Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival
Giant ice sculptures light up Monbetsu's winter
One of Monbetsu's premier winter events, featuring giant sculptures crafted from crystal-clear natural ice alongside a variety of attractions and activities.
This winter festival began in 1963 to transform drift ice, once regarded as an obstacle to local life, into a symbol of regional pride. Its centerpiece is a spectacular giant ice sculpture, created over about a month using approximately 4,500 blocks of natural ice cut from local ponds. By day, it glows blue in the clear winter light; by night, colorful illuminations transform it into a magical spectacle.
The festival also features ice slides and other family-friendly activities, as well as the energetic Okhotsk Drift Ice Dragging "Ningen Banba" Tournament, where teams compete to pull massive blocks of ice. At the bustling Okhotsk Taste Market, visitors can enjoy locally caught crab and scallops grilled over charcoal, along with other winter specialties perfect for a chilly day.
Experience dazzling ice sculptures, festive excitement, and the warm hospitality of the drift-ice city of Monbetsu. Discover the magic of one of Hokkaido's most memorable winter festivals.
- * 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
General Information
- Event period
- 2027/2/11-2/14
- Event venue
- Monbetsu City Marine Park, Gariya District Event Plaza
- Postal code
- 〒094-0031
- Address
- 北海道紋別市海洋公園
- Telephone Number
- 0158-24-3900（Monbetsu Tourist Information Center）
- Car Park
- 600 spaces, free
- Directions
- ●By car: About 10 minutes from Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport
●By car: About 90 minutes from Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expwy Ukishima IC - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
