1 The 51st Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival: Ice Art and Illuminations Born from Extreme Cold (Kamikawa Town)

The Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival, one of Hokkaido's premier winter events, is nearing its grand finale. A variety of large and small ice sculptures, created using the extreme cold of nature that freezes even waterfalls, line the venue. At night, they are lit up, creating a magical scene in the gorge. The festival is packed with highlights, including the main ice sculpture, an Icefall Shrine, photo spots, and an Ice Bar where you can taste sake, a specialty of Kamikawa Town. Fireworks will also be launched during the event, filling the clear gorge night sky with brilliant light and sound.

2 Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan 2026: A “Phantom Village” Made Entirely of Snow and Ice (Shikaoi Town)

The season is almost over for Lake Shikaribetsu Kotan, a "phantom village" of ice and snow that appears only in the dead of winter on Lake Shikaribetsu in Daisetsuzan National Park. Igloos line the completely frozen lake, creating a fantastical landscape. Unique attractions that let you enjoy the last of winter await, including an ice observation tour, an ice bar, and an open-air hot spring on the ice. You can also experience activities like making your own ice glass, snowmobiling, and snow rafting.

3 Tomafes: Hands-On Activities to Enjoy Winter to the Fullest (Shimukappu Village)

This event, held at Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU Ski Area, is all about making the most of winter. It's packed with activities for both skiers and non-skiers, including snowcat rides, raft boat rides, whey soap making, beginner lessons, and skating competitions. A bonfire area where you can enjoy food outdoors while staying warm will be set up, and special menu items will be available. You can also try roasting your own marshmallows and cheese.

4 Royce' Town Station 4th Anniversary Event: Limited-Edition Sets of Popular Royce' Products and Raffles (Tobetsu Town)

To celebrate the 4th anniversary of JR Royce' Town Station in Tobetsu Town, this anniversary event will be held at the Royce' Town Factory Shop, about a 7-minute walk from the station. The event is packed with special features available only at this time, including limited-quantity commemorative sets of popular Royce' chocolates, train-themed bread, and a weekend-only raffle. On the 14th and 15th, there will also be an all-you-can-pack chocolate experience at the Royce' Cacao & Chocolate Town.

5 HBC Snow Fest 2026: A Snowboard World Cup with Live Music and Hokkaido Cuisine (Sapporo City)

With the excitement of the Winter Olympics still fresh, Sapporo hosts its first Snowboard World Cup in 10 years. At the venue where the world's top riders will gather, you can not only watch the competition but also enjoy performances that will liven up the atmosphere, including special music concerts, talk shows, and stage events by popular YouTubers. There will also be opportunities to test ride the latest gear and food tents where you can savor dishes made with Hokkaido ingredients.

6 The 28th Moekko Harumatsuri: Featuring a Thrilling 700kg Boat-Pulling Race (Rumoi City)

The Moekko Harumatsuri is an annual event that welcomes spring to Rumoi. The main highlight is the "Moekko Banba Race," a snow competition where teams of eight pull a 700-kilogram herring boat. This famous event, which honors the history of Rumoi as a town that once prospered from herring fishing, fills the venue with excitement and cheers. In addition to participatory events like parent-child bobsled races, a soccer penalty kick challenge, a quiz tournament, and a mochi-scattering ceremony, delicious food will also be available.

7 Karurusu Onsen Winter Festival: Packed with Exciting Snow Attractions (Noboribetsu City)

A snow event held at Noboribetsu's Sunlaiva Ski Area. It's filled with simple yet captivating activities for everyone from young children to adults, including a mandarin orange hunt in the snow, a "Strike One" ball-throwing game, a "Hole-in-One" snow golf challenge, a tug-of-war on the snow, and a mochi-scattering ceremony.

8 Niseko Village Puzzle-Solving Snowshoe Walking: A Riddle Adventure in the Snowy Forest (Niseko Town)

This is a puzzle-solving event set in the snow-covered forest of Niseko Village. Participants wear snowshoes to walk around, search for tokens, and solve problems related to Niseko's nature and history to reach the goal. A small gift is prepared for all participants, and there will also be a raffle where you can win meal vouchers and sports goods.

9 Science Museum Stargazing Party: A Celestial Event to Observe a Total Lunar Eclipse (Sapporo City)

A special event in front of the Sapporo Science Center to observe a total lunar eclipse. Watch the magical moment when the moon is completely engulfed by the Earth's shadow and turns a coppery red color. It's a valuable opportunity for everyone, from children to adults, to casually participate and experience a celestial phenomenon up close.

10 WINTER MIKASUP in Mikasa City Heated Pool: An Indoor SUP Experience for Beginners (Mikasa City)

This is a beginner-friendly SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) trial session held at the heated pool in Mikasa City. Since it's indoors, you can try it comfortably without worrying about the cold at this time of year. The session starts from a sitting or kneeling position, with professional instructors providing careful support. The program is designed for first-timers to enjoy with confidence, featuring game-like mini-activities and demonstrations.