Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro

Walk the candle-lit road at Jozankei Shrine

Every winter, Hokkaido's Jozankei Shrine takes on a special atmosphere, lit by the 2,000 candles of the Jozankei Onsen Yukitoro or “snow candle way.”

Sightseers walk along in near-silence while enjoying the experience of the flickering light amplified by the clear night air. The Negai-no-akari event proves very popular — make a wish on a candle as it is lit and carry it to the snow tower without the flame going out. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear for the potentially icy path to the shrine.

The whole town takes on a mysterious aura all winter, as steam rises from the hot water in the river which flows through Jozankei Onsen. The town manages to stay extremely quiet and peaceful, despite being a major hot spring resort.

How to get there

Reach Jozankei Onsen by bus from Sapporo Station. The journey takes around 80 minutes. A free shuttle bus operates between Jozankei Onsen and Jozankei Shrine during the festival.

Schedule

Held from late January to early February.
For more information, visit:
http://jozankei.jp/en/ 

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