1 The 51st Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival: Ice Art and Illuminations Created by Extreme Cold (Kamikawa Town)

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

2 Shikaribetsu-ko Kotan 2026: A “Phantom Village” Built Entirely of Snow and Ice (Shikaoi Town)

The season is almost over for Shikaribetsu-ko Kotan, a "phantom village" of ice and snow that appears only in mid-winter on Lake Shikaribetsu in Daisetsuzan National Park. Igloos line the completely frozen lake, creating a magical landscape. Unique experiences to enjoy the last of winter await, such as ice observation tours, an ice bar, and an open-air hot spring on the ice. You can also try activities like making your own ice glass, snowmobiling, and snow rafting.

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

An event to make the most of winter, held at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Area. There are plenty of activities for both skiers and non-skiers, including riding in a snow groomer, raft boat rides, whey soap making, beginner lessons, and skating competitions. A bonfire area where you can enjoy gourmet food outdoors while staying warm, and limited-time gourmet items will also be available. You can also experience roasting marshmallows and cheese yourself.

4 ROYCE' Town Station 4th Anniversary Event: Limited-Edition Sets of Popular ROYCE' Products and a Raffle (Tobetsu Town)

This anniversary event celebrates the 4th anniversary of the opening of JR ROYCE' Town Station in Tobetsu Town, held at the ROYCE' Town Factory Shop, about a 7-minute walk from the station. There are plenty of exclusive offers for this period, including limited-quantity commemorative sets of popular ROYCE' sweets, 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 ROYCE' Cacao & Chocolate Town.

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

With the excitement of the Winter Olympics still fresh, Sapporo will host a Snowboard World Cup for the first time in 10 years. In addition to watching the world's top riders compete, the venue will feature performances to liven up the event, including special music concerts, talk shows, and stage events by popular YouTubers. There will also be opportunities to test-ride the latest gear and gourmet tents serving dishes made with Hokkaido ingredients.

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

The Moekko Harumatsuri is an annual event that ushers in spring in Rumoi. The main highlight is the "Moekko Banba Race," a snow competition where teams of eight pull a herring boat weighing about 700 kilograms. This famous event, which carries on the history of Rumoi, once a prosperous herring fishing town, 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 mochi-maki (rice cake scattering), delicious gourmet food is also planned to be served.

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

A snow event held at Sunlaiva Ski Area in Noboribetsu. It's packed 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 mochi-maki (rice cake scattering).

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

A puzzle-solving event set in the snow-covered forest of Niseko Village. Participants will wear snowshoes to search for tokens and solve problems related to Niseko's nature and history to reach the goal. A small gift will be given to all participants, and there will also be a raffle for prizes such as meal vouchers and sports goods.

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

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

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

A beginner-friendly SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) experience held at an indoor 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 experience starts from a sitting or kneeling position, with professional instructors providing careful support. Game-style mini-activities and demonstrations are also prepared, making it an enjoyable experience even for first-timers.