![The latest 2023-2024 season: 20 recommended illuminations and light-up events in Hokkaido's winter season.|Domingo](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F929aa09ba363db59e1744ed127b179cb.jpg)
EDITORIALS
The latest 2023-2024 season: 20 recommended illuminations and light-up events in Hokkaido's winter season.
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!
1. "Sapporo White Illumination," an illumination road that continues from in front of the station (Sapporo City)
( 2 ) "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo" to enjoy the authentic German atmosphere (Sapporo )
3. leisure and Christmas together "Sapporo Factory Jumbo Christmas Tree" (Sapporo ) 4.
4 . "Hakodate Illumination" (Hakodate City): Illumination connecting famous Hakodate spots
5. "2023 Hakodate Christmas Fantasy," a floating Christmas tree on the sea (Hakodate )
6 . "Dream of Goryo Star," a star-shaped light seen from the tower (Hakodate City)
Otaru Yukimonogatari & Yoichi Yukimonogatari" (Otaru City and Yoichi Town)
8. "Asahikawa Street Illumination" (Asahikawa City): Asahikawa is decorated with approximately 210,000 light bulbs.
9 . "Hiroo Santaland Illumination," the only Santaland in Japan (Hiroo Town )
10. "Illumination Tunnel" to enjoy after taking a relaxing bath in Lake Toya Onsen (Toyako Town )
11 . popular Zushi-Hokki starts to glow! Hokuto Hikari Kairo - Illumination in front of Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station" (Hokuto City)
12 . "Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) Lighting Up" (Biei Town )
13. "Fog and Ice Christmas" - Christmas in the Sky" (Shimukappu Village )
14 . "Ebetsu Ekimae Park Illumination" (Ebetsu City)
15. "Tokimeki Illumination" (Sarabetsu Village): All lights on at once with a countdown
16 . "Niji no Hashi Illumination" (Rainbow Bridge Illumination), which creates a rainbow on a two-story bridge (Takigami Town )
17. " Roadside Station Winter Night Garden" (Nakasatsunai Village): Illumination based on the image of a flower garden
18. "Obihiro Illumination Project" (Obihiro City): Heart-shaped objet d'art
19 . "Hokuto Hikari Kairo - Trappist Street Tree-lined Avenue Light-up" (Hokuto City), a mysterious space surrounded by silence
20 . "Light up the stone buildings and trees in front of Biei Station, Town Hall and Library" (Biei Town )
1 . "Sapporo White Illumination", an illumination road that continues from in front of the station (Sapporo City )
![さっぽろホワイトイルミネーション](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F929aa09ba363db59e1744ed127b179cb.jpg)
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.
Period: Wednesday, November 22 - Thursday, March 14, 2024
Period and lighting hours may differ depending on the venue.
Venues: Odori Park, Sapporo Ekimae Dori, Minami Ichijo Dori, Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapura), Sapporo Station South Exit Station Square (Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map information of Sapporo White Illumination.
2 Enjoy the authentic German atmosphere at the "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo
![ミュンヘン・クリスマス市 in Sapporo](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F466f8ad4e9f88a4717fb87604cddf64d.jpg)
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.
Period: Wednesday, November 22 - Monday, December 25, 11:00 - 21:00 (last order 20:45)
Venue: Odori Park 2-chome (Odori Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Horo-shi)
Click here for details and map information of "Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo
3 Christmas with Leisure "Sapporo Factory Jumbo Christmas Tree" (Sapporo )
![サッポロファクトリー ジャンボクリスマスツリー](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fbf6baec088026a0ac02f8a5687c28557.jpg)
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.
Period: November 3 (Fri.) - December 25 (Mon.) Lighting hours: 16:00 - 22:00
Venue: Sapporo Factory Atrium (Kita 2-jo East 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)
Click here for details and map information of Sapporo Factory Jumbo Christmas Tree.
4 "Hakodate Illumination" (illumination linking famous Hakodate spots )
![はこだてイルミネーション](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F0526c53fa7e5fec21675ac7f93f79956.jpg)
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?
Period: December 1 (Friday) - February 29, 2024 (Thursday), sunset - 22:00
Venues: Hachimanzaka, Nijumazaka, Kaiko-Dori, Motozaka (Suehiro-cho, Hakodate)
Click here for details and map information of "Hakodate Illumination
5 Floating Christmas Tree on the Sea "2023 Hakodate Christmas Fantasy" (Hakodate City)
![はこだてクリスマスファンタジー](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F8a78074c69a894c201bb4f4ae407641e.jpg)
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.
Period: December 1 (Fri.) - 25 (Mon.) Lighting hours: 16:30 - 17:45, 18:00 - 22:00
*Fireworks display: 18:00~.
Venue: On the sea in front of the red brick warehouses (Suehiro-cho, Hakodate)
Click here for details and map information of "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
6 Star-shaped light "Dream of Goryo Star (Hoshi-no-Yume)" viewed from the tower (Hakodate City)
![五稜星の夢](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fd83487faf61250446f5a34b442bb4959.jpg)
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.
Period: Wednesday, November 1 - Sunday, March 31, 2024
Venues: Special Historic Site Goryokaku (Goryokaku Park), Goryokaku Tower (44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate)
Click here for details and map information of "Goryokusei no Yume" (Dream of the Goryokaku Star )
7 Otaru Yukimonogatari & Yoichi Yukimonogatari (Otaru City, Yoichi Town) Otaru Canal also becomes fantastic atmosphere.
![小樽ゆき物語 & 余市ゆき物語](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F71090966e3d16255ba3e7a91832a6a6b.jpg)
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.
Period: Wednesday, November 1 - Sunday, February 18, 2024
Period: November 1 (Wed.) - February 18, 2024 (Sun.)
Venues: Otaru Canal, JR Yoichi Station, etc.
Click here for details and map information of "Otaru Yukimonogatari & Yoichi Yukimonogatari".
8 "Asahikawa Machiakari Illumination" (Asahikawa City): Asahikawa is decorated with about 210,000 light bulbs.
![あさひかわ街あかりイルミネーション](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F785f4fe2ba2fb767c034196531f5ee22.jpg)
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.
Period: Saturday, November 25 - Sunday, March 3, 2024
Venues: Midoribashi Dori, Heiwa Dori Shopping Park Dori, Showa Dori, 7-jo Green Road, Rotary Tower (Asahikawa City Center)
Click here for details and map information of "Asahikawa Street Illumination
9 "Hiroo Santaland Illumination", the only Santaland in Japan (Hiroo Town )
![広尾サンタランドイルミネーション](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F4a671504f9fa8aa24ab407e18654ea14.jpg)
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.
Period: Saturday, October 28 - Wednesday, January 3, 2024 Lighting hours: 16:30 - 22:00
Venue: Hiroo Santaland, Daimaruyama Forest Park (689-689 Hiroo, Hiroo-cho, Hiroo-gun)
For details and map information of the "Hiroo Santaland Illumination," click here.
10 "Illumination Tunnel" to enjoy after taking a relaxing bath in Lake Toya Onsen (Lake Toya Town)
![あさひかわ街あかりイルミネーション](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fb93e81fc737e020c03185d53caf64169.jpg)
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.
Period: Wednesday, November 1 - Sunday, March 31, 2024
Venue: Toyako Onsen Nigiwai Hiroba (Toyako Onsen Nigiwai Hiroba)
Click here for details and map information of "Illumination Tunnel
11 Popular Zushi-Hokki will also start glowing! Hokuto Hikari Kairo - Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station Illumination" (Hokuto City )
![北斗光回廊](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fd6d245341e6b2ac99380d76e4a923dec.jpg)
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.
Period: Monday, November 27 - Thursday, February 29, 2024, 16:00-22:00
Venue: In front of Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station (1-1-1 Ichiwatari, Hokuto City)
Click here for details and map information on "Hokuto Hikari Kairo - Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Ekimae Illumination.
12 "Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) Light-up" (Biei Town), a famous spot in Biei, becomes more fantastic.
![青い池 ライトアップ](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F2babf302d8c75e208596f9a0038e7f5f.jpg)
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.
Period: November 1 (Wed) - April 30, 2024 (Tue) 16:30 - 21:00
*Start time of the lighting differs depending on the season.
Venue: Aoi Ike (Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun)
Click here for details and map information of "Aoi Ike Light-up
13 Christmas in the Sky "Fog and Ice Christmas" (Shimukappu Village)
![霧氷クリスマス](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fec9711b3ba624eb7443a77a85ba7c10f.jpg)
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.
Period: December 1 (Fri.) - 25 (Mon.), 9:00 - 15:00
Venue: Hoshino Resort Tomamu, Fog and Ice Terrace (Nakatomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu County)
Click here for details and map information of "Fog and Ice Christmas
14 "Ebetsu Ekimae Park Illumination" (Ebetsu City) The symbol in front of the station shines gorgeously.
![江別駅前公園イルミネーション](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F8a50ecf27dfd2d46ae169e9f6b35f773.jpg)
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.
Period: December 8 (Friday) to late March (scheduled)
Venue: Ebetsu Ekimae Park (1-1, 4jo 7-chome, Ebetsu City)
Click here for details and map information of "Ebetsu Ekimae Park Illumination
15 "Tokimeki Illumination" (Sarabetsu Village), which lights up simultaneously with a countdown
![ときめきイルミネーション](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F1d166a84cf097f8820095ff1342afa77.jpg)
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.
Period: Friday, December 1 - Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Venue: Sarabetsu Village Rural Park (93-4, Minami 1-line, Sarabetsu-mura, Kawanishi-gun)
Click here for details of "Tokimeki Illumination" and map information.
16 "Niji no Hashi Illumination" (Rainbow Bridge Illumination) that creates a rainbow on a two-story bridge (Takigami Town)
![虹の橋イルミネーション](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F92c8dfa4a5ecf71b2477f71fcb09610a.jpg)
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.
Period: Tuesday, November 7 - Thursday, February 29, 2024, 17:00-22:00
Venue: Niji-no-hashi (Saculu Plain, Takigami Town, Monbetsu County)
Click here for details and map information of "Niji-no-hashi Illumination
17 " Michi no Eki Winter Night Garden" (Michi no Eki Winter Night Garden), an illumination that gives the image of a flower garden (Nakasatsunai-mura)
![道の駅ウィンターナイトガーデン](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F6b572662ba7a6edac8d0b3f23411f6e1.jpg)
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.
Period: December 1 (Friday) - February 29, 2024 (Thursday) 16:30 - 21:00
Venue: Michi no Eki Nakasatsunai (7-14 Odori Minami, Nakasatsunai-mura, Kawanishi-gun)
Click here for details and map information of "Michi no Eki Winter Night Garden
18 "Obihiro Illumination Project" (Obihiro City), including heart-shaped objet d'art
![おびひろイルミネーションプロジェクト](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fa624fe349b41fabcbdd63429325b909a.jpg)
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.
Period: Saturday, December 2 - Friday, February 23, 2024 (16:00 - 24:00)
Venue: In front of JR Obihiro Station (West 2 South, Obihiro City)
Click here for details and map information of "Obihiro Illumination Project
19 Mysterious space surrounded by silence "Hokuto Hikari Kairo - Trappist Street tree-lined avenue illuminated" (Hokuto City)
![北斗光回廊~トラピスト通り並木道ライトアップ~](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F33b56f1ec83d5460f0710848deaffe36.jpg)
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.
Period: December 17 (Sun) - 24 (Sun)
Venue: Trappist Street (392 Mitsuishi, Hokuto City)
Click here for details and map information of "Hokuto Hikari Kairo - Trappist Street Tree-lined Avenue Light-up
20 Light up stone buildings and trees "Light up in front of Biei Station, Town Hall and Library" (Biei Town )
![美瑛駅前・役場前・図書館前ライトアップ](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2Fdb9ee982dfc0c461de11edbcab048fbe.jpg)
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.
Period: December to late March (tentative)
Venues: In front of Biei Station, Town Hall, and Library (Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun)
Click here for details and map information of "Light-up in front of Biei Station, Town Hall, and Library
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.