2026.10, Kamikawa, Hokkaido
Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival 2027: Dates, Hours and Tips
Every winter, the hot-spring town of Sounkyo in Kamikawa turns into a small city of ice. The 52nd Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival runs from January 23 to March 7, 2027. Here are the dates, hours and practical tips, from a guesthouse just down the road.
2027 festival at a glance
- Dates
- Jan 23 (Sat) – Mar 7 (Sun), 2027 (52nd festival)
- Hours
- Weekdays 17:00–21:30, weekends and holidays 11:00–21:30 (last entry 21:15)
- Entry
- Contribution of ¥1,000 (2026)
- Venue
- Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa, along the Ishikari River
- Contact
- Sounkyo Tourism Association, +81 1658-2-1811
Source: Sounkyo Tourism Association (October 2026). The entry contribution is the 2026 amount. Hours and events can change with the weather, so check the official site before you go.
What you'll see
The festival grounds cover about 12,000 square metres along the Ishikari River, in a deep gorge at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountains. Around 30 ice structures are built over three months, including ice rooms and observation decks up to 13 metres tall. After dark they are lit in seven colours, and the festival is listed as a Japan Night View Heritage site. On many evenings, fireworks burst over the gorge and reflect off the ice.
Getting there
From Kamikawa Station, buses run to Sounkyo in about 25–30 minutes. By car, it's about 25 minutes from the Kamikawa Sounkyo IC on the Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway, and there is free parking at the venue. The festival is best after dark, but last buses back toward Kamikawa leave early in the evening, so check the timetable before you go, or plan a taxi or car for the return.
How to get to Kamikawa in winter →
Make a day of it
The festival is in the same hot-spring town as the Kurodake ropeway. On a weekend you can ski Kurodake in the morning, soak in a Sounkyo onsen in the afternoon, and walk through the ice once the lights come on. Staying a few nights in Kamikawa lets you choose a clear, calm evening instead of whatever night your tour bus happens to arrive.
FAQ
When is the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival 2027?
From January 23 (Sat) to March 7 (Sun), 2027. It is open every day: 17:00–21:30 on weekdays and 11:00–21:30 on weekends and holidays.
What is the best time to visit?
After dark, when the ice is lit up in colour. On weekends you can also see it in daylight from 11:00, then stay for the lights.
Can I get there without a car?
Yes, by bus from Kamikawa Station to Sounkyo (about 25–30 minutes). Last buses back leave early, so check the timetable or plan a taxi for the evening.
What should I wear?
Full winter clothing: a warm jacket, hat, gloves and boots with grip. The ice paths are slippery. Gloves and non-slip accessories are sold at the venue's rest area.