What it is
Otaru is an old harbour town on the coast west of Sapporo. Its canal is lined with stone warehouses from the days when it was a busy port.
Since 1999, people in Otaru have spent a week each February lighting the town with candles in the snow. The name, “the path of snow light”, comes from Yuki-akari no Michi, an early book by the writer Itō Sei, who had close ties to Otaru. The event began as a way to bring visitors to the town in winter and at night, the quietest season.
It is a gentle, quiet festival. There are no parades or stages, only thousands of small flames, the sound of snow underfoot, and the old warehouses glowing across the water.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Every evening, 17:00–21:00 | Candles lit: Snow candles and lanterns are lit along the Otaru Canal, the old Temiya Line and other places around town |
Which day should you go?
Any evening, from 17:00
Start at the canal just after dark, then walk to the old Temiya Line, a few minutes away.
A weekday evening
Weekends bring day-trippers from Sapporo. Weekday evenings are quieter.
What to look for
Floating candles
About 200 glass floats, once used by fishermen to hold up their nets, carry candles on the water of the canal.
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Snow candles
Small lanterns carved from snow, each with a candle inside, line the paths and stand in rows along the canal.
The old railway
The disused Temiya Line railway becomes a path of lights, with snow slides for children.
Volunteers
Local people and volunteers from Japan and abroad make and light the candles every evening.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | JR Hakodate Line (rapid) to Otaru | about 35–45 min |
| New Chitose Airport | JR Rapid Airport to Otaru | about 1 h 15 min |
On the day. The canal is about 10 minutes on foot from JR Otaru Station, downhill toward the harbour. The old Temiya Line crosses the streets between the station and the canal.
Crowds. Busiest at weekends and in the first hour after dark. The canal path is narrow; keep moving.
Where to stay
Sapporo
Most visitors stay in Sapporo and come for the evening. Check the last train back.
Otaru
Hotels near the canal let you see the lights late, when the crowds have gone.
When to book. The Sapporo Snow Festival is held at about the same time. Book 2–3 months ahead.
Book ahead
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Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Make a day of it
Mount Tengu 天狗山
The mountain behind Otaru is also lit with candles during the event. A ropeway climbs it; in winter it runs from 9:00, with the last ride up at 19:48.
Opening hours change by season. Check before you go.
Practical tips
- Free. There is no charge to walk around. Food-walk tickets for sushi, sweets and hot noodles are sold during the event.
- Icy streets. Otaru's streets are icy in February. Wear boots with a good grip.
- No parking. The organizers have no parking. Come by train.
Glossary
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Hokkaido Tourism Organization: Otaru Yuki Akari no Michi (2026 and 2027 dates, hours, venues, access), https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/event/detail_11004.html
- Otaru Yuki Akari no Michi Executive Committee, official site, https://yukiakarinomichi.org/ (in Japanese)
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: town-planning case study of Otaru (committee founded 1998, first event 1999).
- Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway: hours and fees, https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/hours-and-fees/ (in Japanese)
Last checked 2026-10-21.