There is a lot of (justified) hype about the Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri), because it is awesome. However, there are other, smaller winter festivals all over Hokkaido. I have been to three of them: the Sapporo Snow Festival, the Otaru Light Path Festival and the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. But there are many more worth visiting. I want to share with you some impressions, recommendations and information about these three festivals, which one I liked the best and why. If possible, I recommend visiting not only the Yuki Matsuri, but also other winter festivals if you are around anyway.
Sapporo Yuki Matsuri:
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival:
Not a lot of useful English information there, but just type “Former Temiya Line” and “Otaru Canal” into Google Maps to find out where you have to go. Very easy to find.
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival:
Not a lot of English here as well. For the bus tour that I mentioned just search “Lake Shikotsu bus tour”.
Public bus time table:
Bring cash, the train cards won’t work!
AloJapan.com