What's On In And Around Niseko This February
February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, but winter events are plentiful around Niseko and the wider Hokkaido area to warm your spirits. So bundle up in your warmest winter coat and lace up those snow boots, and enjoy our list of the top 5 must-see-and-do activities around Niseko in February.
#1 Local winter fun at the annual Kutchan Yukitopia Festival
With 'Yuki' meaning 'snow' in Japanese, you know you can expect plenty of winter fun for the whole family at the annual Yukitopia Snow Festival. From thrilling rides and games to exciting contests and entertainment, this two-day event is sure to provide a memorable experience for all.
Dates: Saturday 18 February - Sunday 19 February, 2023
Location: The Asahigaoka Ski Hill in Kutchan Town
You can find a timetable for both days of the event here.
#2 Feast on Hokkaido Seafood
Experience the renowned seafood of Niseko during the winter season. With a wide range of local seafood available, you're sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds.
Sample Hokkaido-famous Horsehair Crab at Kumo Restaurant, or savour the succulent scallops or yellowtail at Niseko-cuisine inspired An Dining.
We have also compiled a Winter 2022/23 eats guide that highlights other local restaurants that offer seasonal seafood specialties. Browse the options in Eats 2022-23 online here.
#3 Experience Japan’s biggest winter festival - the Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is the head honcho of winter events in both the Hokkaido and Japan calendars, annually attracting more than two million visitors. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s, when a group of high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park that drew fifty-thousand people, the festival has grown into a week-long celebration that highlights sports, events and artistry from around the world!
Don't miss this world-famous event, returning to near full scale for the first time in three years. This year also marks the 73rd Sapporo Snow Festival and the 100th anniversary of Sapporo's incorporation as a city. Enjoy the breathtaking ice sculptures and take part in a plethora of winter fun and games.
Dates: Saturday 4 February – Saturday 11 February 2023
Locations: Odori Park, and Susukino, Sapporo
#4 Visit Otaru’s Snow Light Path Festival - back by popular demand!
For more than two decades, the Otaru Snow Light Path has attracted visitors looking to relax and reflect at this distinctly Japanese festival.
For eight days in mid-February, the already picturesque Otaru Canal will play host to countless candles on glass floats, gently drifting down the river. In addition, the event features stunning ice sculptures, dazzling light displays and impressive monuments.
Dates: Saturday 11 February - Saturday 18 February, 2023
Location: Otaru - Unga Kaijo area, and Temiyasen Kaijo area
#5 Take in some culture with a cosy exhibition at Japan's Best Ski Boutique Hotel - Ki Niseko
Attention art lovers! Ki Niseko Boutique Hotel also houses Ki Gallery, a gorgeous space with an exhibition of work by local artists. In February you can see not one, but two exhibitions both by local Japanese artists.
These are must sees, and better yet, admission is free and open to the public! Find out more about each exhibition by clicking the links below.
Yoske Yamaguchi Art Exhibition: On now until Thursday 9 February, 2023
Ryuichi Kobayashi Art Exhibition: On from Saturday 11 February - March 9, 2023
Keep an eye on our events page for more Winter fun!
Find out more about all February winter festivals across Hokkaido and other local events by visiting our Events page. We hope to see you in Niseko soon!
