The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is one of Hokkaido’s most spectacular winter events, transforming the dramatic valley of Sounkyo into a magical world of ice and light. Held along the banks of the Ishikari River at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountains, the festival makes remarkable use of the area’s cold climate and rugged natural landscape.
The approximately 10,000-square-meter festival site is filled with around 30 ice structures of various sizes. Among the highlights are an observation tower approximately 13 meters high, ice slides, and the atmospheric Ice Waterfall Shrine.
The festival’s spectacular ice formations are created over approximately three months. Water is carefully sprayed and frozen in Hokkaido’s severe winter conditions, gradually forming enormous structures that resemble frozen waterfalls, caves, towers, and other fantastic shapes.
Set against the deep gorge and snow-covered mountains of Daisetsuzan, these massive ice formations create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The natural surroundings become an essential part of the festival, adding depth and scale to the illuminated sculptures.
After sunset, the ice structures are illuminated with seven different colors of light. The light passes through the translucent ice, creating constantly changing shades and reflections that transform the festival grounds into a dreamlike winter world.
The combination of blue-white ice, colorful illumination, snow, and the dark winter sky creates an especially striking atmosphere. It is a memorable setting for photography and one of the most distinctive ways to experience Hokkaido’s winter landscape.
The approximately 13-meter-high observation tower offers a different perspective on the festival grounds. From above, visitors can appreciate the scale of the ice structures and the dramatic setting along the Ishikari River.
An ice slide is another popular attraction, adding a playful element to the festival. The event is not simply an exhibition of ice sculptures; visitors can actively experience the frozen environment and enjoy the unique atmosphere created by the winter cold.
Among the festival’s attractions is the Ice Waterfall Shrine, an unusual shrine incorporated into the frozen landscape. Surrounded by towering ice formations and illuminated after dark, it adds a distinctly Japanese cultural element to this extraordinary winter setting.
Various stage events are held during the festival period, and fireworks are launched on selected occasions. Against the pitch-dark winter sky, the brilliant fireworks create a striking contrast with the illuminated ice structures below.
With snow and ice surrounding the venue and fireworks lighting up the night, the festival takes on an especially romantic atmosphere. The combination of frozen scenery and fireworks is one of the highlights of a winter visit to Sounkyo.
Sounkyo is located in a deep gorge at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, an area known for its dramatic natural scenery. In winter, the landscape is transformed by snow and ice, providing the perfect setting for an event built around freezing temperatures.
The festival offers travelers an opportunity to experience the intense cold of Hokkaido as part of the attraction itself. Warm clothing, gloves, and winter footwear are essential, especially when visiting in the evening.
Held from January through March, the Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is a seasonal event that captures the beauty and power of Hokkaido’s winter. Massive ice formations, colorful illumination, an observation tower, an ice slide, a shrine, and fireworks come together in the dramatic setting of a mountain gorge.
For travelers visiting the Daisetsuzan area in winter, the festival offers an unforgettable chance to step into a fantastical world made entirely of ice, snow, light, and fire.
17:00-21:30
Open January - March
500 yen as a cooperation fee
About 30 minutes from the Kamikawa Sounkyo IC of the Asahikawa Monbetsu Expressway
Sounkyo/Dohoku Bus