Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
This event has ended for this year. Please check the official website for future updates.
Dates
2026-02-07 – 2026-02-14
Venue
Otaru Canal Venue and various locations in Otaru
Address
Otaru Canal area and citywide locations, Otaru, Hokkaido
Nearest Station
JR Otaru Station (approx. 10 min walk to Canal Venue)
Hours
17:00-21:00
Admission
Free
Overview
Otaru Snow Light Path is a winter festival held in Otaru, Hokkaido, every February. During the festival, the city is illuminated by countless snow candles and floating ball candles placed along the historic Otaru Canal and across the city. The atmosphere is intentionally kept quiet and reflective rather than commercial, allowing visitors to walk through softly lit streets and enjoy the contrast between the snow, the candlelight, and Otaru's preserved historic buildings. The festival has been held since 1999 and welcomes around 500,000 visitors each year.
Highlights
Approximately 200 floating ball candles drift along the Otaru Canal, making the Canal Venue the most iconic location of the festival. Along the former Temiyasen railway line, snow statues and small candle-lit lanterns line a half-kilometer walking path between the canal and JR Otaru Station. Additional light installations are spread across the city center, all reachable on foot. Admission is free at all venues. The festival runs from 17:00 to 21:00 daily.