Hokkaido's winter is a time of white snowy campuses and romantic illumination and light-up events throughout the entire Hokkaido region. Here are 20 illumination and light-up events that are perfect for family outings and dates, as well as for sightseeing and Christmas season excursions!

One of the most notable winter events in Sapporo. The area from Sapporo Station to Odori Park and Susukino is decorated with colorful illuminations. The Odori Park will be illuminated with "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo" held at the same time, creating a more romantic atmosphere. In addition to the decorations, there will be a sound and light performance at the Sapporo Station South Exit Ekimae Hiroba.

The "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo" started as part of the friendship city affiliation with Munich, Germany. The market offers authentic German Christmas dishes, glühwein, pretzels, roasted almonds, and other gourmet foods to enjoy the Christmas spirit. Various Christmas items are also on sale, making it a perfect place to take back memories of your trip or as a souvenir of the season.

A jumbo Christmas tree will appear in the atrium of Sapporo Factory, a commercial facility where visitors can enjoy restaurants, a movie theater and shopping. The Abies sachalinensis used for the tree is a large tree of about 15 meters that was brought from Hiroo Town, Santa Land, and will be decorated with ornaments and colorful lights. Dining in the atrium while viewing the jumbo tree will surely enhance the Christmas mood.

Hakodate Illumination is an event that decorates the foot of Mount Hakodate with illuminations. Hakodate is usually a popular sightseeing spot in Hakodate, and Hachiman-zaka and Nijumen-zaka slopes, as well as the streets along Kaiko-Dori Avenue connecting Hakodate Station and the bay area, will be decorated with ornamental trees. Of particular note is Hachimanzaka Slope, where the illuminated Mashu Maru can be viewed from the front. There are also a number of simultaneous events taking place within walking distance, so why not visit them together?

A large Christmas tree floats on the sea, making this a major winter event in Hakodate. Every day at 6:00 p.m., the tree is illuminated and fireworks are launched to add to the excitement of the event. The "Premium Red Tree," which turns the tree red for a limited time, is also not to be missed. Soup bars featuring popular local restaurants and eateries will also be set up for visitors to enjoy and forget about the cold winter weather.

Goryokaku, one of Hakodate's most popular tourist attractions, will be lit up in a star shape. The synergy between the reflections of the Goryokaku moat and the lights of the illumination is a highlight of the event. The way the lights look differs depending on the brightness of the surroundings, so it is recommended to compare the view just after sunset and at night. Enjoy strolling around Goryokaku Park, or look down from Goryokaku Tower for a breathtaking view of the city.

This long-running winter event is held hand in hand between the neighboring cities of Otaru and Yoichi. Otaru Canal, one of Otaru's famous landmarks, and trees in front of JR Yoichi Station are lit up to create a fantastic atmosphere. In addition, restaurants will offer limited-time-only menus, and "Night Lantern Walking" will be held, in which visitors walk the streets with lanterns.

A long-running illumination event held in five areas from in front of Asahikawa Station to the city center. The illumination is held in five areas in the city center from in front of Asahikawa Station. The number of new spots will be increased, and approximately 210,000 light bulbs will illuminate the snowy Asahikawa.

The only Santaland in Japan recognized by Norway, the hometown of Santa Claus. From the "Santaland Tree Lighting Ceremony" held on the fourth Saturday of October every year, the town of Hiroo is filled with a Christmas mood as the lights are turned on all around. Daimaruyama Forest Park, the main symbol of Santaland, is also wrapped in approximately 150,000 lights, and the tunnel leading to "Santa's House" is a spot not to be missed.

This illumination event is held at Toyako Onsen, one of the best hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. For a limited time only, a glowing tunnel will be set up in Nigiwai Plaza in the center of the hot spring resort. The 70-meter tunnel is illuminated with colorful lights, creating a romantic atmosphere in the hot spring resort area.

The area in front of Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station, known as the Shinkansen station, is lit up. In addition to LED lights installed on street trees, light tunnels, arches, and lantern-shaped lights with motifs of the four seasons and tourist spots in Hokuto City will appear. An objet d'art of the popular Hokuto City character "Zushy Hokki" will also be installed, and his belly will glow in a cute and colorful way.

Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) in Biei-cho, famous for its blue water surface, will be illuminated during the winter season. Various lighting patterns are prepared to create a fantastic world for about 10 minutes. After the surface of the water freezes over and snow piles up, the lighting program is changed so that visitors can enjoy a different atmosphere depending on the time of year. The lights will also be illuminated over New Year's Eve during the year-end and New Year's holidays.

This event is synonymous with winter at Hoshino Resort Tomamu, where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the snowy mountains and the Christmas spirit at the "fog ice terrace" located 1,088 meters above sea level. At the hammock-like viewing spot, you can take a photo as if you are inside a Christmas wreath. The limited-time-only Christmas sweets are also recommended.

The illumination in front of Ebetsu Station will be held with more power than last year. With the large platanus tree, the symbol of Ebetsu Station, as the main attraction, approximately 33,000 champagne gold-colored LEDs create a chic, glamorous, and fantastic atmosphere.

About 300,000 blue, white, and yellow illuminations will envelop the rural park in Sarabetsu Village in a warm glow. A lighting ceremony is held on the first day of the event period. The lighting ceremony will be held on the first day of the event, and the whole venue will be lit up with a sense of unity by the countdown with the visitors.

This illumination takes place on a two-story "Niji-no-hashi" (rainbow bridge), a rarity in Japan. A triangular-roofed gateway, inspired by the world of fairy tales, is built at the entrance, and water discharged from the first floor is illuminated by lights and sunlight, creating a rainbow. Incidentally, this spot offers a spectacular view of the Shiba-zakura cherry blossoms and the valley in spring.

Unique to Nakasatsunai-mura, known as a village of flowers, the roadside station will be romantically decorated with approximately 20,000 lights, with the illumination and tree decorated in the image of a flower garden. The entrance to the promenade is also illuminated with gate lights, making it a great place for commemorative photos.

This illumination event warmly decorates the winter in Obihiro. On December 2, the lighting ceremony will be held, and the illumination will be turned on all at once, making a great impact. In addition to the simultaneous lighting, there will be dance performances and hot beverages will be served.

Trappist Street tree-lined avenue is lit up. The event takes place along the 400-meter tree-lined avenue leading to the main gate of the Trappist Monastery, a popular sightseeing spot in Donan. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic view in a quiet space that is different from the bustling impression of the city.

The trees in front of JR Biei Station, the entrance to Biei Town, the Biei Town Hall and the Biei Town Library are beautifully lit up. Tokachi-dake (Mt. Tokachi) can be seen from JR Biei Station, which is made of Biei soft stone, and is one of the sightseeing spots in Biei-cho. The stone buildings and the glittering tree add to the romantic atmosphere.

All information is current as of November 2023.
*The event contents may be subject to change or cancellation, so please check the official website in advance.

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