Otaru Snow Light Path

What Is the Otaru Snow Light Path?

The Otaru Snow Light Path is a festival of snow and light held each February in Otaru, Hokkaido. Set in the retro port town of Otaru, where historic canals and stone warehouses remain, the light of snow candles and candles lit in glass fishing floats warmly illuminates the snow-covered town. True to the name "Snow Light," it is a romantic winter event in which countless tiny lights magically color the winter of Otaru.

History and Origins

The Otaru Snow Light Path is a relatively recent event that began in 1999. It was conceived to make use of the historic streetscape of Otaru, which once prospered through herring fishing and shipping, and to convey the charm of Otaru in winter. It is characterized by a lighting display that combines the snow distinctive to the snow country of Otaru with glasswork (fishing floats), a symbol of the port town, and the candles have continued to be lit each year by the hands of citizen volunteers. The handmade, warmth-filled staging has captured people's hearts, and today it has become one of the events representative of winter in Hokkaido.

Highlights

The greatest attraction is the magical sight of countless candles lit along the Otaru Canal. The sight of candlelight flickering in glass fishing floats afloat on the canal's surface, and the warm light of snow candles made of snow, illuminating the historic canal and stone warehouses, is of breathtaking beauty. At the venue on the former Temiya Line site, snow sculptures and a corridor of tunnel-shaped lights can also be enjoyed. Visitors can savor to their heart's content the quiet, warm winter night of Otaru woven from snow and flame.

When It Takes Place

The festival is held for about ten days in February (generally mid-month) at the Otaru Canal venue, the Temiya Line venue, and various other places throughout Otaru, Hokkaido. As a winter event, its season is winter. The lighting takes place from evening into night. As it takes place in the depths of winter, ample protection against the cold and snow is necessary when viewing. Please confirm the latest dates through official announcements from Otaru City and the organizers.

Access

The Otaru Canal, the main venue, enjoys good access, within walking distance of Otaru Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line. Close to Sapporo Station at about 30–40 minutes by JR, it is also easily reached from the direction of New Chitose Airport. As there is snow and icy roads in winter, a visit in non-slip footwear is recommended. Many people visit it together with the "Sapporo Snow Festival," held around the same time.

Around the Area

Otaru is a nostalgic port town where many historic buildings of the Meiji and Taishō eras remain. Popular tourist spots include the symbolic Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dōri lined with shops of glasswork, music boxes, and sweets, and Kitaichi Glass. The "Sushiya-dōri" street, where one can savor fresh seafood, is also famous. Popular as a day-trip destination from Sapporo, it offers the snowy canal in winter and the refreshing atmosphere of a port town in summer. Together with the Snow Light Path, it is an area where one can savor a stroll through retro Otaru.

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