Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 Japan’s Largest Winter Event

July 18, 2025

The Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり, Sapporo Yuki Matsuri) is Japan’s most iconic winter event, celebrated annually in the heart of Hokkaido. In 2026, this awe-inspiring spectacle will once again draw over 2 million visitors from around the globe to marvel at stunning snow and ice sculptures, immersive illuminations, and the magic of winter in Japan.

This article serves as the ultimate guide to the Sapporo Snow Festival 2026, featuring key dates, venue information, sculpture themes, travel tips, accommodation advice, and local food experiences—all in a comprehensive and SEO-optimized format.

1. Overview of Sapporo Snow Festival

What is the Sapporo Snow Festival?

First held in 1950 by local high school students, the Sapporo Snow Festival has grown into a world-famous winter spectacle, showcasing gigantic snow sculptures, ice art, light shows, concerts, and snow-based sports events across multiple sites in Sapporo city.

Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 Dates

📍 Festival Period: February 4 – February 11, 2026 (7 days)
📍 Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

2. Main Event Sites

The festival is held at three major venues, each offering unique attractions and experiences.

🏞 Odori Park (Main Site)

Location: 1 to 12 Chome Odori Nishi, Central Sapporo
Attractions:
- Gigantic snow sculptures (15–25 meters high)
- Nighttime projection mapping shows
- Cultural pavilions and sponsor exhibitions

Best time to visit: After 5:00 PM for light-up effects

🏰 Susukino Ice World

Location: Susukino District (Sapporo’s entertainment area)
Attractions:
- Detailed ice carvings lining the streets
- Ice bars and lounges
- Ice sculpture competition
- Photo spots with ice animals & spirits

❄ Tsudome Site (Family & Snow Play)

Location: Sapporo Community Dome (Tsudome)
Attractions:
- Snow slides, tubing, and snow rafting
- Indoor food court and warm areas
- Kid-friendly games and performances

3. Schedule of Events & Highlights (2026 Edition)

February 4, 2026 (Opening Day)

Opening Ceremony at Odori Park Stage
Debut of main snow sculpture reveals
Street food stalls open citywide
Fireworks preview at Odori

February 5–10, 2026

Daily illumination starts from 17:00 to 22:00
Musical performances by Japanese artists
Cultural dances from ASEAN countries
International Snow Sculpture Contest (Odori 11-chome)
Ice carving live demos in Susukino

February 11, 2026 (Closing Day)

Award ceremony for best sculptures
Closing fireworks and projection mapping
Final ice sculpture light-up
Souvenir clearance sales

4. Featured Sculptures & Themes

In 2026, themes focus on global unity, innovation, and cultural heritage.

Expected Sculptures:

Himeji Castle in Snow (Odori 4-chome)
Star Wars Millennium Falcon (Odori 5-chome)
Ghibli World: Totoro & Howl’s Castle
Olympic Sports Snow Arena
Team Japan vs Team World Ice Battle Diorama

Each year also includes a Guest Nation Pavilion, where one country presents its culture via sculpture and performances. In 2026, Brazil is the featured country.

5. Travel Guide to Sapporo

Getting There

By Air: Fly into New Chitose Airport (CTS)
- Direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei
By Train: JR Hokkaido Express from Hakodate or Asahikawa
By Bus: Festival shuttle buses connect to Odori and Tsudome

Local Transport

Sapporo Subway (Tozai, Namboku, and Toho lines)
Sapporo Streetcar for quick downtown access
IC Cards (Kitaca/Suica) accepted citywide

6. Accommodation Tips

Where to Stay:

Area	Distance to Venue	Recommended Hotels
Odori Park	Walking distance	Hotel Gracery Sapporo, Cross Hotel
Susukino	5–10 min walk	Mercure Sapporo, Tokyu Stay Susukino
Sapporo St.	Direct subway access	JR Tower Hotel, Keio Plaza Hotel

Booking Advice:

Reserve at least 3–4 months in advance
Consider Airbnb or capsule hotels for budget options
Avoid same-day bookings during festival peak dates

7. What to Eat at the Festival

Sapporo is known for its Hokkaido cuisine. During the festival, you can enjoy:

🦀 Kani (crab) hot pot
🍜 Miso ramen from Susukino’s famous stalls
🐚 Grilled scallops with butter & soy sauce
🍢 Oden and other warm snacks
🍶 Warm sake & hot chocolate booths

Don’t miss the indoor food court at Tsudome, perfect for warming up between snow slides.

8. What to Wear: Surviving the Cold

Temperatures in February range from -12°C to -3°C.

Essentials to pack:

Waterproof winter jacket (down or ski type)
Heattech or thermal layers
Woolen gloves and hat
Non-slip snow boots
Heat packs (available at 7-Eleven)

9. Photography & Social Media Tips

Best Photo Spots

Odori 5-chome during projection mapping
Susukino’s Ice World with neon backdrops
Tsudome tubing hill panorama
TV Tower for aerial views

Use official hashtags:
#SapporoSnowFestival2026 #SnowArtJapan #HokkaidoWinter

10. Family-Friendly Activities

Snow Maze & Ice Slide (Tsudome)
Ice Bar mocktails for kids
Anime-themed sculpture selfies
Indoor performances for children

Parents can rent strollers and baby carriers at Odori Park info tents.

11. Safety, Facilities, and Accessibility

Free Wi-Fi zones at all sites
Heated rest areas and toilets
AED stations and first aid tents
Multilingual guides (English, Chinese, Korean)
Barrier-free access available for wheelchairs

12. Environmental Efforts

All snow used is recycled and returned to rivers
Solar-powered lighting installed in Odori Park
Waste separation bins at every 50 meters
No single-use plastic policy encouraged

13. Tips for First-Time Visitors

Visit mid-week (Mon–Wed) for smaller crowds
Go early morning or after 8PM for photography
Bring cash (some vendors don’t take cards)
Download official festival app for real-time updates

14. Past Festival Highlights

Year	Theme	Visitor Count
2019	Olympic Legacy	2.4 million
2020	Sustainability	2.0 million
2023	Digital Japan	1.8 million
2025	Diversity & Peace	2.5 million
2026	[Current]	Expected 2.8M+

15. Souvenirs and Shopping

Best items to bring home:

Snow Festival collectibles (mini sculptures, snow globes)
Local snacks (Shiroi Koibito, Royce Chocolate)
Woolen crafts and felt mascots
Limited-edition anime snow merchandise

Available at Odori booths and Sapporo Station underground mall.

Conclusion

The Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 promises to be a breathtaking winter wonderland of art, culture, and joy. Whether you’re a solo traveler, family explorer, or cultural enthusiast, this festival offers unforgettable memories amid the snow-laden beauty of Hokkaido.

Don’t miss your chance to witness this once-a-year phenomenon that perfectly captures Japan’s love for creativity and community—one snowflake at a time.

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