[winter][ Hokkaido Kamikawa Town]Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival Winter festival and illuminations
The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is known as one of the three major winter festivals in Hokkaido, and is held every year from late January to early March at Sounkyo Onsen in Daisetsuzan National Park. At this festival, ice objects and sculptures made by utilizing the harsh cold of nature are lined up in a vast venue. The venue is about 12,000 square meters in size, and ice sculptures of various sizes are installed, inviting visitors into a fantastical world. Of particular note is the huge ice structure that is 13 meters high and 50 meters wide. It was created by pumping water from the surrounding rivers and pouring water over it repeatedly in the frigid temperatures to freeze it. Its dynamic scale and beautiful details overwhelm visitors. In addition, the ice objects are lit up at night, and colorful lights such as blue, green, and purple shine as they reflect off the ice. The scenery created by this light and ice creates a mysterious atmosphere that is completely different from the daytime, and it is very photogenic. In addition, fireworks displays are held mainly on weekends during the festival period. The beautiful fireworks that bloom in the clear winter night sky, along with the sound of the fireworks reverberating through the canyon, are one of the highlights of the festival. In this way, the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival has earned high praise both from within Japan and overseas as an event where visitors can experience the magnificent winter scenery that combines nature and art.
What is the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival? Highlights and Attractions
The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is known as one of the three major winter festivals in Hokkaido, and is held every year from late January to early March at Sounkyo Onsen in Daisetsuzan National Park. At this festival, ice objects and sculptures made by utilizing the harsh cold of nature are lined up in a vast venue. The venue is about 12,000 square meters in size, and ice sculptures of various sizes are installed, inviting visitors into a fantastical world. Of particular note is the huge ice structure that is 13 meters high and 50 meters wide. It was created by pumping water from the surrounding rivers and pouring water over it repeatedly in the frigid temperatures to freeze it. Its dynamic scale and beautiful details overwhelm visitors. In addition, the ice objects are lit up at night, and colorful lights such as blue, green, and purple shine as they reflect off the ice. The scenery created by this light and ice creates a mysterious atmosphere that is completely different from the daytime, and it is very photogenic. In addition, fireworks displays are held mainly on weekends during the festival period. The beautiful fireworks that bloom in the clear winter night sky, along with the sound of the fireworks reverberating through the canyon, are one of the highlights of the festival. In this way, the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival has earned high praise both from within Japan and overseas as an event where visitors can experience the magnificent winter scenery that combines nature and art.
Recommended plan for making the most of the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival
When visiting the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival, it is important to plan your trip well in advance. First of all, the venue is located in the Sounkyo Onsen area in Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido, and it is convenient to access the festival by car from Asahikawa Airport for about an hour and a half, or by taking a direct bus from Asahikawa Station. Don't forget to take precautions against the cold. The temperature inside the festival can drop to nearly minus 20 degrees, so prepare warm clothes, gloves, a hat, thick socks, etc. Another attraction of this festival is that there are different ways to enjoy it depending on the time of day you visit. During the day, you can view the ice objects in natural light, and you can enjoy their transparency and the intricacy of the carvings. On the other hand, at night, the lit-up objects create a fantastic atmosphere, making you feel as if you have wandered into another world. Especially for couples and families, a stroll through the lit-up venue at night is recommended as it is romantic. During the festival, there are also plenty of food stalls using local specialties and a food area offering hot soup, so you can enjoy the taste of Hokkaido while warming up your body. We also recommend enjoying a bath in Sounkyo Onsen after the festival. Warming up your body from the inside out while soaking in the hot spring will refresh both your body and mind. In this way, the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is a special event where you can not only enjoy sightseeing, but also local culture, food, and hot springs.
special experience that comes with visiting the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival
The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is not just a tourist event, but also a place that offers visitors a special experience. First of all, the ice artworks created in the frigid natural environment give a sense of the beauty unique to winter in Japan, and also show the greatness of the power of nature. For tourists from overseas in particular, this festival is a great opportunity to experience the charm of Japan's four seasons. For people from countries that are not familiar with snow and ice, the contrast of the ice objects, illuminations, and fireworks will surprise and impress. You can also deepen your connection with the local area through local culture and food. During the festival, crafts and specialty products made by local artisans are sold, and you can purchase them as a memento of your trip. In addition, visiting the Ice Waterfall Festival is expected to contribute to the revitalization of the local area. This festival is supported by the cooperation and efforts of the local people, and an increase in visitors will have a positive impact on the local economy. In this way, the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is an event with cultural and economic value that goes beyond being just a tourist spot. This is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime, special winter experience.
[Winter Festivals and Illuminations]Other recommended spots
Sapporo Snow Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Sapporo City
Odori Venue: A short walk from Odori Subway Station Susukino Venue: A short walk from Exit 3 of Susukino Subway Station on the Namboku Subway Line Tsudome Venue: A 5-minute walk from Sakaemachi Subway Station on the Toho Subway Line
Obihiro Ice Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Obihiro City
A free shuttle bus is available from in front of Obihiro Kosei Hospital.
Lake Akan ICE, Love, Akan <Fuyukabi> Winter festival and illuminations
HokkaidoKushiro City
A bus runs from Kushiro Station to Lake Akan 3 to 4 times a day.
Asahikawa Winter Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Asahikawa City
Free shuttle bus available from JR Asahikawa Station
Jozankei Onsen Snow Lantern Path Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Sapporo City
During the event, a free shuttle bus will be running around the accommodation facilities in the hot spring town, and can be used from the bus stop closest to the facility.
Tokachi River Swan Festival <Sairinka> Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Otofuke Town
From Obihiro Station Bus Terminal, take the bus bound for Tokachigawa Onsen, get off at Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen, and walk for about 10 minutes.
Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Chitose City
Take the bus bound for "Shikotsu Lake" from New Chitose Airport
Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Kamikawa Town
Direct bus from Asahikawa Station to Sounkyo Onsen
Otaru Snow Light Path Winter festival and illuminations
Hokkaido Otaru City
Approximately 8-10 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station to the canal venue