Otaru, a historic port town located next to Sapporo, boasts charming streets that are bustling with tourists in every season.

In Otaru, the Otaru Snow Light Path is an event held annually, and in 2019 it was the 21st edition. Despite lasting only 10 days, it has become a popular event, attracting 50 visitors every year.

While the Sapporo Snow Festival is the most famous winter event in Hokkaido, the Otaru Snow Light Path is an event that deserves to be described as even more fantastical and romantic.

It might not be an exaggeration to say that this is an event geared towards couples. Locals often recommend the Otaru Snow Light Path as a must-see for winter sightseeing in Hokkaido!

This time, we'll give you a lecture on everything from preparing in advance for the Otaru Snow Light Path to how to navigate it on the day itself!

1. Event Overview
2. Things to prepare in advance
3. On the day of the event, travel by train! First, head to the canal.
4. Enjoy the fantastical Otaru Canal!
5. Welcoming us with owl candles, we head to the Temiya Line venue.
6. Conclusion

(The photo is of a poster from 2015.)

First of all, the dates for next year's (2019) "Otaru Snow Light Path 21" are February 8th (Fri) to February 17th (Sun). It will be held daily from 5 PM to 9 PM.

Incidentally, the major event held around the same time, the Sapporo Snow Festival, took place from February 4th (Monday) to February 11th in 2019 (January 31st only at the Tsudome venue), and many people wanted to enjoy both Otaru and Sapporo.

There are many event venues of all sizes scattered throughout the city, so many that you can't possibly visit them all in one day.

First, make sure you know the main venues: the Temiya Line venue (held on the former Temiya Line site) and the Canal venue (held along the Otaru Canal).

The Tenguyama venue is a fantastic spot to enjoy the night view. It's a little far from JR Otaru Station, but a temporary shuttle bus runs during the event period, so using that is convenient.
Against the backdrop of a beautiful night view, the colorful and fantastical lights create an atmosphere like another world.

The shuttle bus is operated annually by Chuo Bus, a Sapporo-based bus company. It's extremely convenient as it connects Otaru Station with various hotels in the city, the Temiya Line venue, the Otaru Canal Terminal (which is close to the canal venue), and the Tenguyama venue!

The fare is a flat rate of 210 yen for adults and 110 yen for children. For detailed information on bus stops and bus timetables, please visit the Chuo Bus website.
"Chuo Bus"http://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/

Additionally, you can download a convenient mini-map as a PDF file from "Otaru Portal," a website operated by the Otaru Tourism Association.
"Otaru Portal"http://otaru.gr.jp/

February, when the event is held, is the middle of winter in Hokkaido. It is the coldest time of the year. The average high temperature is -0.6℃ and the average low temperature is -6.0℃ (according to the Otaru City website).

In addition, since it's held at night, it's bound to be cold. You won't be able to enjoy this event without adequate cold-weather gear!

You should have at least these items ready.
• A warm outer garment
·gloves
- Scarf or something similar (neck warmer, etc.)
• Hand warmers (regular and shoe-specific types)

Of course, there are individual differences, so those who are prone to feeling cold or have poor circulation should take extra steps to add warmth.

Also, as will be explained in more detail later, warm amazake (sweet rice wine), cocoa, mulled wine, and other beverages will be sold at various locations throughout the venue. Warming yourself from the inside with a hot drink is an effective way to combat the cold!

The Otaru Snow Light Path has grown into a major event. Many people come by car from the area and surrounding regions, and the parking lots get crowded from the evening onwards. If possible, it's better to take the JR train!

Incidentally, if you take the rapid train from JR Sapporo Station, you can reach Otaru Station in 32 minutes. Otaru Station, which was renovated in 2012, has a retro feel to its design and already exudes a charming atmosphere.

After leaving the station building, first head straight across the roundabout. Continue straight through the intersection and down the street in front of the station. You'll be greeted by candlelight at various points along the way.

If you take a 10-minute stroll along the streets of Otaru, enjoying the townscape, you should be able to see the famous Otaru Canal and the cluster of brick warehouses.

Every year, candles are floated on the canal, creating a magical atmosphere in the canal area. The retro streetlights and rows of brick warehouses draw you into an indescribable world.

The canal-side promenade is also lined with candles and sculptures, making it a truly impressive sight. Each and every one is handmade, which gives it a warm and inviting feel.

14th Otaru Snow Light Path Photo Contest Hokkaido Shimbun Otaru Branch Award "Warmth"

As you leave the station and stroll along the canal, you'll start to feel the chill in your hands and feet. When that happens, take a break and warm up at the nearby Canal Plaza!

Canal Plaza is a gray brick building located at the intersection where the road in front of the station meets the road along the canal. During events, it is open at night as well, and stoves are burning inside.

The facilities are so well-equipped that you might forget you're sightseeing and just relax, with a rest area where you can buy and eat warm drinks and oden (Japanese stew). You can warm yourself up from the inside out.

And the courtyard of Canal Plaza is also decorated with sculptures and candles every year. Why not check it out when you stop by?

"The Owl Candle Path," a winning entry in the 13th Otaru Snow Light Path Photo Contest.

The Temiya Line, which once supported the city of Otaru as a freight line, was discontinued in 1985. The railway tracks still remain today, and the former Temiya Line site has become a tourist attraction in Otaru.

During the Otaru Snow Light Path event, candles and sculptures line the tracks of the Temiya Line, making it one of the two main venues for the event, along with the canal venue.

Additionally, there are photo spots set up inside the venue where couples and families line up in the cold weather to take commemorative photos.

It's rare to find a location where you can take photos surrounded by the light of countless candles, so it's sure to be a wonderful memory! It's definitely worth waiting in line for!

Many locals are captivated by the collaboration of Otaru's retro architecture and the enchanting glow of candlelight, and now attend this event every year. It might even be more addictive than the Sapporo Snow Festival...

I, too, am a bit of an addict, and I'm already planning to go see it again this year. The Otaru Snow Light Path is just around the corner. Why don't you go and check it out too?

Otaru Snow Light Path Official Page　http://yukiakarinomichi.org/

*Some photos and event posters are published with permission from the Otaru Snow Light Path Executive Committee.

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[Recommended articles to read together]
・[First Time in Otaru] A digest of Otaru's sightseeing and highlights!
Six things you should know to avoid making mistakes at the Sapporo Snow Festival
Is this really Japan?! 10 Must-See Stunning White Hokkaido Sceneries You Can Only See in Winter
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