Hokkaido Snow Festivals 2024 - Otaru

On our third day in Hokkaido, we used JR to very easily get from Sapporo to Otaru with another later start to the day. There's no need for reserved seats like we used for Day 2 to Asahikawa, and we all managed to get seats because we were at the platform well ahead of train arriving. 

We opted to ride to Minami-Otaru since our first destination was kind of at a mid-point between that and Otaru station and it might be a little less crowded walking from this direction. Lots of snow and ice on the ground and it was actively snowing as well!

We got to Waraku Kaiten Sushi 和楽 小樽店 a bit later than planned due to the train being delayed but were the first in in the waitlist for a table (2 tables for 8 people). Since it was so close to the opening time, we had to wait for two tables to completely turn over and that was about 45 minutes. Ordering was simple with an English menu, paper order sheet and the number system.

Still snowy, we all slowly and carefully trudged along to get to Otaru Il Ponte which is about another 10 minute walk. 

I had made a glass blowing reservation for our group, so after we dusted the snow off ourselves, we checked in, told the reception staff that we wanted the pieces shipped and then were sent to the workshop area. There is a table of sample pieces for you to see to help you choose which shape and color/pattern you'd like to make. 

We separated into two groups of 4 and a staff member directed us step-by-step through the process one person at a time. It was nice to be able to watch other people's process, especially if they picked a different shaped item. 

Ngl, I struggled with this a bit and the process goes pretty fast, especially after everyone watches the first person. The staff are very efficient from start to finish including prompting you to take a picture before they take care of the final parts and cooling. 

They had lots of different glass pieces for sale as well!

From then on, we didn't have a set itinerary except to wait until sun down. We ventured over to the canal and then split into small groups and did some siteseeing and shopping. 

I was with my husband and in-laws and we made some stops for ice cream/soft serve and a LeTao dessert!

The main shopping street and in general in Otaru was probably the least friendly for walking around out of all of the places we visited for their winter festivals. We walked so, so slowly this day and saw so many other people fall down hard. Crampons are recommended for this area. Even if you are quite confident in your ability to catch yourself if you slip, it can be difficult because you don't have space to do that without possibly taking out someone next to you on the sidewalk. 

When the sun finally went down, we ventured back to the canal for the Otaru Snow Light Path (Festival). Lots of different small sets of candles are placed in the snow. You can even buy your own cup to decorate and they'll provide the candle. 

This canal area was one of the most crowded of all of the days for us. Have to wait to even get a subpar picture and even then there might be someone else in it. 

Festival staff used a shovel to help us make holes for our candles lol. 

We continued inching our way down the canal from the clock tower/music box museum side towards Otaru station. There were lots of different sets ups and displays along the way but also LOTS of people.

As we were heading towards Otaru station, we stopped by the old Temiya rail line area where there's a second light path which is different and has its own charm. 

We all met back up, made our way to the station and then go on the next train back to Sapporo! Everyone was pretty exhausted (I think none of us completely fell down but it was really stressful to walk tbh), so we did a gyudon take out dinner and packed for our flights out the next day :)

The festival areas in Otaru are much different than the ones in Asahikawa and Sapporo. It definitely focuses less on big individual snow sculptures and more about the effect as you walk along the path.

I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I wasn't constantly worried about slipping and falling! The crowds can't be helped (and should be expected), but the ice and small sloping areas made it difficult to transverse and look at your surroundings while still moving. 

If you're interested in Hokkaido's snow festivals, it was absolutely worth it to get to all three if it's feasible for you and this weekend was the perfect opportunity for us. We didn't have any issues with transportation and thankfully my dad took care of all of the hotel logistics well ahead of time. The activities we did in Asahikawa and Otaru also made for a great experience. Even with a big group of 8 foreigners, we were able to get seats for meals (although sometimes a little farther out). 

Do be sure to dress warm and consider having crampons!

Hokkaido Snow Festivals 2024

- Sapporo

- Asahikawa

- Otaru