- Experience
- Hokkaido
Sounkyo
Sounkyo’s Ice Waterfall Festival is perfect for winter sightseeing in Hokkaido!
Sounkyo in Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, is a recommended sightseeing spot in winter. In particular, the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival is an event that can only be experienced in the intense cold weather. Ice-climbing experiences, winter fireworks that light up the night sky in glorious color, and a 13 meters high ice sculpture that forms an ice tunnel are just some of the features of the festival. During the day, these ice sculptures glow blue in the sunlight. At night, illuminated in the seven colors of the rainbow, they are enveloped in a mysterious atmosphere.
A 13 meters high ice sculpture forms a tunnel that in past years has stretched for more than 100 meters long.
Look up at this ice tunnel, which resembles a limestone cave, and you will see imposing icicles hanging from the ceiling. During the day, they glow blue in the sunlight and at night, the lighting makes them shine bright.
During the Ice Waterfall Festival, a various interesting events are held.
One of the most popular events is the fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from behind the ice sculptures, creating gorgeous flowers of fire in the winter’s night sky.
Sounkyo Onsen has numerous waterfalls, many of which freeze in winter. These frozen waterfalls attract many ice-climbers, who use special tools to climb them. Acquiring all of these tools can be quite expensive, but during the Ice Waterfall Festival, you can experience a casual ice-climbing at festival venue. (On weekends only)
Location
| Name | Sounkyo |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/event/detail_11005.html |
| Address | Sounkyo, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido |
| Access | Approximately 30 minutes by Dohoku Bus bound for Sounkyo from JR Kamikawa Station to the last stop. |
| Inquiries | TEL: 01658-2-1811 (Sounkyo Tourism Association) |
| Event Location | Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival: Sounkyo Hot Springs Special Venue, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido |
| Event Period | See the official website for details. |