[Snow and Lights]

The season of snow has arrived in Otaru. For me, winter in Otaru always brings to mind the beautiful scenes of the “Otaru Snow Light Path,” where the town is draped in white snow and illuminated by warm orange lights.

I had always avoided winter events in Hokkaido, thinking they would be too cold and crowded. However, since I started working at the Otaru Showroom, I have come to look forward to this event every winter. Spending time absentmindedly gazing at the flickering candle flames amidst the cold and quiet of the snow brings me an indescribable sense of comfort and relaxation. The cheerful voices of the crowds and the clicking of camera shutters, though close by, somehow felt distant. By the end of the event, I remember heading home with a warm and contented heart.

After a little searching, I found that similar snow and light events are held in various places, including Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyoto. The platforms on which the candles are lit are called “snow lanterns (雪灯籠)” or “snow candles” and are crafted in various shapes, including bucket-shaped ones and those resembling stone lanterns. Sometimes, “ice candles” made of ice are used. Some events also offer hands-on snow lantern-making activities, so if you enjoy interacting with snow, you might want to participate! Alternatively, you can find instructions online if you'd like to try making them at home.

Here, we’d like to introduce how to make “bucket candles” as demonstrated by the Otaru Junior Chamber of Commerce. There is also a “snowball candle,” made by stacking rounded snowballs and placing candles inside. This option is simpler and requires no tools, making it easy to enjoy. Why not add these ideas to your repertoire of snow play?

The 27th Otaru Snow Light Path is scheduled to be held from February 8 (Sat.) to 15 (Sat.), 2025. Many other snow and light events in various locations are also planned from late January to February. There is still some time before the events, so why not add the fantastic experience of being surrounded by snow and lights to your plans for this winter?

For those who find it difficult to visit events in snowy regions, spending a cozy evening by candlelight on a cold winter night can be a wonderful alternative. For such a moment of relaxation, we recommend using Ceramic Japan’s constellation mugs as candle holders. Please visit our website or showroom for more details.

What you need:
Snow, a little water
Candles
Bucket, shovel

How to make:
1. Fill the bucket with snow and press it down firmly. Add a little water to help it hold its shape.
2. Dig a vertical hole in the center.
3. Create a horizontal hole that serves as the entrance for the candle.
4. Turn the bucket upside down and gently remove it.
5. Insert the candle through the side hole, light it, and enjoy!

Ceramic Japan's Constellation
https://www.shokunin.com/en/ceramicjapan/seiza.html
Otaru Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/otaru.html

References
http://yukiakarinomichi.org/ (Otaru Snow Light Path)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH5DDz9yUtw (Otaru Junior Chamber of Commerce: How to Make Bucket Candles and Snowball Candles)
https://jozankei.jp/event/yukitouro2025/ (Related Events)
https://www.shimokawa-time.net/news/6953/
https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=cat02_winter_yuki
https://yukidourou.yonezawa-matsuri.jp/
https://yukitouro.jp/