Tokachi Sairinka Hokkaido: Winter Light & Music Show

Hokkaido Aomori Iwate Miyagi Akita Yamagata Fukushima

Tokachi Sairinka at Tokachigawa Onsen is Hokkaido's seasonal winter light-and-music show, with snow projections and live performances. 19:00–21:00; Dec–Mar.

Highlights

Sairinka Festival Overview: Sairinka Festival is a winter event held on the snowy fields of Tokachigawa Onsen, featuring illuminated installations and sound effects.
Sairinka Light Displays: About 600 light objects line the venue, creating an atmospheric scene across the snow-covered landscape.
Tokachi Winter Natural Phenomena: Winters in Tokachi can be very cold, and you may be able to see natural phenomena like diamond dust or frost-covered trees, depending on the weather.
Sairinka Winter Activities: Winter activities such as snow rafting are offered, though programs may change or be canceled depending on snowfall and weather.
Sairinka Dates and Illumination Hours: The festival is typically held from late January to mid-February, with lighting times roughly 19:00–21:00 (dates and times vary by year, so check official updates).
Sairinka Venue and Admission: The venue is Tokachigaoka Park (Tokachigawa Onsen Kita 14-chome, Otofuke). A maintenance cooperation fee is about 500 yen for junior high school age and above as a guide, and free for elementary school age and under.
Sairinka Access and Nearby: It’s about a 30-minute drive from JR Obihiro Station as a guide, and parking is free. After the festival, you can also enjoy Tokachigawa Onsen and Obihiro’s well-known butadon (pork rice bowl).

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is the Sairinka Festival? A Winter Illumination Event at Tokachigawa Onsen

“Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival Sairinka” is a fantastical light-and-sound show held every winter in the Tokachigawa Onsen area of Otofuke Town, Kato District, Hokkaido.

Inspired by the swans that migrate to Tokachigawa Onsen, this event has grown richer in production year after year and is now loved as a winter tradition that attracts many visitors from inside and outside Hokkaido.

Tokachi has one of the highest rates of clear winter skies in Hokkaido, which is a major attraction because you can enjoy the beautifully lit snowfield under a crisp night sky.

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Highlights of the Sairinka Festival

1. A Fantastical World Created by Around 600 Light Objects

About 600 light objects installed across the snowfield illuminate in sync with music, creating a magical show.

The triangular pyramid-shaped objects use agricultural insulating materials, producing a soft, warm glow across the snow.

The lights changing with the rhythm look almost like an aurora in the snow.

2. Beautiful Natural Phenomena Unique to Extreme Cold

In winter, temperatures in Tokachi can drop to nearly -20°C.

This severe cold is exactly what makes mystical natural phenomena such as diamond dust and frost-covered trees possible.

If you are lucky, you may be able to see these beautiful sights at the Sairinka Festival venue.

3. Snow Activities to Enjoy

The festival venue may also offer snow activities that both children and adults can enjoy.

There may also be hands-on content such as stamp rallies around the venue.

4. Warm Drinks and Hokkaido Gourmet Food

At the “Ice Promenade,” which uses a greenhouse inside the venue, you can enjoy Sairinka-exclusive menu items in a warm indoor space.

Warm dishes and sweets made with Tokachi ingredients are perfect for warming up while enjoying Hokkaido winter flavors.

5. A Fantastical Light and Music Show

About 600 light objects illuminate in time with music, creating a magical performance.

The show runs in 30-minute cycles and consists of two parts: Part 1 “Light Fantastical Show” and Part 2 “Light Electro Dancing Show.”

You can enjoy a space where music flowing over the quiet snowfield harmonizes with the light production.

Its romantic atmosphere also makes it popular as a date spot for couples.

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Event Information

Official name: Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival Sairinka®
Event period: Late January to mid-February
Illumination hours: 19:00-21:00
Venue: Tokachigaoka Park Hanakku Square (Tokachigawa Onsen Kita 14-chome, Otofuke Town, Kato District, Hokkaido)
Admission (event maintenance cooperation fee):
Junior high school students and older: 500 yen
Tokachigawa Onsen guests (Tourism Association member facilities), Otofuke residents, and elementary school children and younger: Free
Access:
By car: About 20 minutes from Otofuke-Obihiro IC on the Doto Expressway
By bus: Take a bus bound for Tokachigawa Onsen from Obihiro Station Bus Terminal, get off at “Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen,” then walk about 10 minutes
About 25-30 minutes by car or taxi from JR Obihiro Station
Parking available

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Useful Information for Travelers

1. What to Bring and What to Wear

Tokachi winters are extremely cold, and nighttime temperatures can drop below -10°C.

Be sure to prepare proper cold-weather gear.

The following items are especially recommended.

Down jacket or ski wear
Warm gloves, scarf, and knit hat
Innerwear such as Heattech
Non-slip winter boots (essential for walking on snowy paths)
Pocket warmers (camera batteries drain quickly in the cold, so a spare battery is also recommended)

2. Tips to Avoid Crowds

Weekends and the first day of the event tend to be crowded.

If you aim for weekdays or a later time slot, you can enjoy the festival more comfortably.

3. Nearby Tourist Spots

1. Tokachigawa Onsen: After the Sairinka Festival, warming up at Tokachigawa Onsen is highly recommended.

The “moor hot spring,” which contains plant-derived organic matter, is a rare type of hot spring water in the world and is expected to leave your skin feeling smooth.

2. Kōfuku Station: A former station site on the old JNR Hiroo Line, it is a popular sightseeing spot because the name “Kōfuku” (happiness) is considered lucky.

The photogenic station building is perfect for commemorative photos.

3. Obihiro specialty Butadon (pork rice bowl): A classic Hokkaido gourmet dish featuring thick slices of charcoal-grilled pork coated in a sweet-savory sauce.

There are many famous butadon restaurants in Obihiro City.

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Summary

The “Sairinka Festival” is a special winter event where Tokachi’s great nature and light come together.

About 600 light objects illuminate the snowfield in sync with music, creating a fantastical world.

Dress warmly and experience this beautiful winter night.

At the “Sairinka Festival,” where you can fully enjoy the charm of winter in Hokkaido, be sure to experience the fantastic show of light and snow!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Tokachigawa Onsen “Sairinka”? What kind of event is it? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Sairinka is a winter night event held at Tokachigawa Onsen where you enjoy light and sound installations. The glowing objects lined up on the snowfield are the highlight. Because the venue is dark, slightly lowering your phone’s brightness can help prevent blown highlights and keep colors looking vivid.

Q. When is Sairinka held? What time of year does it usually take place? keyboard_arrow_down

A. It’s usually held from late January to mid-February, lighting up Tokachigawa Onsen at night. Even if snow melts during the day, temperatures can drop quickly after dark, so arriving in the daytime and doing onsen → dinner → Sairinka is comfortable. If you’re not used to snowy roads, shoes with anti-slip soles or simple spikes can help.

Q. What is the admission fee (cooperation fee) and lighting time for Sairinka? What time do the shows start? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Admission is a cooperation fee: 500 yen for junior high students and older, 300 yen for hotel guests, and free for elementary students and younger. Lighting is typically 19:00–21:00. Shows run multiple times in the 19:00–20:00 range, so even if you arrive late, you can still catch highlights. Gloves that allow smartphone use are handy.

Q. How do you get to Sairinka (Tokachigawa Onsen) from Obihiro Station? Any bus or driving guidance? keyboard_arrow_down

A. From Obihiro Station, take a local bus bound for Tokachigawa Onsen to the hot spring area, then walk from the nearest stop into the venue. By car, it’s about 20 minutes from the Otofuke-Obihiro IC on the Doto Expressway. At night, parking queues can happen, so getting into the onsen area before the lights turn on is smoother.

Q. Is Sairinka very cold? What clothing and items do you recommend? keyboard_arrow_down

A. The venue is an open snowfield with wind, so it can feel colder than you expect. A down jacket plus a windproof outer layer, a hat, and a neck warmer help. Waterproof footwear is essential, and doubling up thick socks keeps feet warmer. Hand warmers work well if you bring both “stick-on” and “pocket” types for different uses.

Q. How can you take better photos at Sairinka? Any tips for night photography settings? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Including a person helps show scale. If you shoot with bright lights behind your subject, faces can go too dark, so move to a spot where a little light hits the face. Snow can blow out easily, so setting exposure around −0.3 to −1.0 can deepen colors. Warming your lens in a pocket can also help reduce fogging.

Q. Can you enter with same-day tickets? Any tips for hotel guest discounts or buying tickets? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Payment of the cooperation fee is usually at the venue entrance, and hotel guests may qualify for a discount (300 yen). Some hotels may handle tickets at the front desk, so asking at check-in can save time. It can get crowded, so bringing coins and checking whether cashless payment is accepted in advance can help the line feel smoother.

Q. Any suggested itinerary to combine Sairinka with the onsen? Tips for a comfortable visit? keyboard_arrow_down

A. A recommended flow is to warm up in the onsen first, then go to Sairinka at night—going to the event first can leave you chilled through dinner. The venue involves a fair amount of walking, so it can feel easier to rest a bit after eating before heading out. On the way back it’s dark, so a smartphone light that can illuminate your footing is more useful than a handheld flashlight.

Useful Japanese Phrases

Meaning

Where is the bus to Tokachigawa Onsen from Obihiro Station? — Ask at the bus terminal inside Obihiro Station. Look for the bus bound for Tokachigawa Onsen; get off at the "Garden Spa Tokachigawa Onsen" stop, then walk to the festival venue.

Meaning

Is this the Sairinka venue? — Use when arriving at Tokachi-oka Park Hanasaki Hiroba. Sairinka (the full name is Otofuke Tokachigawa Hakuchō Matsuri Sairinka) is a winter light festival held in a snowy field; showing your phone screen to a staff member helps confirm you are in the right place.

Meaning

How much is the admission fee (cooperation fee)? — Ask at the entrance. The festival operates on a voluntary contribution model called kyōryokukin (cooperation fee) rather than a fixed ticket price; no tip is required or expected anywhere in Japan.

Meaning

What time does the light show start? — Ask staff at the entrance or check the sign near the gate. The show runs in cycles, alternating between two programs throughout the evening lighting hours.

Meaning

May I take photos? — Generally permitted throughout the outdoor venue. Warm your smartphone lens in your pocket before shooting to prevent fogging from the extreme cold of the Tokachi winter.

Meaning

I'd like to join the snow rafting. — Say this to a staff member near the activity area. Snow rafting availability depends on snowfall and weather conditions on the day, so check with staff before getting in line.

Meaning

Where is the Ice Promenade? — The Ice Promenade is a greenhouse (温室) inside the venue serving warm food and sweets made with Tokachi ingredients. Ask a staff member and they will point you in the right direction.

Meaning

Do you have any warm food? — Ask inside the Ice Promenade greenhouse. Tokachi-sourced ingredients are used in the dishes; this is a good chance to warm up between the outdoor light show performances.

Meaning

I'd like to try the Mōru Onsen. — Say this at your hotel front desk in Tokachigawa Onsen. Mōru Onsen (onsen = hot spring) is a rare type containing plant-derived organic matter that is said to leave skin smooth; bathing etiquette requires you to rinse off before entering the communal bath.

Meaning

One Obihiro-style butadon, please. — Butadon (pork rice bowl) is a local specialty of Obihiro: charcoal-grilled pork glazed with a sweet-soy sauce. Order this at a restaurant in Obihiro city, which is accessible from the festival area.

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