The 2010 Otaru Snow Light Path transforms into a waterborne galaxy on February 5

Every year when frost and snow are at their most beautiful, it's also the season for the Otaru Snow Light Path in Hokkaido. This year's event kicks off on February 5, and the romantic Otaru Canal will be dotted with glass fishing floats—once used to buoy fishing nets—that are lit with candles. Hundreds of these glowing floats shimmer with candlelight on the canal’s waters.

The “2010 Otaru Snow Light Path” will take place from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily between February 5 and February 14 across various locations in Otaru City, Hokkaido. Now in its 12th year, the Otaru Snow Light Path has become one of Hokkaido’s iconic winter events. In addition to the canal area, the abandoned old Temiya Line railway tracks will be lined with candles, and there will also be a snow tunnel illuminated with candlelight. Walking through the 20-meter-long tunnel made of piled snow feels especially magical.

This year’s Snow Light Path venues include the canal, the Temiya Line, and the Light Path venue, featuring activities such as floating ball candles, the candle-lit path, rumor candles, a heart-shaped monument, the snow tunnel, and the opening ceremony. Other attractions include a decoration contest themed around “snow” and “light,” a love photo contest, Snow Light Path experience tours, a stamp rally, and an all-you-can-eat event.

In the town of Otaru, these remaining old alleys, canals, and disused railway lines are transformed into the dreamlike stage of the “Otaru Snow Light Path,” adding to the romance of the northern land. Each frigid February, hundreds of glass float candles floating on the canal transform into a galaxy on the water; meanwhile, the countless flickering candlelights among the white snow turn the ruins of the old railway line into a celestial path through the alleys.

2010 Otaru Snow Light Path
Locations: Canal venue, Temiya Line venue, and Light Path venue.
Dates: February 5 to February 14, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM daily.

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