Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival

Festival highlights

The highlight is the main large-scale ice sculpture, made using about 4,500 blocks of natural ice cut from ponds in the city and built over about 1 month.

It gleams blue in the daylight and takes on a different look at night when illuminated.

In 2026, the festival featured an ice sculpture inspired by Itsukushima Shrine, as well as a food fair and the Drift Ice Pulling Human Bansho Horse Race.

Monbetsu’s winter festival, featuring a large natural-ice sculpture and drift-ice pulling

What to expect

At the venue, you can enjoy activities such as an ice slide while admiring the large natural-ice sculpture.

At the food event, you can savor winter specialties such as Monbetsu crab and scallops grilled over charcoal.

The program also includes the Drift Ice Pulling Human Bansho Horse Race and stage performances, bringing together things to see, eat, and compete in.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

The venue is the parking area next to the Marine Exchange Center (Gariya Zone).

Train and bus

A limited-time shuttle bus runs from Monbetsu Bus Terminal to the venue.

A fare applies.

Parking

The venue is a parking area.

Source: もんべつ流氷まつり - Wikipedia

Event venue 北海道紋別市 海洋交流館横隣の駐車場スペース

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, the festival was held from February 6 (Friday) to February 8 (Sunday).

Events listed for the 63rd edition included the main ice sculpture, stage performances, a food fair, and the Drift Ice Pulling Human Bansho Horse Race.

The 2026 event has ended.

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Nearby attractions

Nearby attractions include the Okhotsk Tokkari Center, the Garinko drift-ice sightseeing ship, the Hokkaido Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Science Center GIZA, the Okhotsk Tower sea-ice observation tower, and Monbetsu Onsen.

All are facilities connected with Monbetsu’s sea and drift ice.

If you plan to visit these places alongside the festival, check each facility’s operating status and conditions of use.

Parks and gardensMonbetsu City

北海道立オホーツク流氷公園

北海道の公園

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Museums and art museumsMonbetsu City

紋別市立博物館

北海道紋別市の博物館・美術館のスポットです。

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Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival

The Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival began in 1963 as an effort to connect drift ice with local revitalization.

It transformed the community’s view of drift ice, which had been unwelcome for blocking the sea, and today the festival continues as one of Monbetsu’s signature winter events.

In 2026, the festival celebrated its 63rd edition, featuring a large natural-ice sculpture, local specialties, and competitions.

Official information

The official website provides information on the history of the Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival, events from each edition, and the main ice sculpture.

Check the official website for details of the next festival and any changes.

Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival at a Glance

The Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival is a winter celebration that showcases Monbetsu’s drift ice as a local attraction.

Enjoy ice, food, and competitions, including a large ice sculpture made from about 4,500 blocks of natural ice, illuminations, a food fair, and the Drift Ice Pulling Human Bansho Horse Race.

In 2026, the festival was held from February 6 to February 8, marking its 63rd edition.