The Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival is famous for its large ice sculptures, ice tunnels, and ice climbing activities. It showcases intricate ice formations created from the frozen waterfalls in the Sounkyo Gorge.
Sounkyo Gorge can be accessed by car or bus from nearby cities like Asahikawa. Shuttle services are also available from JR Kamikawa Station.
It's important to dress warmly in layers, including a heavy coat, gloves, hat, and waterproof boots, as the temperatures can be very cold, particularly in the evenings.
Nearby attractions include the Sounkyo Onsen hot spring resort, the Kurodake Ropeway for scenic views, and various hiking trails in the Daisetsuzan National Park. The area is also known for its stunning autumn foliage and natural beauty.
Traveler reviews
20260201 - place was open early on weekend. Came and bought ticket @ 1000 yen per pax and paid by credit card. Place was nicely lit up with different lights and ice buildings look amazing. You can take some nice photos of the place and also get a free photo souvenior at the entrance.
We visited the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival on 2 Feb 2026 and loved every moment. Glowing ice sculptures made from clear lake water created a calm, magical winter atmosphere. Truly unforgettable.A must see in Hokkaido.
I received free entrance tickets from my hotel. There were fireworks over the weekend and I went on Sunday. This winter matsuri had brought some fun to a quiet onsen town at night in winter.
Visited the Sounkyo icefall festival on 27 February 2023, and was pleasantly surprised by the larger scale of the event than I had expected
There were numerous ice art pieces, most of which were small buildings that you could walk into, providing an immersive experience.
However, there were quite a few slippery stairs, so wearing appropriate footwear is recommended. While the ice bar was interesting, it didn't stand out to me as much as the other ice art pieces. Additionally, there was a convenient stall within the festival area, although it was not made of ice.
Overall, it was a unique and enjoyable experience, and I would recommend a visit to the Sounkyo icefall festival.
The venue is moderately sized and full of photo spots. Beautiful fireworks this year starts at 8.30 pm.
There is also a booth selling snacks, so you can drink sake when it gets cold.
28 Jan - 12 Mar 2023 Open 17:00 - 21:30 Admission fee ¥500
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