1 The 45th Sapporo White Illumination: A Romantic Night in Sapporo (Sapporo)

This is the signature illumination event of Sapporo's winter. Each area of Odori Park shines with fantastical symbolic objects based on different themes, while other venues like Ekimae-dori, Minami-ichijo-dori, Akapla, and the Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza also adorn the city with their own unique light displays. The collaboration of snow and illuminations creates a beauty that will make you stop in your tracks. For an even more romantic evening, enjoy it together with the Munich Christmas Market held at the Odori venue.

2 Hiroo Hairy Crab Festival: Exquisite Hairy Crab Boiled in a Giant Cauldron (Hiroo)

The "Hiroo Hairy Crab Festival," a regular winter event in Hiroo Town, is a gourmet festival where you can fully enjoy the bounties of the sea, unique to a port town. The main attractions are the bargain sale of hairy crabs boiled in a 2-meter giant cauldron and a rich hairy crab soup made in a 1-meter cauldron. In addition, a variety of local products from Hiroo, such as shishamo smelt, octopus, whelk, salmon roe, and salt-cured salmon, will be on display. Attractions like the "Crab Speed-Eating Contest" are also held, making it an irresistible event for crab lovers. *Depending on the catch, the event may be held as the "Hiroo Manpuku (Full Stomach) Festival."

3 Blue Canal: Otaru's Famous Landmark Bathed in Blue Light (Otaru)

Otaru's popular tourist spot, the Otaru Canal, sparkles in blue for a limited time in winter. The canal-side is fantastically decorated with blue illuminations, and especially during the blue hour after sunset, the sky and lights merge to create a romantic atmosphere. The "Night Cruise," which operates in conjunction with the illuminations, allows you to view the scenery along the canal from a boat, offering a different experience of winter in Otaru than a walk through the city.

4 Ice Village: A Fantastical Town of Ice and Snow That Appears Only in Winter (Shimukappu)

A town of ice and snow that appears for a limited time in winter at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU, a resort in Shimukappu Village. On a 3.2-hectare site, 11 ice domes line up, creating fantastical spaces such as the "Ice Church," "Ice Hotel," and "Ice Bar." This winter, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Ice Church, a new "Ice Museum" will be established where you can learn about its history and stories. There are also an ice restaurant, a sweets shop, and an ice maze for children, offering a special winter experience where you can see, eat, and play.

5 2025 Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo: A German Christmas Market in Odori Park (Sapporo)

An authentic Christmas market held in Odori Park in central Sapporo, recreating the atmosphere of Munich, Germany. Under the sparkling illuminations, you'll find stalls selling Glühwein (mulled wine), German cuisine, and Christmas-themed goods. There are also plenty of activities, including greetings from Santa Claus, puzzle-solving games, weekly pop-up stalls by popular cafes, and a gift day every Sunday.

6 2025 Hakodate Christmas Fantasy: A Giant Christmas Tree Floating on the Sea (Hakodate)

A winter tradition that illuminates Hakodate's bay area. A giant Christmas tree floating on the sea is lit up, creating a fantastical scene. Fireworks are launched every day at 18:00 when the tree is re-lit, and another highlight is the "Premium Red Tree," where the tree turns red only three times a day. At the venue's soup bar, you can enjoy warm soups made with local ingredients, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the illuminations, fireworks, and night view while warming up.

7 Hiroo Santaland Illumination: Enjoy Illuminations at Japan's Only Santaland (Hiroo)

An illumination event held at "Hiroo Santaland," certified by Oslo, Norway as the only Santaland in Japan. Approximately 150,000 lights and about 10,000 wood lanterns shine, enveloping the park in a fantastical glow. The tunnel of wood lanterns leading to "Santa's House" is an especially great photo spot, and the warm, wooden light will soothe your heart.

8 Okurayama Winter Fireworks 2025 supported by Takeda GEAD: A Show of Fireworks and Music Lighting Up Sapporo's Winter Sky (Sapporo)

A winter fireworks display held at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. The highlight is the "Great Sky Art," synchronized with music, offering a spectacular show where sound and light merge in the clear winter night sky. The venue features a variety of food stalls selling ramen, zangi (fried chicken), steak, and more. The special view of Sapporo's nightscape from the observation deck adds to the experience, making it enjoyable even before the fireworks begin.

9 The 39th Kita no Daimonji: Sacred Flames and Fireworks to End the Year (Kamifurano)

A traditional event held from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day at Hinode Park in Kamifurano, a town famous for its lavender fields. Young people relay the sacred fire from Mt. Tokachi to the giant character "大" (dai, meaning big) drawn on the snowfield, lighting it at exactly midnight. The sight of about 300 torches, forming a character approximately 70m tall and 50m wide, all lit at once and floating in the darkness is breathtaking. Fireworks are also launched at the moment the new year begins, enveloping the area in an excitement that makes you forget the cold.

10 The 54th Kushiro Products Festival: A Grand Gathering of Kushiro's Delicacies (Kushiro)

A gourmet sales event that brings together all of Kushiro's delicious foods. A wide array of local products, including seafood from Kushiro, are lined up and can be purchased at special prices for three days only. It's popular with locals looking for year-end gifts and New Year's feasts, as well as for tourists, as shipping services are available. During the festival, there are also activities like raffles, making it enjoyable not just for shopping but as an event itself.