Otaru Snow Light Path
Candlelit streets of frosty Otaru
Otaru, located about an hour’s drive from Sapporo, is home to the magical “Snow Light Path” festival. The candles, handmade one by one by its citizens, illuminates the town with a warm gentle light. This year marks the 24th annual event, a tradition that has not changed even with the passage of time, giving locals and visitors alike a nostalgic feeling.
The retro atmosphere with its gas lamps lining the Otaru Canal, paired with the candle lights reflecting off the water surface, creates a truly romantic world. Don’t miss out on this uniquely winter scene!
Beautiful autumn leaves and flowers are artfully molded into each candle and lined along the street. As the sun sets, the gloating glass candles bring back memories of the Otaru’s history and prosperity as a herring fishing hub.
Numerous candles are also decorated along the now-closed Horonai Railway Temiya Line, a freight railroad that opened in 1880. Feel the historic spirit of Otaru, while gazing at the flickering lights filled with the warm wishes and prayers of its townsfolk.
Otaru Snow Light Path SNS Photo Contes
To connect with those who cannot visit the Otaru Snow Light Path in person, we will be holding a social media photo contest! Follow our official Twitter feed and Instagram account, and post your photos with the hashtags ＃雪あかりフォトコン2023 #snowlightphotocontest2023! Be sure to check our official website for details and participate in the contest to have a chance at winning a pair of hotel room vouchers and seafood gifts!
Otaru Snow Light Path
| Event Date | February 11, 2023 (Saturday) – February 18, 2023 (Saturday) |
| Venue | Otaru Canal, Former Horonai Railway Temiya Line, Asarigawa Hot Spring, and other various locations around the city. |
| Parking | Not available. |
| Contact | 0134-32-4111 Ext. 7267 (Otaru Snow Light Path Executive Organizing Committee) |
| URL | http://yukiakarinomichi.org/ |
Events and activities are subject to change wtihout notice. Please check with the respective contact points for details.
