🎎 Sōunkyō Ice Waterfall Festival

The Sōunkyō Ice Waterfall Festival is held annually from late January to mid-March in Sōunkyō Onsen, a famous hot spring area in Hokkaido. It is one of the "Three Major Winter Festivals of Hokkaido" and features a venue of approximately 10,000 square meters created from the riverbed of the Ishikari River, showcasing a variety of ice sculptures of different sizes. Utilizing the harsh natural cold, it takes about three months to create up to 30 ice sculptures, ice caves, pyramids, and highlights such as the "Ice Waterfall Shrine," which features a deity made of ice. The "Ice Bar," where visitors can drink at an ice-sculpted bar, is also very popular. There are resting areas equipped with wood-burning stoves, selling hot drinks and light snacks. In addition, a total of 32 fireworks displays are held during the event. The colorful and dazzling fireworks against the clear winter sky are breathtakingly beautiful. The venue can be quite cold, so please be sure to wear warm clothing and non-slip shoes when attending.

One of the "Three Major Winter Festivals of Hokkaido," the ice sculpture lighting event features around 30 ice sculptures illuminated with dreamlike colored lights. During the event period, fireworks will be launched 32 times on weekends and other designated dates.