2025.12.16
【Early February 2026】Otaru Snow Light Path
The Otaru Snow Light Path, held every February, is a major winter event where Otaru is filled with beautiful snow candles. The Otaru Snow Light Path has been handmade by local residents since 1999. In recent years, it has become a part of Hokkaido’s winter scenery, welcoming not only Otaru residents, but also many overseas volunteers and tourists from Korea, Taiwan, and other countries.
The main venues for Snowlight Path are the Otaru Canal Venue and the Temiya Line Venue, but a wide variety of experiences can be had all over town, so if you remember the characteristics of each venue, your stroll on the day will be more enjoyable.
This article provides the latest venue information for 2026.
※Schedules are subject to change. Please check the official website before heading out.
・Snow Light Path Official Website: http://yukiakarinomichi.org/
・Otaru Portal: https://otaru.gr.jp/
■ Otaru Canal
The canal with floating candle floats is a very popular romantic photo spot. Otaru was once a port town that prospered from herring fishing. It is said that the floats used in the fishing industry are the origin of Otaru’s glass crafts. The light illuminates the light-colored glass that is characteristic of Otaru glass, creating a magical night. Food stalls are also set up on the North Canal, where you can enjoy a variety of dishes that will warm you to the core on cold nights.
■ Temiya Line Venue
The Temiya Line venue is about a 5-minute walk from Otaru Station. You can see it as you walk down Bank of Japan Street.
This area is lined with wax balls and ice candles decorated with pressed flowers and fallen leaves. The venue has a cute atmosphere and is a great photo spot.
★Recommended Experiences at the Temiya Line Venue
Why not try making a “wax bowl” yourself? These gentle lights gracefully illuminate the streets during Otaru Snow Light Path.
Wax bowls are one of the symbolic lights of the Snow Light Path, created by layering wax repeatedly over a balloon. You can take your finished piece home with you. They make wonderful souvenirs or mementos of your trip.
★About the Experience Duration
・Starting from scratch: Approximately 1 hour
・For those with limited time: You can also start from a partially finished piece that has already had several layers of wax applied (approximately 30 minutes).
Enjoy creating your own gentle light, one of a kind in the world, at your own pace.
■ Otaru Art Village Venue
At the Otaru Art Village Venue, surrounded by historical and tasteful buildings such as the Former Mitsui Bank Otaru Branch, the Stained Glass Museum, and the Nitori Museum, snow sculptures and athletic facilities are made. There are also events such as music shows, so please check the schedule on the website.
・Otaru Art Village Official Website: https://www.nitorihd.co.jp/otaru-art-base/
■ Tenguyama Venue
The Otaru Tenguyama Venue was recently added. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, at the top of Tenguyama you can enjoy the collaboration of the night view of Otaru and the flickering candlelight.
★Recommended Photo Spots at Tengu Mountain Venue
A particularly popular spot within the venue is the photo area featuring a heart-shaped snow sculpture illuminated by lamps. Bathed in the gentle glow of the snow lanterns, this heart motif is perfect for commemorative photos of couples and families.
Behind the snow sculpture, the sparkling night view of Otaru city spreads out, naturally appearing in photos—a feature unique to the Tenguyama venue. Step inside the heart-shaped snow sculpture for your photo, and you can capture a fantastical image where the snow lanterns and night view become one.
★【Authent Hotel Otaru】Exclusive for Guests Staying at Our Hotel!! Discounted Round-Trip Ropeway Ticket Notice
Please present proof of your stay at the Tenguyama Ropeway ticket counter, such as the “Reservation Confirmation Page” or “Payment Receipt” from the Authent Hotel Otaru. You can ride the ropeway at a discounted rate.
Winter Ropeway Round-Trip Fare Discount
・Adult: ¥2,000 → ¥1,800
・Child: ¥1,000 → ¥900
・Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Official Website: https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/
■ Information
Event period
Early February (about one week)
venue
Various locations in Otaru city
Otaru Snow Light Path Official Website
【Authent Hotel Otaru Special Event】 Otar Snow Light Path ~ Top Lounge Candle Night ~
Feb 7 (Sat) to Feb 14 (Sat), 2026
Business Hours: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM)
During the winter festival when Otaru’s streets are enveloped in countless candlelights, the Top Lounge on the hotel’s top floor will also be adorned with gently flickering candles to coincide with the Otaru Snow Light Path event.
In the lounge, decorated to harmonize with the city lights, our hotel sommelier has crafted a special hot wine inspired by the Snow Light Path.
The depth of red wine and the aroma of spices gently warm your chilled body and soul.
Relax and enjoy Otaru’s winter nights, where snow and lantern light intertwine, enveloped in the glow of candles.
■Menu
- Hot Wine: ¥1,270
- Hachiman-style Gratin (Hokkaido Beef Mince and Potato Gratin) ¥2,500
■Live Piano Performance Announcement
During the event period, live piano performances will be held on Friday, February 13th and Saturday, February 14th to add a touch of elegance to the Candle Night.
＜Performance Times＞
・7:00 PM to 7:20 PM
・8:00 PM to 8:20 PM