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“The Otaru Snow Light Path” is a festival where the soft light of candles faintly illuminates the snow-covered streets of Otaru.
Events are held at various locations, including Otaru Canal, Otaru Tengu Mountain, and other famous sightseeing spots, as well as shopping streets, schools, and even on street corners.
Small lights adorn the quiet night of snowy Otaru.
Even in the freezing cold, they make you feel warm and fuzzy.
Tourist attractions in the city center are the venue for the event
The event will be held at about 30 locations in the city.
Each venue offers a different flavor and a different view of the city.
This article provides a guide to the main venues!
Otaru Canal Venue
The main venue is Otaru Canal, which is also a famous sightseeing spot.
About 200 “floating ball candles” will be floating on the surface of the water, decorating the canal as it flows slowly.
Incidentally, “floating ball” are fishing equipment used to float nets for herring fishing and other purposes.
The reason why glass manufacturing is flourishing in Otaru is due to the fact that they used to make floating balls!
Snow candles are placed along the walkway, which is illuminated by gas lamps, creating a more romantic atmosphere.
Together with the illuminated stone warehouses, they create a retro and romantic scene.
In the area between Chuo Bridge and Ryugu Bridge on the north side of the canal, snow objects created jointly by local high school students and volunteers from overseas will be displayed.
Temiya Line Venue
At the former site of Hokkaido’s first railroad line, the former Temiya Line, handmade candles are dotted throughout the venue, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
Snow slides and objet d’art made by volunteers and citizens’ groups are also a highlight of the festival.
Mt. Tengu Venue
The Tenguyama venue features the observatory at the top of the mountain and the Tenguyama Shrine as the stage for the lighting up.
The collaboration of the night view of Otaru, one of the three best night views in Hokkaido, and the candlelight is an extravagant view only available here!
Candlelight is also found in unexpected places!
There is much more to see besides the tourist attractions.
Otaru citizens voluntarily decorate the streets with candles at various locations, warmly welcoming visitors.
Each venue also holds its own unique events such as mini-events and free hot drinks.
Let’s take a stroll through the white-colored town and visit each venue!
The Snow Light Path is a place where you can enjoy the warmth of the scenery even in the cold of winter.
Why don’t you go out to the night town filled with the wishes of Otaru citizens?
Event Summary
| Event Name | 26th Otaru Snow Light Path |
| Period | February 10-17, 2024 |
| Address | Minato-cho, Otaru City (Otaru Canal venue) Other venues: Old Temiya Line, Canal Plaza, Otaru Tengu Mountain, etc. |
| Phone Number | 0134-32-4111 |
| Admission Fee | Free (round-trip ropeway fee for Mt. Tengu: 1,600 yen for adults, 800 yen for children) |
| Hours | 17:00-21:00 |
| HP | http://yukiakarinomichi.org/ |
| Nearest Bus stop | 11 min. walk from Otaru Eki-mae bus stop, 2 min. walk from Otaru Unga Terminal bus stop (Otaru Canal venue) |
| Access | 【from Sapporo Station】Highway Bus Express Otaru-go from “Sapporo Ekimae” (Bus Stop ①) |
