Japan's snow festivals and the etiquette of the hot spring

Hokkaido in February is cold, clear and white, and it is Japan's snow-festival season. The best known festival is in Sapporo, where the 76th Sapporo Snow Festival runs from 4 to 11 February 2026. Its main site in Odori Park, a long strip of green in the middle of the city, is lined with huge snow sculptures and ice carvings, with a second site in Susukino's main street and a family-oriented site at Tsudome.

The festival began in 1950 with a handful of sculptures built by local students, and it has grown into one of Japan's biggest winter events. It is crowded, especially at weekends and in the evenings when the sculptures are lit. Weekday mornings are calmer. Dress seriously: snow boots with grip, layers and good gloves matter more than a camera.

Sapporo is also a base for quieter outings. Otaru, a port town on the coast, holds a winter lantern event in February with candles set along a canal. Yokote, further north in Akita, is known for its small snow huts called kamakura, typically in mid-February. Dates for these smaller events are set locally, so check each town's official tourism pages.

A winter journey in Japan often includes a hot spring, or onsen, and a few rules make it more comfortable. Wash thoroughly at the washing stations before entering the shared bath, and rinse off any soap. Do not wear a swimsuit, as most onsen are bathed in the nude; many have gender-separated baths, and some offer private ones. Keep the small towel out of the water, tie up long hair, and avoid splashing. Some onsen restrict visitors with tattoos, and policies vary, so ask in advance.

Getting around Hokkaido in winter requires planning: snow can slow trains, and flights are sometimes delayed. Allow buffer days and keep your plans flexible. Visa requirements depend on your passport, so check the Japanese foreign ministry's information before booking.