Otaru Snow Light Path 2027 Confirmed

小樽雪あかりの路 — Otaru, Hokkaido (Hokkaido)

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For eight evenings each February, Otaru lights thousands of candles in snow lanterns along the Otaru Canal and the disused Temiya railway line, turning the old port town into a quiet, glowing walk. It overlaps with the Sapporo Snow Festival and Otaru is 35–45 minutes from Sapporo by train, so the two combine easily. The 2027 event runs February 6–13.

Background

The Snow Light Path is a volunteer-run event that fills the canal with floating candles and lines the old Temiya Line tracks with snow lanterns made by residents and volunteers.

Getting there

Otaru Station is about 35–45 min from Sapporo on the JR Hakodate Line. The canal is about 10 min walk downhill from the station, and the former Temiya Line crosses the route in between.

Tips

• The 2027 dates are fixed (February 6–13); the programme and lighting hours are announced later on the official tourism site.
• Come after dark — the candles are the whole point — and wear boots with grip for the icy slopes between the station and the canal.
• Pair it with the Sapporo Snow Festival (February 4–11) by staying in Sapporo and taking the train out for an evening.

Last verified against the official source: Sat, September 26, 2026