Otaru: The Snow Light Path (Yuki Akari no Michi)

Otaru, in Hokkaido, is to my mind one of the island’s signature destinations. Every year in mid-February, the coldest stretch of the year, the Otaru Canal, its most famous sight, hosts an event called Yuki Akari no Michi, the Snow Light Path. Small kamakura (little domed snow huts) are lined up everywhere, candles are lit, and the canal glows.

Glowing snow lanterns along a snowy path by Otaru Canal at night, with floating lights and snow-covered stone warehouses

Otaru Canal at night with snow-covered stone warehouses, gas lamps, and lights reflected in the water

The event isn’t confined to the canal. It spreads along the old Temiya Line, a former railway track, as well.

Glowing snow lanterns line a snowy path at night as visitors take photos, Otaru Snow Light Path along the old Temiya Line

Snow lanterns arranged in flower shapes glowing on packed snow at night during the Otaru Snow Light Path festival

It doesn’t have the spectacle of the Sapporo Snow Festival, but I’d say it’s every bit as beautiful. Above all, the crowds are nowhere near as big as in Sapporo, so you can take your time. I also like that it isn’t only around the canal. Out in the residential streets, too, people light their own fires in all sorts of ways.

Candles glowing inside four net-wrapped glass fishing floats set in snow beside small snowmen at night, Otaru Snow Light Path

A round washi paper lantern decorated with red maple and ginkgo leaves, glowing on snow at night in Otaru

Ice candle holders with lit candles stacked in a pyramid on a snowbank at night during the Otaru Snow Light Path festival

The whole town is wrapped in the warm glow of candlelight. If there’s a time when Otaru shines brightest, I think it’s during the Snow Light Path.

Round lanterns decorated with pressed leaves and flowers set on branches along a snowy slope at night during Otaru Snow Light Path

Two glowing round lanterns decorated with pressed flowers, set on a branch in the snow at night during Otaru Snow Light Path

Otaru Canal at night during the Snow Light Path festival, with candle lanterns along the water and snow-covered warehouses