Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival

A Mesmerizing World of Frozen Artistry

Marvel at the breathtaking frozen sculptures created by the intense winter chill of the Daisetsuzan Mountains at this spectacular riverside event.


Located in a deep gorge at the foot of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, Sounkyo Onsen hosts one of Hokkaido’s premier winter events. The 12,000-square-meter venue along the Ishikari River features about 30 ice sculptures crafted over three months. The sheer scale of the 13-meter-high ice rooms and observation decks is truly awe-inspiring.


As night falls, the atmosphere transforms into a vibrant wonderland as the sculptures are illuminated in seven colors. Recognized as a "Japan Night View Heritage," the ice walls sparkle like crystals against the silent, snow-covered gorge. When fireworks soar into the crisp night sky, their reflection off the ice creates a harmony of light and sound that makes you forget the biting cold. This event is a must-visit for anyone seeking an extraordinary winter night view.


The festival runs from late January to mid-March. Centered around the frozen beauty of the Ryusei and Ginga Waterfalls, the Ice Fall Festival offers a variety of colorful displays to explore. Frequent firework displays throughout the period continue to delight visitors who stay to enjoy the evening festivities.

  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
  • * The event information is based on the dates and content of the most recently held events. Please check the official website for details as the contents are subject to change.
Nearest airports
New Chitose Airport Sapporo Okadama Airport Hakodate Airport Okushiri Airport Asahikawa Airport Wakkanai Airport Rishiri Airport Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport Memanbetsu Airport Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport Tancho Kushiro Airport Tokachi Obihiro Airport

General Information

Event period
2026/1/24 - 2026/3/8
Event venue
Kamikawa Town Sounkyo Hot Springs
Address
北海道上川郡上川町層雲峡
Telephone Number
01658-2-1811(Sounkyo Tourism Association)
Open
17:00–21:30 (weekdays)
11:00–21:30 (Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)
Closed
Open every day during the period
Car Park
150 spaces, free
Directions
●By bus: About 30 minutes from JR Kamikawa Station
●By car: About 25 minutes from Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expwy Kamikawa Sounkyo IC
Website

Official site (Japanese)

* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

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