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Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival
One of Hokkaido's three major winter festivals, where ice sculptures are fantastically lit up.
The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is held annually from late January to mid-March at Sounkyo Onsen, one of the premier hot spring destinations in Hokkaido. Utilizing the riverbed of the Ishikari River, the festival spans an area of about 10,000 square meters, lined with various sizes of ice sculptures, making it one of Hokkaido's three major winter festivals.
Taking advantage of the severe natural cold, around 30 ice sculptures are crafted over approximately three months, featuring a variety of forms including ice rooms, pyramids, and the "Ice Waterfall Shrine," which enshrines spirits made of ice. The "Ice Bar," where even the counter and seats are made of ice, is popular for enjoying drinks. A resting area equipped with stoves offers hot drinks and light meals for purchase.
During the festival, there are 32 fireworks displays. The colorful fireworks launched into the clear winter sky are a stunning sight. Since the venue can be quite cold, it's recommended to dress warmly and wear shoes with slip-resistant soles.
Highlights
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An ice sculpture light-up event counted as one of Hokkaido's three major winter festivals.
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About 30 ice sculptures are fantastically lit up.
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During the festival, 32 fireworks displays are launched, especially on weekends.
Photos
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![The ice sculptures, meticulously crafted over about three months, are truly a sight to behold.]()
The ice sculptures, meticulously crafted over about three months, are truly a sight to behold.
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![There are also paid spectator seats available, offering a close-up view of the fireworks right in front of you.]()
There are also paid spectator seats available, offering a close-up view of the fireworks right in front of you.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 層雲峡温泉氷瀑まつり
- Address
- Sounkyo onsen, Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
- Telephone
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01658-2-1811 (Sounkyo Tourism Association)
01658-5-3350 (Sounkyo Tourism Association Information Center) 10:30am – 5pm
01658-5-3000 (Ice Waterfall Festival Venue) 5pm - 9:30pm - Event Dates
- January 27, 2024 (Saturday) - March 17, 2024 (Sunday)
- Access
- About a 5-minute walk from the "Sounkyo Onsen" bus stop.
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)