murmurOtaru Snow Light Path Festival (Yuki Akari no Michi)
Otaru City · Otaru Canal, former JNR Temiya Line, Otaru Art Base and other spots around Otaru
Dates and details can change. Always check the official website before you go.
Otaru Snow Light Path Executive Committee · Last checked: Oct 10, 2026
Dates
Dates confirmed with official sources
- 2026
- Feb 7–14, 2026 （Ended） Candles lit 17:00–21:00
- 2027
- Feb 6–13, 2027
- Usual timing
- Usually early February
- How the date is set
- Announced each year Runs for about eight days in early to mid-February; dates are set each year by the executive committee
- Venue
- Otaru Canal, former JNR Temiya Line, Otaru Art Base and other spots around Otaru
- City
- Otaru City, Hokkaido
About
Since 1999, Otaru has lit its old streets each February with snow and candlelight. The festival is supported by residents and volunteers from Japan and abroad. Glass fishing floats holding candles drift on Otaru Canal, while snow candles line the disused Temiya railway track, and more lights glow around Otaru Art Base and across town. The name comes from a novel by Otaru-linked writer Sei Ito. Entry is free.
Sources
- OfficialOtaru Snow Light Path Executive Committee yukiakarinomichi.org
- OfficialHokkaido Tourism Organization (HOKKAIDO LOVE!) www.visit-hokkaido.jp
Last checked: Oct 10, 2026. Event information is based on official announcements, but changes may not always be reflected here. Please check each official website for accurate details.
Other events this month
On the day, see what locals are murmuring on the murmur map
murmur is an app that shows short, anonymous posts on a map, right where they were written. On festival day, open the map around the venue and see what people nearby are saying.