Otaru Snow Light Path is a festival that lasts for
10 days with lanterns made of snow adorning different
areas of the city.
The Otaru Snow Light Path began
in
1999 and enjoys
about 500,000 visitors during the 10 days it last. This
event occurs at the same time as the Sapporo Snow
Festival, but if you are looking for a relaxing snow
activity then this is the one to go to. The organizers
want
visitors to feel at ease and think leisurely surrounded
by
the glow of the candlelight. They want people to
forget
their problems of their everyday life and reflect on
themselves with a clear mind. It is more meant to be
a
spiritual event rather than commercially orientated
one.
The lanterns for the Snow Light Path Festival are all
made by hand with the help of volunteers that are
both
local international. They work in the bitter cold
relighting
candles throughout the area, but they gain an affinity
for
what they are doing. The candles are lit from 17:00 to
21:00 daily during the 10 days. They say the festival
provides a nice romantic atmosphere so it would be
great to bring your loved one here too.
The Otaru Snow Light Path has two main areas to
visit.
The Unga Kaijo and Temiyasen Kaijo are within 15
minutes of each other so it is possible to go to both
the
areas. The Unga Kaijo is by the Otaru canal and
covers
about 300 meters worth of street. This area has gas
lamps lining up against the canal with restored
warehouses, which are either restaurants, shops,
cafes,
workshops etc. Not only is the Unga Kaijo decorated
with the handmade lanterns, but the canal is also
adorned with candles. It adds to the romantic effect
the
space provides to visitors. Unga Kaijo is a 10 minute
walk from Otaru station along the main road. The
other
area you can go to is in between train station and
Otaru
Canal called Temiyasen Kaijo. This is where the
tracks
of the abolished Temiyasen railway line and covers
about half a kilometer. Here there are different
pathways
you can experience including the now tunnel, which is
illuminated by many candles. However these are not
the
only areas where you can see snow lanterns and
statues. Another site to visit is the Asariawa Hot
Spring
Village Site is located on the outskirts, but it is
referred
to as “The River Site,” for the Otaru Snow Light Path.
They use the snow covered and place candles in
them
combining nature and light. If you wander around
Otaru
you can see the ones made by the locals for their
home,
restaurant or fun.
Please see
below for tours that include Otaru Snow Light Path: