building techniques while introducing modern lighting and sound, maintaining its legacy as a symbol of winter pride in northern Japan.
Overview
The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival 2026 will run from late January to early March, filling a 10,000-square-meter riverside venue with massive ice sculptures glowing in seven colors after dark. Held nightly from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, the festival offers a surreal walk through frozen tunnels, shrines, and multi-story ice towers.
Visitors can enjoy fireworks on select evenings, ice sliding, and stunning projection mapping on frozen walls. Despite some past cancellations of stage events due to health precautions, the core ice attractions remain the star of this magical winter wonderland.
Highlights
- Multi-Story Ice Structures: Towering ice buildings up to 13 meters high, including an observation deck and grand Icefall Shrine illuminated in vibrant colors.
- Ice Tunnel Experience: Walk through a cavern-like tunnel with massive hanging icicles, resembling a frozen limestone cave.
- Nightly Fireworks: Colorful displays launched over the venue on select nights, reflecting off snow and ice for dramatic effect.
- Interactive Ice Activities: Snow tubing, ice sliding, and occasional ice-climbing walls available, especially on weekends.
- Projection Mapping: Dynamic light shows projected onto ice surfaces, bringing sculptures to life with motion and sound.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Multi-Story Ice Structures: Towering ice buildings up to 13 meters high, including an observation deck and grand Icefall Shrine illuminated in vibrant colors.
- Ice Tunnel Experience: Walk through a cavern-like tunnel with massive hanging icicles, resembling a frozen limestone cave.
- Nightly Fireworks: Colorful displays launched over the venue on select nights, reflecting off snow and ice for dramatic effect.
- Interactive Ice Activities: Snow tubing, ice sliding, and occasional ice-climbing walls available, especially on weekends.
- Projection Mapping: Dynamic light shows projected onto ice surfaces, bringing sculptures to life with motion and sound.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with custom winter tours, onsen stays, transportation, activity bookings, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Late January to early March 2026 (typically January 24 – March 8)
- Nightly: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM (last entry 9:15 PM)
- Daytime (Weekends/Holidays): Select days from 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing
- Admission (Cooperation Fee): ¥1,000 per person (junior high school students and above / ages 13+)
- Children: Elementary school age and younger enter free
- Parking: Free on-site (approx. 150 spaces)
Location
Sounkyo Onsen Special Venue (along the Ishikari River) Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan
How to Get There
- By Car: 30 minutes from Kamikawa Sounkyo IC on the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway. Free parking available.
- By Train + Bus: Take JR Sekihoku Main Line to Kamikawa Station, then Dohoku Bus (30 min) to “Sounkyo” stop. Venue is a 5-minute walk.
- Local Access: The festival grounds are centrally located within walking distance of Sounkyo Onsen ryokan and hotels.
Accommodation Options
Sounkyo Onsen offers cozy ryokan with indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, priced ¥18,000–¥45,000 per person including meals. Many provide shuttle service to the festival and views of the snowy gorge.
Budget hotels and guesthouses are available from ¥9,000–¥15,000 per night, some with onsen access. Early booking is essential as the village fills quickly during the festival season.
FAQs
What are the 2026 dates for Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival?
The festival typically runs from late January to early March, with past patterns suggesting January 24 to March 8. Confirm exact dates closer to winter.
How much is admission to the ice festival?
A ¥1,000 cooperation fee applies for ages 13 and up; children 12 and under enter free. The fee supports ice structure maintenance.
What time do the ice sculptures light up?
Illuminations begin at 5:00 PM daily, with the venue open until 9:30 PM. Weekend daytime access often starts at 11:00 AM.
Is the festival suitable in cold weather?
Yes, but dress in layers—temperatures can drop below -15°C. Heated rest areas and warm food stalls are available on-site.
Can I reach Sounkyo without a car?
Yes—take the train to JR Kamikawa Station, then a 30-minute bus to Sounkyo. The venue is a short walk from the bus stop.
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