One of the best times to visit Hokkaido is in winter to see and enjoy its numerous winter festivals. Here is the schedule of this year's festivals and links to my blog entries about my visit last year.
LAKE SHIKOTSU ICE FESTIVAL
Dates: Jan 26- Feb 18, 2018
Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM– 10:00 PM
Illumination/Light Up: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Sites: Lake Shikotsu
Access: LAKE SHIKOTSU via Bus or via taxi or private vehicle.
Website: http://hyoutou-special.asia/
SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL (“YUKI MATSURI”)
Dates: February 1 to 12, 2018.(Tsudome Site); February 5 to 12.Odori Park Site & Susukino Site
Hours of Operation: 9:00PM -5:00 PM (Tsudome Site) ; Odori Site until 22:00 Susukino Site until 23:00
Illumination/Light Up : Odori Site: Sunset (around 4:30 PM) to 10:00 PM / Susukino Site: Sunset until 11 PM
Sites: Odori Park (Main Site) Tsudome Park, Susukino area
Access: Odori Park (Odori Station); Tsudome Park ( Station) or take bus from Odori Site; Susukino Site (Susukino
Website: http://www.snowfes.com/english/
ASAHIKAWA WINTER FESTIVAL
Dates: February 7 to 12, 2018
Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM -9:00 PM
Illumination/Light Up: Sunset to 9:00 PM
Sites: Asahibashi Riverside Site & Heiwa Dori Site
Access: Asahikawa Station
OTARU SNOW LIGHTING PATH FESTIVAL
Dates: February 9 to 18, 2018.
Illumination/Light Up: 5:00PM -9:00 PM
Sites: 2 main sites (Otaru Canal & Temiya)
Access: OTARU STATION. Both sites are within 15 minutes walk from Otaru Station. You can also take the Otaru Stroller Bus (Blue Line) to reach the Otaru Canal (Y220).