Winter is ending soon (I wish) here in Hokkaido. I will start a series of entry here in my blog about festivals and famous destinations here in Hokkaido during winter. Winter is harsh and long in Hokkaido, so there is a wide range of activities that people can enjoy outdoors. One of which is the Sairinka Festival.

To celebrate the coming of the swans at the Tokachi river, a festival is held every year in Otofuke from the end of January until the end of February. Otherwise known as Tokachigawa Swan Festival, it features a magical display of colorful lights blinking in tune with the music.

I’ve been to the Swan Festival twice, in 2014 and 2015. As the event is at night, it will be very cold with the temperature far below zero degrees. Wearing proper winter clothes to keep the body warm is a must.