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Sky and lights in one blue
In the blue hour after sunset, the canal’s blue lights and the sky become one colour.
Festivals & traditions
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The Otaru Canal at night in December 2011, not the Blue Canal lights; a file photo. · Report image rightsOtaru · JapanFestivals & traditions
2026.11.01 — 2027.01.31 · Happening now
After sunset, canal and sky turn blue together.
Otaru Blue Canal 2026–27
The Blue Canal is Otaru’s winter illumination: from 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, blue lights line the Otaru Canal between Asakusa Bridge and Chuo Bridge, lit from sunset to 10.30pm. The Otaru Tourism Association especially recommends the blue hour after sunset, when the blue of the lights meets the blue of the sky. The canal cruise runs night trips in boats dressed in blue lights, for a view from the water. The Otaru Snow Light Path in February is a separate event.
GOWOAH / Otaru
A REASON TO GO
A REASON TO GO
Otaru Canal, from Asakusa Bridge to Chuo Bridge2026.11.01 — 2027.01.31Festivals & traditionsAdmission cost unconfirmed
FIND YOUR REASON
What draws you to this experience?
02
Warehouses in the water
Between Asakusa and Chuo bridges, the old warehouses along the bank and the blue lights are mirrored in the canal.
Festivals & traditions03
From the water
The canal cruise’s night trips are dressed in blue lights too, for a low view of both banks.
Festivals & traditionsA LITTLE CLOSER
A closer look.
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2011 · 663highland · Photo source · CC BY 2.5 · Preview cropped; enlarge for full image. · Report image rights
MAKE IT YOUR EXPERIENCE
Does this fit what you are looking for?
This could be for you if you are…
- Night-view and photo lovers
- Winter visitors to Hokkaido
Before you decide
The blue hour is short; be there before sunset.
Winter pavements ice over; wear non-slip shoes.
It is a different event from the Otaru Snow Light Path in February.
FIND YOUR PLACE
Explore the layout. Plan your route.
The lights run from Asakusa Bridge to Chuo Bridge; there is no separate event map.
Open official guide ↗FROM AN IDEA TO A PLAN
Make a plan that works for you.
Dates & times
2026.11.01 — 2027.01.311 November 2026 to 31 January 2027 (Japan time), nightly from sunset to 10.30pm.
Asia/TokyoMore programme details
- Sky and lights in one blue
- Warehouses in the water
- From the water
Venue & travel
Otaru Canal, from Asakusa Bridge to Chuo BridgeThe lights run along the Otaru Canal from Asakusa Bridge to Chuo Bridge, a walk from JR Otaru station.
Entry & companions
The announcement gives no charge for viewing from the banks; the night canal cruise costs extra, with times and prices from its operator.
Tickets & access
No charge given (night cruise extra)
Confirm accessibility services and companion policies with the organiser before travel.
Sources & image credits
Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.
Sh1019 · CC BY-SA 3.0 Image source
Otaru Tourism Association (announcement)
The Otaru Canal at night in December 2011, not the Blue Canal lights; a file photo.
Information checked on 2026-10-18
Suggest a correction ↗Festivals & traditionsThe Otaru Canal during the Snow Light Path, February 2009, with candles floating on the water; a file photo.
Photo source · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cropped preview· Report image rights
02month2027.02.06 — 2027.02.13Local dates
Otaru Snow Light Path 2027
Otaru’s handmade candle festival: glass floats glowing on the canal and candles along a railway buried in snow.
Japan · Otaru
Details to be announcedWhy Go
10month2026.10.17 — 2027.02.14Local dates
Ashikaga Flower Park Flower Fantasy 2026–27
One of Japan’s three great illuminations: over five million lights turned into wisteria, snowmen and reflections.
Japan · Ashikaga
Adults 1,500 yen (evening)Why Go
10month2026.10.17 — 2027.05.31Local dates
Nabana no Sato Illumination 2026–27
Walk a 200 m tunnel of golden light, then lights across the water and twin trees lit at the chapel bell.
Japan · Kuwana
From 3,000 yen in December (with a 1,000-yen voucher)Why Go
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