What other travelers are saying about Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival
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 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.
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
It's Hyobako Ice Festival. This year in 2025, it's celebrating 50th anniversary. Worth to visit the ice sculptures if you are not far away. The road is wide enough and not a worry when you go uphill. Just drive slowly when you return to Asahikawa as it's slightly slope down and light snow on the road.
The ice festival on Sounkyo, it was unexpectedly wider area than expected, don't underestimate the cold though, I went on February it was very darned cold that i was freezing, the inside was marvelous though, there were a lot of buildings and sculptures made of ice illuminated with bright and colorful lights. The floor surface also was very slippery, take care when going here especially the staircase.
This is my first time enjoying this festival. I had a good experience here. The castle is magnificent and colorful, so I think you should come here once to feel
