In the depths of winter, landscapes made of ice and snow spread across Obihiro at the “Obihiro Ice Festival.” Held throughout Midorigaoka Park, rows of ice and snow sculptures create scenes that change between daytime and nighttime, making this event a representative winter tradition of Obihiro.
At the venue, you can admire illuminated ice sculptures, join family-friendly activities, and enjoy Tokachi’s local foods—each visitor can spend the time in their own way. A midwinter event that brings together “see, play, and eat” in perfect harmony!
Now in its 63rd year, the festival will once again feature its popular annual programs along with new attractions. Over these few days when you can encounter the true character of winter in Obihiro, we hope you will come and experience it in person.
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One of Obihiro’s Three Major Festivals: “Obihiro Ice Festival”
Along with the summer “Heigen Festival” and the autumn “Chrysanthemum Festival,” the winter “Obihiro Ice Festival” has long been cherished as one of Obihiro’s three major festivals. In particular, the “Obihiro Ice Festival” is a Tokachi-style event held during the coldest season of the year, and is known for attracting visitors who come to experience the intense cold known locally as “shibare.”
Every year, a wide variety of ice and snow sculptures line the area of Midorigaoka Park, transforming the winter park into a special landscape. From large-scale works to delicate pieces that make you stop and admire them, strolling through and enjoying the displays is part of the unique charm of the Ice Festival.
Dates and Times for This Year (2026)
- Friday, January 30, 2026: 10:00–20:00
- Saturday, January 31, 2026: 10:00–20:00
- Sunday, February 1, 2026: 10:00–17:00
【Reference】Programs from the Previous Event (2025)
- Ice slides and rotating sled rides
- Outdoor Tokachi gourmet area “Ice Marche”
- Brilliant ice and snow sculptures
- “Lantern Festival” with soft glowing lights
- Stage shows and street performances
- Winter fireworks
- Mountain bike snow riding experience
- Corporate PR booths, and more
Ice Sculpture Exhibition to Be Held as a National Competition for the First Time
The “Ice Sculpture Exhibition,” long enjoyed as part of the Obihiro Ice Festival, has until now been held as a Hokkaido competition. This year, however, it will be held in Obihiro for the first time as a national competition.
Gathering from all over Japan are sculptors who have built strong track records in the world of ice sculpture. During the festival period, ice sculptures that combine delicacy and power are scheduled to be displayed throughout the venue. In addition to viewing the completed works, one of the unique attractions of this exhibition is being able to watch the creation process up close.
The severe winter cold of Obihiro provides an ideal environment for ice sculpture. Transparent ice sparkles as it catches the light, and the finely detailed forms reveal different expressions depending on the time of day and viewing angle.
Building on the history cultivated through the Hokkaido competitions, this year marks a new milestone as a national competition. Alongside the familiar scenery of the annual Ice Festival, a new sense of tension and visual impact is expected to be added.
Don’t Miss the “Lantern Festival”!
At the Obihiro Ice Festival, visitors can enjoy not only ice sculptures and illuminations but also participatory activities held every year. One of these is the original lantern project using paper bags.
Lanterns made by cutting out patterns from paper bags are lit throughout the venue at night during the festival period. Among them are lanterns drawn by children and those creatively designed by families, making not only the light itself but also the unique designs a highlight.
When the sun sets, soft lights spread across the ground, overlapping with the illumination of the ice sculptures. Not just watching, but creating part of the scenery with your own hands—this is one of the special ways to enjoy this festival!
- Lantern submission deadline: Wednesday, January 28
- Submission locations:
・Obihiro Tourism & Convention Association (2F, Obihiro Station Esta East Wing, Nishi 2-jo Minami 12-chome, Obihiro)
・Obihiro City Tourism Exchange Division (7F, City Hall Building, 1 Nishi 5-jo Minami 7-chome, Obihiro) - Official information & how to make one
【Information │ Inquiries】
Venue: Midorigaoka Park
Address: 2 Midorigaoka, Obihiro, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Free Shuttle Bus: Round-trip service planned between the racecourse temporary bus stop and Tokachi Plaza (east side)
Contact: 0155-22-8600 (Obihiro Festival Promotion Committee)
Official website
Winter in Hokkaido’s Tokachi–Obihiro area is anything but ordinary. You’ll find one-of-a-kind experiences that captivate travelers from around the wor...
