Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival 2026
Last Updated on March 5, 2026
The resort town of Sounkyo Onsen in Hokkaido is preparing to host its annual Ice Fall Festival, an event that has showcased the region’s extreme winter climate for over four decades.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, the festival grounds will feature a wide array of illuminated ice sculptures and structures crafted from the waters of the Ishikari River.
Visitors to the 10,000 square meter venue will be able to explore multi story ice buildings, a 100 meter long ice tunnel, and a dedicated icefall shrine.
Interactive elements planned for the upcoming celebration include an ice climbing wall for adventurous guests and a tube slide for families.
As evening falls, the frozen landscape will be transformed by colorful light displays and projection mapping onto the icy surfaces.
The festival organizers have announced that while the core ice attractions remain, certain stage performances and sliding events are suspended to maintain public health standards.
Due to the sub zero temperatures expected in this mountainous gorge, guests are advised to wear heavy winter clothing and appropriate footwear for slippery conditions.
Access to the riverside venue is available via a short walk from the Sounkyo Onsen bus stop, which is connected to JR Kamikawa Station by the local terrace bus line.
For those traveling by car, the site is located approximately 30 minutes from the Kamikawa Sounkyo interchange with free parking provided for attendees.
Admission to the grounds requires a small cooperation fee that supports the labor intensive three month construction process of the massive ice architecture.
Event Details
| calendar_month DATE | Jan 24 2026 - Mar 08 2026 |
|---|---|
| schedule TIME | 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm |
| payments Cost | ¥500 |
| info Website | Official Website |
| location_on Location | Sounkyo Onsen, Hokkaido |
|---|---|
| map Area | Hokkaido |
| category CATEGORY | Cultural Festivals |
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