Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include ice structures, tunnels, sculptures, and objects themed around nature and kamakura snow huts, all created using the cold climate.

The 13-meter-high ice observation deck offers a view of the entire venue, and an Ice Waterfall Shrine made of ice is also set up.

At night, the ice structures are illuminated in seven colors, and fireworks during the event period light up the venue.

A winter festival where you can enjoy ice sculptures created by extreme cold, illuminated in seven colors

What to expect

At the venue, you can walk around to see the ice sculptures and enjoy structures such as the observation deck and Ice Waterfall Shrine.

Admission is available from late afternoon on weekdays and from before noon on weekends and public holidays. At night, you can view the illuminated ice sculptures and structures.

Fireworks are held during the event period; past event information has also listed an opening ceremony, the Hyobaku Taiko drum performance, a raffle, and mochi throwing.

How to take part

Visitors can enjoy the ice sculptures, illuminations, and fireworks at the venue.

The 2026 information says advance applications are not required, so you can visit without any special registration.

No information is provided about recruiting participants to create ice sculptures or requirements for appearing in the event.

In 2026, no advance application is required; visitors can go directly to the venue.

A ¥1,000 contribution per person is required for junior high school students and older; elementary school students and younger can enter free of charge.

Entry begins at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Final entry is at 9:15 p.m. on all days.

Source: 層雲峡温泉 氷瀑まつり-北海道層雲峡観光協会

Location and access

Venue and address

Special venue for the Kamikawa Town Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival (Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido)

Train and bus

Take a Dohoku Bus from Kamikawa Mori no Terrace Bus Touch in front of JR Kamikawa Station, get off at “Sounkyo Onsen,” then walk for 5 minutes.

By car

From the Kamikawa-Sounkyo IC on the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway, follow National Route 39 for about 25 km; the drive takes about 30 minutes.

Parking

The multistory car park at the entrance to the Sounkyo Onsen district is available.

Parking is free.

Source: アクセス | 層雲峡温泉 氷瀑まつり-北海道層雲峡観光協会

Address Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The 51st edition in 2026 was held from January 24 (Saturday) to March 8 (Sunday).

Hours are 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekends and public holidays. Last admission is 9:15 p.m. on all days.

As of September 29, 2026, the event period has ended.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The venue is outdoors in the middle of winter, so you’ll need to dress warmly for the severe cold.

It’s a good idea to wear warm clothing and shoes with non-slip soles.

Visitors are advised that the ground can be slippery, so take care when walking around to view the ice sculptures.

Nearby attractions

The Sounkyo Onsen district is located around the venue, so you can enjoy the festival along with a visit to the hot springs.

Nearby attractions include Sounkyo Onsen, Kurodake no Yu, the Sounkyo Visitor Center, and the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo-Kurodake Ropeway.

Nearby places where you can experience the natural beauty of the gorge include Ryusei Falls, Ginga Falls, and Sounkyo Gorge.

Source: 層雲峡温泉氷瀑まつり｜イベント｜【公式】北海道の観光・旅行情報サイト HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Parks and gardensKamikawa Town

大雪 森のガーデン

北海道上川町の公園・庭園のスポットです。

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Tourist attractionsKamikawa Town

層雲峡温泉

北海道上川町にある温泉街

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：Soica2001 ( talk ) / Public domain(resized and reformatted)

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Facility data source

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 Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival

The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival began in 1976 (Showa 51).

It is said to have been conceived under the guidance of sculptor Toshihiro Takenaka, with the first edition then held.

The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival has continued to be held on the banks of the Ishikari River, and celebrated its 50th edition in 2025.

Official information

See the official information on the Hokkaido Sounkyo Tourism Association’s “Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival” page.

For inquiries, contact the Sounkyo Tourism Association at 01658-2-1811 or the festival venue during the event period at 01658-5-3000.

The 2026 event information is also available on the official Kamikawa Town website.

Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival at a Glance

The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is an event where you can enjoy ice sculptures and illuminations that make use of the harsh winter conditions in Kamikawa Town.

The main highlights include a 13-meter-high ice observation deck, the Ice Waterfall Shrine, seven-colored lights at night, and fireworks during the event period.

In 2026, it was held from January 24 to March 8, and visitors could reach the venue by bus or car.