Joanna James
Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan is famous for its scenic wilderness, pristine powdery snow, mouthwatering seafood dishes and fascinating indigenous culture. Complementing these are the colourful festivals and events they hold throughout the year.
Happening from early November to March of each year, the Toyako Onsen area is transformed into a winter wonderland with the road leading to lake Toya being lit up by thousands of tiny blue and white lights dousing the area in a twinkling festive glow. After being warmed by the hot spring baths a stroll down this magical path is a wonderful treat enjoyed by guests from hotels in Otaru.
The streets of Sapporo are turned into an enchantment in colour as each participating venue on the street is decorated and lit up based on a theme. These add excitement and a sense of revelry to the locals and visitors as they shop or explore the city centre from November to March.
Held during August of every year, this is the biggest fireworks festival in Hokkaido with 20,000 magnificent shots in the sky. An ideal way to savour the celebration of summer in Japan.
Held from early February this is the biggest festival in Hokkaido with Odori Park being adorned with sculptures of ice of varying sizes, from adorable tiny ones to those staggering at 10 metres. A magnificent sight enjoyed by locals as well as visitors from properties like Grand Park Otaru.
One of the most grandiose festivals in Hokkaido, held in late August in Numata. Do visit this festival if you happen to be in Hokkaido to be awed by the floats that are on show representing diverse traditional and cultural aspects of Japan.
This fishing harbour in Hokkaido gets a beautiful facelift with colour and lighting during Christmas and the whole town celebrates the magical event of Hakodate Christmas fantasy, especially the couples joining in a mood for romance.
A unique experience of visiting a simple campground when it is frosted with snow. Providing a stage for hands-on winter events and activities complete with an ice bar from which special cocktails, hammocks and bonfires can be purchased to relax and enjoy the night in the open.
A grand festival held in June, Yosakoi Soran is a lively parade of dancers dressed in Yukatas or Happi coats. Viewing this dance parade will be an experience of a lifetime you won't see elsewhere in the world.
Goryokaku is a star-shaped Fort located at the heart Hakodate of the city. About 2000 lights illuminate this Fort and surrounding areas in winter, turning them into an enchanting sight which can be witnessed only during this time of the year especially when lights are reflected on the moats during early winter. As winter advances and snow gets thicker the park becomes an amazing winter wonderland.
One of Hokkaido's most loved winter festivals, this is a celebration of lights over the frozen surface of Lake Akan. Even with frigid temperatures, various activities keep visitors warm and in good spirits.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
