The Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival, also known as the Hyobaku Festival, is one of Hokkaido’s most magical winter events.
Held in the dramatic natural setting of Sounkyo Onsen, this festival transforms frozen waterfalls and ice sculptures into a glowing winter wonderland after sunset.
Surrounded by steep cliffs and deep snow, Sounkyo offers a truly immersive winter experience that feels far removed from the city.
What Is the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival?
The Hyobaku Festival is a seasonal winter event where giant ice formations are created using the area’s natural freezing temperatures.
Water is sprayed onto the rock walls of the gorge, gradually freezing into massive ice waterfalls. These are combined with hand-crafted ice sculptures to form a walkable exhibition space.
At night, the entire area is illuminated with colorful lights, creating a dreamlike contrast between blue-white ice and warm glowing colors.
Highlights of the Festival
❄️ Frozen Waterfalls and Ice Sculptures
The main attraction is the towering ice walls that resemble frozen waterfalls. Their sheer size is impressive, especially when viewed up close.
🌈 Night Illumination
After dark, the ice formations are lit with carefully designed lighting. The atmosphere is quiet, mysterious, and perfect for photography.
📸 A Photographer’s Favorite
Thanks to the natural gorge setting and controlled lighting, the festival is popular with photographers looking to capture unique winter scenes.
