Monbetsu, in the far northeastern portion of Hokkaido, is famous for the drift ice that accumulates off their coast in the winter months each year. Using this to their full advantage, the region hosts a drift ice festival each year.
For 2025: Please note that there will be no events on Monday, Feb. 10. Some of the food stalls will be open.
The festival has been running since 1963, and showcases a range of different ice sculptures. At last year's event, there was a replica of Cambodia's Angkor Wat, as well as a host of cute character sculptures including Totoro, Donkey Kong and Kirby, among others.
You'll also find plenty of food booths at the festival where you can enjoy some local Monbetsu cuisine - the area is particularly well regarded for their crab which is said to be some of the best in Japan, so be sure to indulge.
