Hokkaido, being the northernmost prefecture in Japan has cool sumers and extremely harsh and cold winters. Because of the cold climate, the inhabitants of Hokkaido have learned not only to deal with the freezing temperatures, but to celebrate it through various traditional Japanese festivals. Enjoy the snow, light, food, and activities as you traverse this beautiful Japanese island.
Article Index
１０．Hakodate Winter Festival
The Hakodate Winter Festival is an excellent way to spend a bit more of a quiet, laid back vacation with your friends and loved ones. There are many beautifully illuminated walkways along which you can take a relaxing stroll. Also, don’t forget to enjoy all the good seasonal seafood and drinks along the way — it is Hokkaido, after all!
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
December 01, 2022 - February 28, 2023 |
Sunset to 22:00 |
９．Hiroo Horsehair Crab Festival
Speaking of Hokkaido Seafood, next on out Top 10 list is the Hiroo Horsehair Crab Festival. Hokkaido is famous for its delicious, fresh seafood like salmon roe, salmon, sea urchin, and of course, Horsehair Crab. The piping hot, savory crab soup that you can eat at the festival is perfect for the chilly Hokkaido weather.
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
December 11th 2022 (Sunday) |
09:00～13:00 |
８．Shikaribetsuko Kotan
Although not our number 1 pick, out of the 10 items on this list, the Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan Ice Village is perhaps unique. Yes, it is an entire village made out of ice that mysteriously materializes in the dead of winter. The village has many activities like snow rafting, hot springs, and even an ice bar where you can drink out of a glass made of ice!
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
January 28, 2023 to March 12, 2023 |
- |
７．Tomakomai Ice Skating Festival
If there is one word that encapsulates the Tomakomai Ice Skate Festival, it’s “food”. Although the town is famous for ice skating, and there are snow related activities to enjoy at the festival, the majority of the people who visit come to eat food! And why wouldn’t they? At this festival, you can enjoy some hot Genghis Khan — a Japanese style lamb barbeque famous in Hokkaido — in the chilly, Hokkaido snow. Don’t miss it!
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
February 4th, 5th 2023 |
10:00～18:00 |
６．Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Spring Festival
The Noboribetsu Onsen Festival is the most exemplary of native, local culture on this list. It is definitely not an event that foreign tourists often participate in. Young men throw hot spring water on each other to express their gratitude for the hot springs and pray for their future prosperity and good health. If you’re the type of adventurer who likes to be surrounded and interact with locals instead of other tourists, this event is perfect for you.ommon perception
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
February 3rd, 2023 TBA |
13:00～22:30 |
|
February 4th, 2023 TBA |
18:00〜21:30 |
５．Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival
The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is said to be one of the three major winter festivals in Hokkaido in Japan. Across the 12,000-square-meter venue, about 30 ice sculptures of various sizes are lined up for visitors to witness. You can enjoy detailed, world-class ice art and a fantastic atmosphere that has a unique loca flavor that sets it apart from other Hokkaido ice/snow festivals. A traditional Ainu dance celebrating the indigenous people.
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
January 28 - March 12, 2023 |
17:00～21:30 |
４．Otaru Snow Light Path
The little brother of the Sapporo Snow Festival, it does not compare in size or magnitude to the Sapporo Snow Festival, but makes up for it in local personality. While the event does draw in some foreigners, it has a much more local vibe than the Sapporo Snow Festival. If you want to see bright lights and decorations in a more local and friendly setting, add the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival to your itinerary.
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
From February 11, 2023 to February 18, 2023 |
17:00～21:00 |
３．Asahikawa Winter Festival
Although the Asahikawa Winter Festival is not the biggest snow festival in Hokkaido (that title goes to Number 1 on our list), it does feature the biggest ice sculpture in the world. Alongside the scultpures, there are also plenty of activities, food and drinks, and even a fireworks display. it’s the perfect event for those who want to enjoy something a bit more local.
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
February 7th - 12th, 2023 |
09:00 - 21:00 (until 20:00 on February 12th) |
２．Sapporo White Illumination
The Sapporo White Illumination is perhaps the most beautiful of all of Japans ‘Winter Festivals’. It is in the iconic city of Sapporo in the dead of winter — the decorative, illuminated objects and works of art are a sight to behond against the backdrop of the beautiful Hokkaido Snow. The best thing about this event is that it is over three months long!
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
November 22 2022 to March 14th 2023 |
- |
１．Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival makes the top of our list because it is the single most iconic winter event that encapsulates the spirit of Hokkaido. With rides, food, drinks, decorations and works of art, it has something for everyone. If you’re coming to Hokkaido in the winter, add the Sapporo Snow Festival to your itinerary!
| Event Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
February 4th to February 11th 2023 |
- |
Thank you for reading！
Thanks for browsing through our Top 10 Must Attend Events in Hokkaido! If you do get a chance to visit Hokkaido, we hope our list helps you decide where to go.
Hokkaido is a vast land with many places to visit, things to do, foods to eat, drinks to drink, and locals to meet. If you are interested in further information, please look below for additional destinations to visit.
