Sapporo: Otaru Snow Light Path Festival Private Day Trip No return to Sapporo

Experience the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival on a day trip from Sapporo. Explore the Otaru Canal, visit the Otaru Music Box Museum, and enjoy a delicious lunch by the canal.
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, Hokkaido
The Otaru Snow Light Path is a stunning winter highlight of the port town Otaru. The entire downtown area is adorned with countless snow lanterns, twinkling like stars. The main venue spans Otaru Canal and the Old JNR Teppu Line, where the town’s history as a gateway during Hokkaido’s pioneering era is still preserved to this day. Glass fishing floats lit with candles drift gently on the canal’s surface, making it a perfect spot for photography.
The Teppu Line venue, featuring ice candles and a snow slide, is home to many international volunteers, serving as a vibrant hub for travelers to connect and interact. To let visitors savor Otaru’s culinary delights, food discount coupons are available during the festival. You can indulge in a variety of treats like sushi, desserts, and noodles while immersing yourself in this dreamlike winter wonderland.

Suitable for: Families, couples, and small groups of friends (2–8 participants recommended for optimal flexibility and comfort)

09:00 Door-to-door pick-up at designated location in Sapporo City - No need to rush for JR trains; luggage can be stored in the vehicle; stop anytime for sightseeing
09:00–09:50 Charter ride to Kitaichi Glass Studio No.3 in Otaru Driving: ~50 minutes Enjoy coastal snow scenery along the way; driver can stop anytime for photo ops
09:50–10:50 Visit Kitaichi Glass Studio No.3 Stay: 60 minutes Explore the Kerosene Lamp Café and shop for glass craft souvenirs
10:50–11:05 Charter ride to Otaru Music Box Museum Driving: ~15 minutes Avoid walking in the cold wind; direct drop-off at the entrance to save energy
11:05–12:05 Explore Otaru Music Box Museum Stay: 60 minutes Check out the world’s largest steam clock; try DIY music box making
12:05–12:20 Charter ride to a restaurant near Otaru Canal Driving: ~15 minutes Driver recommends popular local seafood restaurants to avoid long queues and bad dining experiences
12:20–13:50 Lunch by the canal + free time for strolling Stay: 90 minutes Recommended dishes: king crab hot pot, grilled scallops, Otaru cheese tarts
13:50–15:30 Tour Otaru Canal and the warehouse district Stay: 100 minutes Optional: Take a canal cruise. Driver assists with taking stunning snowscape photos; Asakusa Bridge is a recommended photo spot
15:30–17:00 Charter ride to Snow Light Path satellite venues (Old Teppu Line Ruins/Fairy Tale Crossroads) Driving + Exploration: ~90 minutes Less crowded hidden spots; driver knows all the best photo locations
17:00–18:00 Visit the core area of Otaru Snow Light Path Stay: 60 minutes Lights turn on at 17:00 sharp. Admire the romantic scenery of glass float candle lights and snow light trails
18:00–18:50 Charter ride back to Sapporo City Driving: ~50 minutes Can drop off at Susukino District on the way for post-tour dinner
19:00 Arrive at designated drop-off location in Sapporo.Alternatively, you may choose to stay in Otaru for independent sightseeing, and our vehicle will return separately.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.