1 The 2026 Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido's biggest winter event attracting worldwide attention (Sapporo City)

This iconic winter event in Sapporo is visited by many people from both within Japan and abroad every year. You can enjoy different exhibits and attractions at each of the three venues: Odori Park, Tsudome, and Susukino. There are many ways to enjoy the event, with Odori venue featuring a variety of large and small snow sculptures for winter attractions, Tsudome venue where parents and children can enjoy playing in the snow on a giant slide and other attractions, and Susukino venue where beautiful ice sculptures adorn the city. Another attraction is being able to view the impressive snow and ice sculptures up close during the day, and enjoying the fantastical illuminated scenery at night. There are also citizen-participation snow sculptures and an international snow sculpture competition, so you can experience Sapporo's winter culture every time you walk around.

2 The Pokémon from the Hokkaido Daisuki Discovery Team also support the "67th Asahikawa Winter Festival - Play with Vulpix and Friends" (Asahikawa City)

This year's Asahikawa Winter Festival will feature Alolan Vulpix and Vulpix from the Hokkaido Daisuki Discovery Team as part of the Pokémon Local Acts initiative. The venue will be filled with impressive large snow sculptures, as well as citizen participation-based exhibits such as small and medium-sized snow sculpture contests and a high school snow sculpture competition. Live music and talk events will also be held on the stage, and in the evening, winter fireworks synchronized with the music will create a winter sky. Additionally, the Winter Marche will feature around 40 stalls where you can enjoy everything from Asahikawa gourmet to regional flavors.

3 A museum of shining ice enveloped in the blue of Lake Shikotsu "Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival - Ice Museum" (Chitose City)

This fantastical space was created by freezing the waters of Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan's clearest lakes. During the day, the "Lake Shikotsu Blue" glows quietly in natural light, and at night, the ice sculptures are lit up, creating a fantastical world. There are many things to see, such as tunnels, towers, and chandeliers, and the way the scenery changes as you walk is also an attractive feature. There are also many high-quality hot springs scattered around the area, so you can enjoy the winter scenery while warming up your chilled body.

4 The IWAMIZAWA Heavy Snow Festival 2026 (Iwamizawa City) will also feature an impressive giant slide and a human draft horse championship.

This annual winter event is a hotly anticipated event in Iwamizawa, one of Hokkaido's heaviest snowfall regions. The famous Human Draft Horse Championship sees teams of six people pull sleds weighing 350 kg, eliciting cheers and excitement from the crowds. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained even in the cold, including a giant slide, jumbo karuta cards, and snowmobile experiences. The Dokayuki Food Stall Village serves hot food, and the free pheasant hotpot and pork soup are popular every year.

5 A unique winter event in Okhotsk where you can learn about drift ice while having fun: "The 61st Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival" (Abashiri City)

This annual winter event focuses on drift ice, a symbol of the Sea of Okhotsk. With the theme of drift ice, which is decreasing due to the effects of global warming, you can have fun while learning about drift ice. In addition to ice sculpture displays and light-up displays after sunset, there are a variety of events, including singing stages, comedy shows, and shows for children. There are also drift ice-related experience events and bonfire events, making it an appealing event that is easy for families to participate in.

6 A variety of experiential events will liven up the port at the "Kushiro Winter Festival 2026" (Kushiro City)

This winter event is open to the public and takes place at Kushiro Port. Everyone from children to adults can enjoy the tube slides and snow sculptures. Other highlights include events unique to Kushiro, such as a children's festival and snowman-making using coal. There are also events that will have you stopping in your tracks, such as a karaoke competition where you can sing in the cold wind.

7 There is also an ice bar where you can enjoy hot drinks and cocktails at the 56th Kitami Winter Festival (Kitami City)

This winter event has the theme of "Winter is Friends." It's held in front of the station, so it's easy to drop in, and the venue is packed with content that's fun to just look around, including a snowy mountain slide, a stamp rally, and winter camping exhibits. In addition to stage events such as dance and comedy, there is also a gourmet corner and ice bar serving hot drinks and warm cocktails.

8 Enjoy the impressive main ice sculptures and local delicacies at the 63rd Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival (Monbetsu City)

The Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival, which began in 1963, is Monbetsu City's biggest winter event. The venue features an impressive main ice sculpture representing Itsukushima Shrine, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary since its founding. In addition to the White Stage, which is filled with comedy and impersonation shows, there are also a variety of events packed with Monbetsu flavors, such as local gourmet food to be enjoyed in the freezing cold and the famous "Human Drift Ice Pulling Competition."

9 Enjoy snow activities and gourmet food in the northernmost town at "2026 Wakkanai Ice and Snow Square" (Wakkanai City)

This is a participatory event where you can fully experience the winter in Wakkanai. There are plenty of activities for everyone, from children to adults, to enjoy, such as treasure hunts, snow tug-of-war, and parkour tag. The venue is lined with snow sculptures and slides made by locals, and there is also a wide selection of warm gourmet food at Umaimon Yokocho. In the evening of the first day, illuminations are lit up and fireworks are launched.

10 Winter fireworks bloom on the frigid waters of Lake Akan "Lake Akan Ice Festival: Lake Akan ICE, Love, Akan <Winter Beauty>" (Kushiro City)

Fireworks are launched every night on the frozen surface of Lake Akan, a winter spectacle representative of eastern Hokkaido. Experience the beauty of midwinter as the fireworks unfold against the clear winter sky and silence. During the day, there are plenty of Lake Akan activities to choose from, including snowmobiling, banana boating, and smelt fishing. Popular attractions include an experience corner where you can taste sweet sake and smelt tempura every year, as well as an Ainu ceremony.