Jozankei Snow Lantern Festival 2026 Dates and Schedule

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Sapporo travel info.

For practical details and last-minute changes, use Sapporo travel info.

The illumination starts every night at 6:00 PM when the sun has fully set over Hokkaido. Staff and volunteers light thousands of real candles inside the hand-carved snow lanterns during this time. The event concludes at 9:00 PM to allow the town to return to its quiet state. Arriving right at opening time allows you to see the candles being lit by the local team.

Weekends are the busiest times for the festival because many locals travel from nearby Sapporo city. We recommend visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid the largest crowds at the shrine. Fewer people mean you will have more space to take photos of the beautiful light displays. Planning your trip mid-week also makes it easier to find available seats on the local buses.

How to Experience the Yukitouro Lanterns

The festival takes place at the historic Jozankei Shrine located in the heart of the town. Over 2,000 hand-made snow lanterns illuminate the sacred grounds with a soft and warm orange glow. This creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere that captivates every visitor who enters the shrine. You will feel the gentle warmth of the candles against the crisp and cold winter air.

Volunteers from the local community work hard to create these beautiful lanterns every single year. They use traditional methods to craft each unique snow shell using only natural winter elements. This incredible dedication makes the photography tips for Jozankei snow lanterns very useful for capturing the scene. You can even participate in the tradition by lighting a small candle for your own prayer.

The 'Forest of Prayer' is the most popular area of the entire snow lantern event. Glowing lights hang from the tall trees to create a dreamlike scene for every visitor. It is a perfect spot for quiet reflection and capturing stunning photos of the winter magic. Many couples visit this area to make a romantic wish together under the soft forest lights.

Planning Your Visit from Sapporo

Traveling from central Sapporo to Jozankei is very simple for tourists using public transportation options. The Kappa Liner bus offers a direct and comfortable route to the famous hot spring town. This journey takes approximately one hour when departing from the main Sapporo Station bus terminal. You should book your seats in advance because the buses fill up quickly during festival season.

The bus fare costs about 960 yen for a one-way adult ticket to the resort area. Several local buses also run frequently throughout the day and into the late evening hours. You can find detailed instructions on how to get to Jozankei from Sapporo to plan your trip. Public transport remains the most reliable way to reach the shrine during the snowy winter months.

Parking near the shrine is very limited during the peak hours of the lantern event. We recommend using the free shuttle buses provided by the many local hot spring hotels. These shuttles run frequently between the main hot spring area and the historic shrine entrance. This service helps reduce traffic and makes your visit to the festival much more convenient.

Tips for Staying Warm and Comfortable

Winter temperatures in Jozankei often drop well below freezing during the dark evening festival hours. You must wear several layers of warm clothing to stay comfortable while walking through the shrine. Start with a high-quality thermal base layer to trap your body heat against your skin effectively. Add a thick fleece or wool sweater to provide extra insulation against the biting Hokkaido cold.

A waterproof and windproof outer jacket is essential for the snowy and often breezy outdoor conditions. Do not forget to wear sturdy boots with good grip for walking on the icy paths. You can learn more about what to wear to Jozankei winter festival to prepare your suitcase. Consider packing these essential items for your winter visit to the shrine:

• Heavy wool socks
• Insulated waterproof gloves
• Thermal headwear or beanies
• Portable neck warmers

Disposable heat packs called 'kairo' are a lifesaver during the cold outdoor evening event. You can buy these at any convenience store in Sapporo or within Jozankei town. Place them in your pockets or boots for several hours of steady and comforting warmth. Drinking hot tea or cocoa also helps maintain your core temperature in the freezing air.