Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Otaru's historic canal and old streets glow with thousands of candles in snow lanterns, a quiet, romantic counterpoint to Sapporo's snow festival.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/02/13 08:00 – 2026/02/21
- Where
- Otaru Canal & old town, Hokkaido（Minatomachi, Otaru City, Hokkaido）
- City
- Sapporo
- Getting there
- Walk from JR Otaru Stn (about 40 min by train from Sapporo)
- Price
- Free
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Walk from JR Otaru Stn (about 40 min by train from Sapporo) Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- date night, families
Highlights
- Candles flickering in snow along the canal
- Floating glass-buoy lights on the water
- Romantic, hand-made winter atmosphere
Background & story
Started in 1999, the Snow Light Path is run largely by volunteers who hand-place thousands of candles each evening, giving the port town a gentle winter glow.
Good to know
Held in mid-February, it often overlaps the Sapporo Snow Festival — easy to combine on a short Hokkaido trip. Dress for deep cold.