Breathtaking Winter Scenery You Can’t See in Taiwan: A Quick Guide to the World’s Eight Great Snow Festivals

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

As winter arrives, snow festivals around the world kick off one after another. Below is a list of eight must-visit snow festivals globally, including the world’s four major ice festivals and events in Hokkaido, featuring stunning ice sculptures and breathtaking snowy landscapes. Travelers should take advantage of the winter season to go and enjoy them.

1. Otaru Snow Light Path
The Otaru Snow Light Path in Hokkaido is a winter festival held every February in Otaru City. During the event, the city is illuminated with lights and decorated with snow sculptures. During the day, visitors can admire various snow sculptures, lanterns, and glass crafts, while at night, candlelight and lanterns glow, creating an absolutely magical scene. Many visitors stroll along the Otaru Canal to soak in the romantic atmosphere.

Otaru Snow Light Path
Location: Otaru City, Hokkaido — Canal Venue, ex-Tomioka Line within Otaru City
Event Dates: February 9–18, 2018
Lighting Time: 17:00 – 21:00

2. Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival, the largest and longest-running annual snow event in Hokkaido, features massive ice sculptures and a wide variety of snow creations. It is divided into three main venues: Odori Park, Tsudome, and Susukino. The Odori Park venue hosts large-scale ice and snow sculpture competitions, Tsudome offers ice slides and snow tubing, and Susukino displays ice sculptures such as frozen king crabs and salmon.